Envirotecture wins 2010 National Sustainability Design Award
Envirotecture has won the 2010 National BDA Sustainability Design Award, for the radical new Ecobodes project homes. The award was made at the Building Designers Association National Design Awards, on May 8. Ecobodes are 8 Star zero-carbon, zero-water homes suitable for construction anywhere between SE Qld through NSW to Victoria.
A unique development of the vernacular Aussie shack. The iconic skillion roof with a twist complements the rectilinear floor plan, with strong emphasis on corrugated iron and simple masonry.
The award was given to the first constructed Ecobode, near Cessnock, called the Ecobode 180L. Approximately 180 sq.m in area, the modest single level house provides 3 bedrooms, 2 living areas, generous kitchen and utility space, and massive outdoor living areas. It features uncompromised passive solar design with orientation to invite winter sun and exclude summer sun, and reverse brick veneer construction to allow the thermal mass to regulate the warmth and coolth. The building requires no auxilliary heating, and apart from ceiling fans needs no artificial cooling – this means that the no energy is wasted heating and cooling, it’s all done naturally.
As the world moves inexorably towards zero energy buildings, the Ecobodes range of project home designs offer a distinct alternative to the norm, boasting uncompromised passive design and on-site sustainability at an affordable price. Designed for flexibility, four varying floor plans have been created to suite location, orientation and climate conditions. The range is being expanded.
Passive design is provided through:
- reverse brick veneer construction,
- high levels of insulation,
-large areas of double glazing,
- site-specific shading for controlled solar access,
- excellent cross ventilation,
- layout zoned for variable uses,
- good daylighting and efficient lighting.
Operational energy is minimised by the fundamental efficiencies of the design, and is provided for by the integrated PV system. Water is harvested, and waste water treated on site for reuse, pending local regulations.
The Ecobode homes mean even the project market can obtain homes that are carbon neutral, water neutral, and entirely healthy to live in.
Tags: award winner homes, Design Award, ecobode, energy efficiency, ESD, sustainability, wins design award