Sustainability
It’s a big claim to make that the homes in these unique Collections are amongst the most sustainable homes in Australia, and one that we do not make lightly - but make it we do.
Our Econests have been designed to comply with the Sustainability Guidelines of the Witchcliffe Ecovillage which are amongst the most stringent in Australia, if not worldwide. Homes in the Ecovillage are basically ‘off the grid’ and self sufficient in power, water and wastewater and each home also has its own exclusive -use area to grow their own edible produce. On top of this, homes have to be designed as carbon negative, highly energy efficient and with a Life Cycle Analysis that allows only certified sustainable and recyclable materials. It is a blueprint for how homes could and should be designed for a carbon neutral future.
“Using timber in building stores carbon for as long as the building exists”
— woodsolutions.com.au
Timber is the ultimate sustainable building material - not only does it sequester carbon for the lifespan of the building, but it is also fully renewable and recyclable making it the ideal choice for your home.
This is why we use Timber framing for the structure of our homes and most often use sustainably sourced timber for the cladding and peripheral structures such as pergolas. We only use FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) approved or certified recycled timbers for the Witchcliffe Ecovillage homes .
Make it Sustainable.
Our homes achieve some of the highest Energy Ratings and Life Cycle Analyses in the Witchcliffe Ecovillage - no mean feat given that the Ecovillage itself is regarded as one of the most sustainable housing developments in the world. Read more about why this is so important, to both your back pocket and the future health of our environment.
Materials from nature
The structural framework, roofing elements and cladding of our Econests are generally made of timber, the worlds ultimate renewable, recyclable and natural building material. Where feasible we also choose other materials from the natural world such as rammed earth from local suppliers.
Energy from the sun.
Each Econest comes with a minimum 6 KW photovoltaic system from leading German supplier Solar Watt and a 6 KW Fronius Inverter linked to the Cluster Tesla Microgrid (or battery if in Stages 4 and 5 ). A 250 or 315 litre (size of home dependant ) Reclaim Heat Pump provides heated water to the home while using minimal energy.
Water from the rain
Each Lot is provided with rainwater tanks sized to the Ecovillage Water Supply template and linked to the household plumbing system. The Witchcliffe Ecovillage has special deals with Pioneer to supply and install your rainwater tank and accessories.
Sustainable Products
Every Product and Appliance selected to be included in an Econest home has been carefully curated to ensure it meets the strictest sustainability criteria and where possible is Australian made and locally sourced. They are not necessarily chosen as the cheapest option as quality usually has a price attached. But quality lasts long after the price is forgotten. We champion our selected Product Partners to bring you special deals that allow us to specify these leading brands into your home at a competitive rate. Read more about these products and why they have been selected.
“Operate as carbon negative on an annual basis - producing substantially more renewable energy onsite each year than the energy required to operate them.
Be carbon negative over the lifetime of a building - with homes producing more renewable energy over the 80 year lifespan of the building than the total embodied and operational energy consumption”
—Witchcliffe Ecovillage mission statement
Make it Local.
Local Craftsmen
Our Builders and their Tradesmen are locals within the South West region and are very aware that what they build should reflect the values of the Community and enhance the pristine environment which they are fortunate to call home.
Local Materials
Wherever possible we source our building materials and suppliers locally rather than from overseas. This reduces the carbon footprint of our activities while also keeping our local economy healthier and more resilient to the vagaries of the building industry.
Local Artisans
We are currently putting in place a programme linking with local Artists, Sculptors and Furniture Makers to offer unique Limited Edition pieces for our Econest homes that will provide the finishing touches to our vision and your sustainable lifestyle.