The materials used were chosen for their environmental sustainability
and to suit a country/coastal lifestyle - eg the polished concrete
floors keep cool in the heat of summer, can cope with feet wet from the
pool, and are easily swept clean of sand, dog paw prints, etc. Polished
covergrade timber flooring in other areas accentuate the natural,
relaxed feeling of the home. The rammed earth is an excellent
temperature (and noise) regulator, and very low maintenance. Being fire
and pest proof, it is ideal in bushy settings such as this.

The building is essentially a U shape, which incorporates a central
outdoor living area and lap pool as the heart of the home. Partially
roofed in clear polycarbonate sheeting, the space remains useable
throughout the year.

Within the building itself, windows, louvers and doors are positioned to
provide plenty of cross flow ventilation in summer. In winter, the
indoor living room contains a fireplace built into a rammed earth
recess, providing a cozy retreat. The 300mm thick rammed earth walls
keep the house cool in summer and warm in winter by slowing heat
penetration. The result is that the internal temperature of the home
remains fairly stable, and is not subject to the fluctuations in
temperature common in homes built using lightweight walls.

Guest quarters form one arm of the U, and are linked to the main part of
the house via the dining room, kitchen and central courtyard areas. An
artist's studio has been included in the upper storey. The owners fully
utilize every room in this house - there are no 'formal', little-used
dining or living areas.

The house was designed and built with an eye to environmental impact. By
paying attention to the contours of the land, the construction process
required minimal excavation work. Cabinetry was designed by local
craftsman from recycled materials, and the builder was careful to re-use
leftover materials whenever possible - for instance using the rafter
offcuts for staircase treads. The residence collects its own water via
rainwater tanks, heats it via a solar hot water system and deals with
wastewater via an Envirotech sand filter system. Physical barriers,
rather than poisons, have been used for protection from termites. Of
course, the features mentioned above - the natural materials, the design
for natural ventilation, heating and cooling - also illustrate this
environmental consideration.