The Green House

A sculptural design with the aim to seamlessly blend with its sloping block, effortlessly integrating the beauty of the garden with the architectural form. Our commitment to biophilic design, and sustainable architecture is showcased through the innovative use of solar passive design, natural materials, and organic forms that welcome the integration of the garden spaces.

At the top of the block stands the main house—a distinctive octagon form that enjoys the views over the Narara Ecovillage to the distant mountains. The external walls, formed from highly insulative straw bales, create a cocoon of comfort. Round and arched windows punctuate these walls, strategically placed to welcome the warmth of the winter sun and a play of light. The slightly undulating walls, paired with light filled deep sills and reveals, infuse the space with a serene feeling of calmness. Inside, the bamboo mega structure supports a one-of-a-kind reciprocal roof, showcasing the beauty, strength and potential of bamboo in sustainable architecture.

Descending to the lower end of the site, our ‘Hobbit’ inspired creation, the art studio, draws inspiration from underground housing concepts. Designed to maintain garden space and leverage the insulating properties of the earth, this multipurpose space serves as a hub for creativity, hosting art exhibitions, weddings, and generating income as a secondary dwelling. Step inside to discover a truly creative space, featuring 'super adobe' earthbag walls, a breathtaking radial timber roof, round windows, and timber, cob features and a stunning hand crafted round timber door—an absolute work of art.

Our challenge was to seamlessly connect these two distinct structures, leading to the creation of the spine wall. Stretching from the octagon carport through the Octagon house to the central green house, it serves as the entry point to the art studio. Constructed from ‘Mudtec earth bricks’, this spine wall becomes a thermal mass feature full of texture and color, adding a unique touch to the overall design.

The greenhouse section, positioned as the heart of the building, enhances the connection to the garden. Facing north, it acts as a passive heating element for the octagon house in winter storing warmth in the thermal mass spine wall . A small deck off the lounge room extends into the greenhouse, offering a warm and cozy space protected from the elements or open the louvres to invite cool, refreshing breezes.

In The Green House, each architectural element is meticulously curated to engage with the surrounding garden spaces, fostering a symbiotic relationship between the built environment and the natural world. This project reinforces our belief that sustainable design and building should integrate the natural and built environment.