Canungra Strawbale House Queensland 2006

Winner of National Building Design award 2007

This 200m2 strawbale house in the rural hinterland of the Gold Coast was designed to create a healthy, and harmonious living environment which reflects its surroundings. The original brief was to create a dwelling which to served the busy lifestyle of a single mother of 3 children while providing quiet sanctuary spaces separate from the main living areas. She wished to create a working model which encapsulated both permaculture and sustainable principles. Future planning for the dwelling would look at the potential of the house being sectioned off to create a self-contained “Granny” flat.

Its large open plan living area allows for the maximum movement of breezes and the infiltration of natural lighting. Approximately 70% of the building materials come from recycled sources including windows/doors, flooring, decking, joists and rafters. The building is insulated using strawbale and polywool (roof) to achieve the maximum thermal ability. Great aims have been taken to specify natural fibre-free finishes free of Volatile Organic Compounds.

Project Goals

Create Healthy and toxic free environment
(Low VOC and natural materials)
Reduce energy consumption and energy production
(Us of energy efficient lighting, daylighting and PV solar grid connection)
Reduce water consumption (AAA rated taps and toilets)
Reduce Heating & cooling costs (Passive solar design and natural ventilation)
Use appropriate materials with low embodied energy
Use solar passive design features such as thermal mass and convective cooling to reduce the need for additional heating and cooling.
Nutrient recycling benefiting surrounding landscape
(greywater design)
Storm water collection and retention. (minimum of 42000 litres storage)