The HIA Australian GreenSmart Awards have been announced – and here’s a full rundown of all the winners!
HIA Australian GreenSmart Home of the Year
Winner: Blue Eco Homes
Yellow Rock Passive House is an exceptional energy-efficient dwelling that is fully accessible, multi-generational in design and built to a BAL-40 rating. A 15kW solar PV system and 28kWh battery allows the home to operate semi off-grid, while a 120,000-litre water tank, triple-glazed windows, heat recovery ventilation and the innovative use of cross-laminated timber to create the home’s lift shaft are just the start of this property’s outstanding environmental achievements.
The judges were impressed by the creative construction solutions of Blue Eco Homes which helped to achieve such an exemplary all-round sustainable building project. This included creating a lift shaft out of environmentally friendly cross-laminated timber panels to eradicate any thermal bridges as well as utilising the company’s own Passive House prefabricated wall and roof system for a water and weathertight dwelling. Triple-glazed windows, heat recovery ventilation and high levels of insulation add to the overall efficiency of this outstanding sustainable home.
HIA Australian GreenSmart Display/Project Home
Winner: MyStyle Homes (Qld) – MyInfinity
The MyInfinity Display Home sets a new benchmark in tropical sustainability by achieving an incredible 10-star energy rating. Situated in Cairns, the sleek yet supremely energy-efficient abode uses solar passive design and cross-ventilation principles, along with other impactful measures such as carbon-neutral concrete, triple-insulated roofing, and low-E coated glazing to all windows and doors. In addition to energy-saving technology inclusions – such as Control 4 automation – a solar PV system with battery storage and in-built EV charger enables this home to operate off-grid.
The judges commended the business’s commitment to sustainable design at a price point consumers can afford, claiming the MyInfinity Display Home is an excellent example for the broader housing industry.
HIA Australian GreenSmart Energy Efficiency
Winner: Ovens & King Builders
This impressive Passive House project was constructed for its retired homeowners to showcase the benefits of energy-efficient housing to their local community in Bright, located in Victoria’s high country. The well-sealed and airtight building was constructed to the exacting Passive House standards and maintains a comfortable ambient temperature and excellent internal air quality year-round. This is aided by features such as triple-glazed windows, and superior wall and ceiling insulation.
A heat recovery ventilation system also ensures that heat energy that otherwise would have been lost through regular exhaust processes is transferred to provide fresh, filtered air supply. The house was designed to take advantage of its north-facing position, with the selection of black floor tiles, for example, playing a role in helping to passively heat the home during winter.
HIA Australian GreenSmart Multi Dwelling Development
Winner: Home in Place
This contemporary 16-unit apartment complex was the result of highly collaborative partnerships to achieve excellent sustainable, accessible and affordable housing outcomes in Newcastle. With an impressive 7.5-star energy rating, the solar passive development guarantees comfortable living and reduced power bills for tenants thanks to a solar array, commercial grade glazing to windows and doors, LED lighting, and an efficient electric hot water plant.
The multi-dwelling development allows for water efficiency with the inclusion of 5-star fittings and fixtures and by harvesting its own rainwater. This is used to irrigate the communal rooftop garden of native and drought-resistant plants and other ground area landscaping. A highly efficient electric hot water plant and solar array, along with LED lighting, further lowers the building’s operating costs.
HIA Australian GreenSmart Custom Built Home
Winner: Blue Eco Homes
Built upon a bushfire ravaged site in the Blue Mountains, the Yellow Rock Passive House was designed to sustainably re-inhabit the former dwelling’s footprint by incorporating the still-standing garage/carport and pool husk into the new property. Today, the site contains a three-storey, multi-generational and fully accessible home that hugs the sloping bushland and maximises the block’s orientation for the passive benefits of natural sunlight.
Due to its location, the Yellow Rock home features non-combustible external materials that adhere to a BAL40 rating, while a 120,000-litre UV-filtered water tank and onsite wastewater system enables the occupants to efficiently manage their water consumption on the rural four-acre property.
HIA Australian GreenSmart Renovation/Addition Project
Winner: 360 Building Solutions and Light House Architecture & Science
This clever and thoughtful renovation project refreshed a tired and uncomfortable 1960s Canberra duplex into a modern, energy- and water-efficient home. The decision to work within the existing footprint of the building to generate sustainable lifestyle outcomes allows the owners to experience more comfortable and functional living quarters while remaining in their neighbourhood of choice.
The judges were impressed by the design and construction team’s ability to bring a whole new lease on life to the existing structure by creating a light-filled, functional and sustainable dwelling for the owners to enjoy for years to come.
HIA Australian GreenSmart Sustainable Home
Winner: 360 Building Solutions and Light House Architecture & Science
Every aspect of sustainable design, building and living was considered for this compact solar passive home that offers stylish, energy-efficient and accessible comfort for its occupants to age in place. Focusing on a well-insulated and sealed building envelope helped to achieve an impressive 7.9-star energy rating for the dwelling, while a 7.92kW PV system produces enough excess energy to also power the homeowner’s electric car.
The HIA judges were impressed by the home’s clever design, which steps diagonally down the awkwardly oriented and sloping site, allowing northern solar access into the main living zones and a light-filled ambience throughout.
HIA Australian GreenSmart Professional
Winner: Ashley Beaumont – Ecoliv Buildings and Beaumont Building Design
Ashley Beaumont formed Ecoliv Buildings 13 years ago to create carbon positive prefabricated modular buildings that balance the needs of homeowners today without compromising the future. He ensures sustainability is ingrained within all aspects of the business and its construction projects, with Ashley also proudly attaining the Climate Active and B Corporation certifications in 2022 for the business.
Congratulations to all the entrants! For more information visit hia.com.au/awards-and-events/awards/greensmart-awards
