Banksia

An existing cottage transformed into a high-performance home

Location & Brief

Mt Martha, Victoria

4 Bed 2 Bath 1 Living

Scope of Works

Architectural design

Interior Design

Build

Partners

Photography

Marnie Hawson

Styling & Art

Hannah Nowlan

9 Star NatHERS Rating

This project transforms an existing traditional brick home into a high-performance 4 bedroom sanctuary. The existing structure was thoughtfully re-planned, ensuring a seamless transition from old to new. Walls, floors, and ceilings were re-insulated, and energy-efficient windows and doors were installed. The butterfly roof, designed for optimal solar performance, aligns with the ridge of the original house, creating a harmonious connection. A cluttered layout was replaced with open-plan living, kitchen, and dining spaces, with bedrooms oriented north to capture natural light. Sustainable principles, such as passive solar design, FSC-certified timbers, low-VOC finishes, and a large solar array drove the design, resulting in a remarkable 9-star energy rating. The home now embraces its stunning landscape, blending effortlessly with nature and providing a peaceful indoor-outdoor flow.

see this home’s impact

Homeowner

Banksia

impact over its lifetime

Measured by auditing tool, eTool

balloons of co2 gas removed from the atmosphere

Trees planted

the amount of zero energy Australian homes for a year

number of cars taken off the road

As a renovation project to an existing heritage home, it can sometimes be challenging to reach our carbon reduction targets. The existing house had a low energy rating due to lack of insulation and high performance glazing, while also being powered by a gas hot water system and heated by a gas-powered hydronic system.

Contact Us

+61 3 9068 3030, info@thesociableweaver.com.au or leave your details below.

Located at 11 Princes street, St Kilda, 3182, Victoria

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