These triple story homes on top of Clifton Hill with amazing views of Melbourne were designed by Field Office Architecture. The clients on this project were extremely eco-conscience and motivated to build these homes to last a lifetime but also reduce their impact on the environment.
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Located in a cul-de-sac overlooking Melbourne and surrounding suburbs, the site was quite difficult to with alot of fall from front to back and rock all throughout the footprint of the home.
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The focus from the clients was longevity, low maintenance and sustainable. Which lead to many of the sustainable features you’ll see below. What is gaining more and more popularity is the importance of a low-maintenance home. Which lead us to incorporate Glass all throughout the bathrooms instead of tiles which can be difficult to clean. And, Cutek penetrating oil to preserve external timbers long-term and allowing them to go grey while still being protected.
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There was also a strong emphasis on thermal efficiency which lead to incorporating reverse brick veneer walls. Fortunately enough we were able to repurpose the bricks from a large red brick fence that was demolished from the property.
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The use of natural and recycled materials was also of great importance to the clients. Particularly recycled timbers which were used in the timber flooring, eave lining, cladding and balustrades.

Awards

This project has seen much recognition for its sustainable credentials, namely;

• Yarra Sustainability Awards 2018, Highly Commended Eco Townhouses
• ‍Architecture & Design, Sustainability Awards Finalist‍
• ArchiTeam Awards 2019, Commendation

Project Features

Materials & ESD (Ecological Sustainable Development) Features
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• Recycled Messmate eave lining and some cladding
• Recycled Messmate timber floor and stairs
• Recycled red bricks (structural & internal)
• Blackbutt timber decking (130x32)
• Recycled Ironbark timber balustrades
• Weathertex Ecogroove cladding
• 75mm Hebel power panel System as parti-wall
• 140mm thick walls to First floor to allow for additional layer of insulation
• Bondall Natural finish sealer to internal brickwalls
• Cutek to all exposed timber
• Sanden Eco plus Heat pump
• Natural bluestone to balcony and front porch
• Comcork flooring to Lower ground floor and storage areas
• Dulux Professional Enviro2 interior paint
• Osmo Natural timber oils to timber flooring
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Passive Design Features
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• Reverse brick veneer construction for thermal mass properties
• First floor has 140mm walls for additional insulation than typical
• Large eaves to north elevation
• Cross-ventilation, north/south
• North facing central courtyard for each house
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Heating and Cooling
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• Airsmart Hi-velocity Heating and Refrigerated Cooling
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Windows & Glazing
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• Double Glazed Timber Windows - FSC certified KD Hardwood Frame from Elite Timber Windows
• Double glazed aluminum windows from Rylock
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Renewable Energy
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• LG NeON₂ solar panels
• LG RESU 10H for SolarEdge Battery
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Water Saving
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• 8/ 2000L Lowline Slim Water tanks
• Pump to service toilets and gardens
• WELS 4 star rated Tapware throughout