Where contemporary aesthetics meet sustainable home design - Canal Haus
Our client is a tight-knit family unit characterised by their shared love for the outdoors and a deep appreciation for nature. Their brief was to design a home that would harmonise contemporary industrial aesthetics with an environmentally responsible and sustainable home design.
The contemporary design features clean lines, minimalist touches, and an open-concept layout that maximises space and natural light. Every aspect of the design is carefully curated to create an atmosphere of modern luxury, where simplicity and sophistication go hand in hand.
With careful consideration of the local climate and environmental factors, we implemented passive design principles that resulted in a home optimised for natural ventilation and passive heating/cooling, eliminating the need for artificial climate control.
Strategic positioning of windows and doors, along with thermal mass elements, allows the home to capture and retain heat during colder months while promoting cooling airflow during warmer seasons.
Integrated state-of-the-art technology was used to minimise energy consumption and manage the internal house environment without the use of artificial climate control.
Using solar panels to provide the material portion of electrical requirements and energy management systems to actively manage heavy energy usage in hot water systems, as well as electric vehicle charging, means electrical energy consumption is reduced to a minimum.
The selection of eco-friendly materials in this sustainable home design was a key requirement in reducing the home’s carbon footprint. From foundation to finishing touches, the selection process prioritises materials that are renewable, recyclable, and non-toxic. These materials not only contribute to a healthier indoor environment but also help minimise the impact on natural resources ensuring a healthy living space for the family.
As a concrete-alternative passive house, geopolymer concrete was used which represents an advancement in sustainable construction. Unlike traditional concrete, which relies on cement production, a highly carbon-intensive process, geopolymer concrete utilises industrial by-products such as fly ash or slag, reducing the demand for virgin raw materials and diverting waste from landfills.
Incorporating responsibly sourced wood, recycled metals, low-VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds) paints, and eco-conscious flooring options into the interior are further examples in the sustainable approach to material selection. By using these types of materials, we create sustainable home designs that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also free from harmful chemicals, whilst promoting the wellbeing of the family and the environment.
The house incorporates advanced water collection and saving systems to maximise water collection, reduce water waste and promote sustainable water usage. It also features water-efficient fixtures such as low-flow toilets, faucets, and showerheads to ensure optimal functionality while reducing consumption.
Furthermore, rainwater harvesting systems are used to capture and store rainwater for all potable water consumption requirements. Various non-potable uses like laundry, irrigation and flushing toilets use treated greywater alleviating the burden on traditional water sources.
The landscape design also prioritises permeable surfaces, rainwater harvesting, and smart irrigation to further reduce water usage and prevent runoff, reducing the load on local infrastructure requirements and contributing to the overall environmental balance.
Thoughtfully selected native plants and trees blend seamlessly with the natural surroundings, creating a sustainable and biodiverse ecosystem that supports local flora and fauna, while complementing the overall presentation of the home.
Winner, Design Excellence Award - Building Design of the Year, 2023, Design Matters Awards.
Winner, Qld Building Design of the Year, 2023 Design Matters Awards.
Winner, New House $2m-$3m, 2023 Design Matters Awards.
Commendation, Environmentally Sustainable Design, 2023 Design Matters Awards.
Winner, Excellence in Use of Concrete, 2023 Design Matters Awards.
passive design
energy efficient
green building materials
water conservation
native landscaping
geopolymer concrete
home automation
natural swimming pool