This high-performance eco-friendly house in Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula was constructed with passive house principles at its heart and sits within a beautiful native garden landscape. The project could serve as a blueprint for eco-friendly living, all achieved on a relatively modest budget by today’s construction costs.
Before this cosy dwelling was built, the block was a bushy 1000sqm parcel of land covered in moonah trees, weeds, and plant species that were not indigenous to the area. Homeowner and broadcast journalist Yvonne Yong says the inspiration for the project was to create a home with the smallest footprint possible — “all while using locally sourced, natural materials as features of the property”, she comments.
This split-level coastal retreat offers a relaxed space for those wanting to enjoy nature and the nearby thermal springs. The home consists of three bedrooms, a bathroom, a powder room, a WC, laundry, a kitchen/dining area, and an open-plan living area. There’s also window bench seating to relax and drink in the natural bushland views. A soaring raked ceiling that creates a sense of expansiveness, outdoor shower, carport, front porch, back deck, and firepit make up the rest of the project.
Taking into consideration the sloping block, some of the work that would have been completed after the build was bumped up on the immediate to-do list. “We landscaped the rear garden before building so that we had easier access to the back,” notes Yvonne. “We knew that once the building was up, carting loads of mulch and so on up and down stairs would have been particularly challenging.”
With a keen and experienced eye for design, Yvonne envisioned a black steel exterior that would offer an unambiguous contrast to the green space. “Admittedly I was hesitant at first — wouldn’t black be a bad idea for the summer, absorbing a lot of heat?” she recalls thinking. However, she was reassured that with ample insulation, it would not be an issue. The black steel was softened by silver-toned weathered-look timber cladding on the porch and decking areas. “We wanted to achieve a look that was slightly worn,
lived in, inviting, charming and warm,” enthuses Yvonne.
Inside the cosy interior of the Mornington Peninsula Eco Retreat, Yvonne’s design instincts were right on the money. It’s a calm and restful space that offers views to die for. “You are immersed in nature with a view above the treetops, as far as the eye can see,” she says. There’s a plethora of sustainable attributes that balance this home’s footprint. Yvonne’s favourite is the use of locally sourced and sustainable timber. “It is truly the hero throughout the house,” she comments.
The build was based on passive house principles, of which there are many. These include, but are not limited to, heat pump for hot water, orientation, thermal mass with brick floor tiles, airtightness and heat recovery ventilation. Researching passive house principles, Yvonne discovered yourhome.gov.au/passive-design which provided some practical and useful information. “Making a house more energy efficient can be affordable by applying basic principles,” she says. “Hopefully this project can serve as inspiration to others looking to achieve the same, no matter the budget.”
Among the many unforgettable moments for Yvonne during the construction journey was working with her friend Jung from Studio Jung. “Together we created a custom timber veneer pendant lamp shade as a statement piece for the dining area,” she shares. “Like our friendship, it is impactful, flexible, organic, sustainable, endearing and enduring. I love it!”
This home was a labour of love that involved a vast array of professional advisers, designers and construction experts. Yvonne is also appreciative of the volunteer crew of family and friends who pitched in to lend a hand. “I will forever be grateful to them for helping to create a beautiful garden and providing moral support throughout.”
It’s a project which proved to Yvonne that even though she’d never built a home before, let alone an energy-efficient one, it could be done with lots of help and support. “We have managed to achieve an amazing outcome,” she reflects. “Every time I stay in the house I never want to leave because it feels like a big, cosy hug.”
