Join the Melbourne Renew Members' Branch for an onsite tour of House 3 in the 8+ Star “Accidental Development” featured in Sanctuary Issue 57.

Howard, one of the owners, will explain the various factors that contribute to making this all-electric, passive solar design a sustainable home. These factors include Timbercrete blocks rather than kiln-fired bricks, a hot water heat pump and power supplied by solar panels + battery. Using reclaimed timbers, floorboards and steel roofing from the original house on the property also helped to reduce the home’s carbon footprint. The result caught the attention of the judges for the prestigious 2021 Architecture & Design Australian Sustainability Awards. House 3 won the awards for Single Dwelling (New) and Smart Building Ideas. Given this success, it was no surprise that David Coates, the 3-home development designer, won the Emerging Sustainable Architect/Designer award. This is an opportunity to experience what’s possible when sustainability is embedded in every stage of the house design and construction process. After living in the home for over a year, Howard will also talk about the comfort and cost benefits. There will be plenty of time to ask questions and look through the dwelling.

Speakers: Howard Elston

Howard is a Chemical Engineer who morphed into a Primary/Secondary Teacher before becoming passionate about taking action to combat climate change. He and his wife Libby decided to show that Australians could make a significant contribution to lower carbon emissions by insisting on more sustainable home designs. They worked with a like-minded designer/builder to create an exemplary downsizer home to prove the concept. After finishing the project, Howard’s focus has turned to using the experience gained to educate others about the benefits of high-performance homes like theirs.

Proof of vaccination or exemption is required on entry, using:

A COVID-19 Digital Certificate
Your Immunisation History Statement
An International COVID-19 Vaccination Certificate for overseas travel