Awards:
- MBAV Best Sustainable Home Award, Northern Region 2024
- Building Designers Association of Australia Awards: WINNER Chris Reardon Memorial Award for Sustainable Buildings 2023
- Design Matters National Awards 2023: WINNER Environmentally Sustainable Design
- Design Matters National Awards 2023: WINNER Residential Rural Design
- Design Matters National Awards 2023: WINNER New Home ($1m-$2m category)
- Sustainability Awards 2023: WINNER Single Dwelling
- ArchiTeam Awards 2023: WINNER Resi New: $1m+
- ArchiTeam Awards 2023: WINNER Sustainability Medal
- Biophilic Design Awards 2024 (Living Future Institute Australia): Shortlist Building Scale Category Finalist
- Biophilic Design Awards 2024 (Living Future Institute Australia): WINNER Building Scale Category
- HOUSES Awards 2024: Shortlist Sustainability
Set within the Strathbogie Ranges, two hours northeast of Melbourne, this remarkable off-grid residence was conceived as a sustainable rural retreat. This brief was not only met, but thoroughly exceeded, with the innovative home achieving the highest level of Passivhaus performance. Positioned within an undulating landscape of pasture, native trees and granite outcrops, the home responds directly to its environment. Designed by Envirotecture Architects, the brief called for a residence that was not only highly energy efficient, but also resilient to bushfire, responsive to climate and constructed from ethical, low-impact materials. Equally important was a strong connection to the surrounding landscape—capturing expansive views, seasonal change and natural light throughout the day.
At the core of the project is a highly considered passive design strategy. The home is oriented to maximise northern solar gain in winter, while carefully managing heat loads in summer. Despite traditional constraints around south-facing glazing, detailed thermal modelling allowed for expansive windows to capture views without compromising performance—ensuring every room maintains a visual connection to the landscape.
Construction centres on a strawbale panel system, delivering outstanding thermal performance with insulation values significantly exceeding standard building requirements. This bio-based material not only reduces embodied energy, but also contributes to the home’s airtight envelope. Finished with natural lime render, the walls form a breathable yet highly efficient building envelope. Continuous insulation across the roof, walls and floor further enhances performance, while a thermally broken slab and polished concrete screed act as a passive heat bank.
High-performance triple-glazed windows, combined with a Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery (MVHR) system, ensure consistent indoor temperatures and superior air quality year-round. Fresh, filtered air is continuously circulated, supporting both comfort and occupant wellbeing.
Designed to operate entirely off-grid, the home is powered by an extensive solar array with battery storage, supported by backup generation and integrated systems for water collection and waste management. Every element has been carefully considered to reduce environmental impact while maintaining a high level of liveability.
Material selection also reflects the demands of the bushfire-prone setting. Non-combustible cladding, metal roofing and durable external finishes contribute to a robust, low-maintenance exterior that exceeds required BAL ratings.
This project represents a significant achievement in sustainable residential construction. Through a collaborative and detail-driven approach, Hedger Constructions has delivered a home that not only meets the highest standards of energy performance, but also provides a comfortable, healthy and enduring living environment—demonstrating what is possible when innovation, craftsmanship and environmental responsibility are brought together.
Architect: Envirotechure
Photographer: Marnie Hawson