2016 National Architecture Awards: Sustainable Architecture Commendation

Project Zero by BVN Sustainable Architecture: National Commendation Australian Institute of Architects

Jury citation

Both a new home and a significant alteration to an original structure, this Brisbane house is commendable for its thoughtful commitment to sustainability principles within a suburban setting. The existing house, which was originally positioned in the centre of this double block, has been retained and shifted to the back of the property. The new extension is built adjacent to the old home, forming an L-shape configuration, providing protection from the western sun and also separating the sleeping and living quarters. At the centre is a covered outdoor lounge and a grassed front yard, plus vegetable garden, chookhouse and composting. Sustainability goals are considered throughout and are at the heart of the project. The use of reclaimed building materials, on-site water treatment and solar energy initiatives, combined with warm and inviting spaces, makes Project Zero feel like a positive environment for a young family who can grow with their home.

Read the project review by Margie Fraser from Houses 106.

Products and materials

Roofing
Lysaght Custom Orb in Colorbond ‘Dune’.
External walls
Austral Bricks recycled bricks.
Internal walls
Austral Bricks recycled bricks; plasterboard in Dulux ‘Peplum Half’; no-VOC paints from Ecolour Paints.
Windows and doors
Custom windows in New Guinea rosewood from Allkind Joinery and Glass; timber coated with Cedar Bluff Organ Oil.
Flooring
Austral Bricks recycled bricks; polished concrete; blackbutt decking from Kennedy’s Timbers; recovered floorboards, polished.
Lighting
Lights from Megabay; outdoor pendant from Pop Concrete.
Kitchen
Miele oven, cooktop and rangehood; Astra Walker tapware; cabinets from Superior Cabinets and Design; benches from Pop Concrete.
Bathroom
Astra Walker tapware; Parisi toilet; Villeroy and Boch basins; Grohe shower fittings.
External elements
Austral Bricks recycled bricks.
Other
Couches from Jardan; outdoor stools and couch from Mark Tuckey; outdoor table from Kira and Kira; beds and kitchen stools from Green Cathedral.

Credits

Project
Project Zero
Architect
BVN
Australia
Project Team
Brian Donovan, Michael Hogg, Nick Flutter, John Shankey, Chi Tang, Rachel Wardrobe
Consultants
Builder Apollo Property Group
Environmental engineer SEED
Hydraulic consultant GWC Hydraulics
Landscape designer Steven Clegg Design
Site surveyor DTS Group Qld
Structural engineer Westera Partners
Site Details
Location Brisbane,  Qld,  Australia
Site type Suburban
Site area 800 m2
Building area 250 m2
Project Details
Status Built
Design, documentation 11 months
Construction 16 months
Category Residential
Type New houses

Source

Award

Published online: 3 Nov 2016
Words: National Architecture Awards Jury 2016
Images: Christopher Frederick Jones

Issue

Architecture Australia, November 2016

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