Six of the best: Victoria’s best sustainable and eco-friendly homes

Homes that give back to the environment are rare, but they are certainly present and growing in popularity in Victoria.

Eco-friendly Air BnBs, a home made from recyclable materials and a treehouse in a coveted regional hideaway were among the state’s top properties, as revealed by the Herald’s Top 50 Homes. Sun.

But what makes a house sustainable?

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Generally, a 6-star energy rating is the basis for sustainability when it comes to new construction, although it can go up to 10 stars – like the amazing Cape Paterson home in this list, created in collaboration between the construction company Sociable Weaver and Claire Cousins ​​Architects.

Passive houses, tiny houses, and houses made from recycled and recyclable resources will also put you on the right path to sustainability.

Check out Victoria’s six best sustainable homes below, as chosen by the Herald Sun’s real estate team.

VICTORIA’S BEST ECO-FRIENDLY AND SUSTAINABLE HOMES

6. THE RECYCLABLE HOUSE

True to its name, this Beaufort home is mostly made with new and recyclable materials, as well as some already recycled.

It was designed and built by Inquire Invent Managing Director Quentin Irvine, who was inspired by Australian steel wool sheds.

The innovative home hit the market last year, selling for $750,000 in November.

Other eco-friendly features include its passive solar design, shade sails, and the use of only natural paints and oils throughout the home.

It also has a solar hot water system, 50,000 liters of water storage with an irrigation system and a thriving edible garden.

5. GLASS HOUSE AT THE HEAD OF THE ISLANDS

Crafted from a “hoardhouse” of recycled materials, this regional hideaway looks like an enchanting treehouse from the outside.

Designed by Hamish Knox, son of renowned mud brick architect Alistair Knox, the home aligns with the sustainable ethos found in the heart of the coveted Bend of Islands community – where wildlife roam free and no pets are kept. authorized.

It incorporates materials such as wooden telegraph poles, commercial-grade glass sourced from a Collins St tower and a Victorian spiral staircase leading from the lawn to the treetop balcony, from where you can take in views breathtaking view of the valley.

4. ALKIRA ECO-GLAMPING YURT

Voted number 2 of AirBNB’s Most Wanted Stays in Australia in 2021, this exquisite straw yurt is set on a 16-hectare property in the Dandenong Ranges.

The eco-glamping retreat features a chic outdoor kitchen, aesthetic outdoor seating with stunning views of the landscape, and one of the most Instagrammable interiors you’ll find across the state.

Its unique design makes the property both warmer in winter and cooler in summer, and is surrounded by nature and wildlife, which you can encounter and nurture during your stay.

3. 10 STAR HOME

Forget surprise bills. In this coastal house, chances are the energy company will pay you. Created by construction firm Sociable Weaver in conjunction with Clare Cousins ​​Architects, it was Victoria’s first 10-star energy-efficient home.

Its $500,000 build was also zero waste, but would cost closer to $660,000 today. Environmentally conscious buyers can download the plans for free at liveatthecape.com.au. Follow the original closely enough, and they’ll get a four-bedroom, two-bathroom home that’s estimated to cost just $3 a year to operate.

2. CALIGNEE ECO BUSH HOUSE

You may have seen this house on Grand Designs Australia when it was built, after the original house was destroyed by fire on Black Saturday about two weeks after completion.

Blending into the bush, it is completely off-grid, powered by solar panels and batteries, and surrounded by granite boulders to provide thermal buffer and rainwater reservoirs.

But there’s no shortage of fun, with a 19m swimming pool flowing alongside the main living area set behind a glass partition, and open-step staircases providing eye-catching design accents.

Plus, you can rent it from $400 a night.

1. PASSIVE HOUSE HÜTT 01

Graduating from the sustainability category of the Houses Awards 2022, this passive house by Melbourne Design Studios incorporates biophilic design to seamlessly connect nature throughout the building.

As it sits alongside a busy train line, acoustics are ruled out thanks to its careful construction and materials.

The internal footprint of just 78 m² speaks to the environmental orientation of the house, which generates much of its own energy on site.

Built on a seemingly forgotten block of land in Coburg, the architects have now called it “a beacon of hope for the future”.

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