Sustainable, Low Environmental Impact Build

Sustainable, Carefully Crafted and Environmentally Conscious Living in Ocean Acres

In a time where many builders, developers and homeowners are erecting properties on the Surf Coast with the simple objective of maximizing their return, what is also left as a secondary consideration (if any consideration) is the homes environmental impact and long-term energy efficiency.

Very rarely is a home such as 15 Enfield Drive, Torquay in the highly desirable Ocean Acres estate offered for purchase; set on a generous 4800m2 (Over 1 acre approx.) natural bush allotment with half the block containing remnant vegetation including mature manna gums, messmates, hedge wattle. The clearing of weeds and bracken then revealed green hood and maroon hood orchids, chocolate lilies and guinea flowers.

Upon entering the Enfield Drive property, the dramatic rammed earth walls set the tone for a home that is built with its external environment taken into consideration which benefits its internal livability.

The many advantages of building with rammed earth include superior thermal mass, temperature and noise control, strength and durability, low maintenance, fire proofing, load bearing and pest deterrence, as well as its beauty and the pleasure of building with a natural and environmentally sound material.

Any ‘non-rammed earth’ walls present in the home consist of plaster painted with low allergy bio-paint & minimal lined chipboard, all the while reducing any potential allergic reactions the occupiers may possess.

In terms of the flooring throughout the home Ceramic tiles are primarily used in the North facing rooms to increase thermal mass derived from the streaming sun through the double-glazed windows and doors framed with plantation kiln dried pine.

Cork tiles have then been used in major walkways to reduce everyday physical impact.

Wet areas have been designed with no steps and no screens to again reduce everyday physical impact.

The Roofing has been specifically designed to retain the Surfcoast feel with a wave design that extends to the engineered, oversized dual carport at the front of the property.

The Energy efficient properties of the home consist of water which is heated using solar panels, boosted as required by gas.

All internal heating is provided from Hydronic Panels which are on a separate gas system to the domestic hot water.

Electricity is generated from Grid interactive solar panels. In summer it is expected that generation will exceed consumption and a recent increase (to 1.46kw) capacity is expected to meet 75% of consumption annually.

If a property with low environmental impact, sustainability and quality craftsmanship is important to you, then this is the property you have been waiting for!

With a carefully designed floor plan for multiple living options considered, an energy efficient design taken into account, not only for the environment but for cost savings purposes also – this is the private Surfcoast meets Bush property that ticks all the boxes – Suitable for both downsizers, or the enviro-conscious young family alike