Sustainability Report
Embodied carbon
The design prioritises timber as the principal construction material to reduce embodied carbon. The stilt substructure uses Eucalyptus rostrata, a locally available hardwood, while the entire enclosure is built with SIP (Structural Insulated Panels) composed of OSB skins and an insulating core—effectively functioning as a carbon sink due to the sequestration stored in the wood.
Embodied carbon is further reduced by modular prefabrication at 244 × 122 cm, which minimises material waste at the factory and eliminates the need to transport waste back from the island, preventing additional logistical emissions.
Operational Emissions / Energy
Operational energy demand is reduced through a high-performance thermal envelope and passive systems. SIP panels provide continuous insulation with minimal thermal bridging, while thermal-break (RPT) window frames and double-glazed units (DVH) ensure continuity of thermal resistance across the envelope. Natural cross-ventilation—enabled by permeable facade sections and the loose central core—reduces reliance on active cooling during hot, humid months. Automation systems optimise HVAC and lighting use when required.
Service and maintenance emissions
The factory-assembled system ensures consistent quality and precise fit, reducing the likelihood of failures or premature replacements. Timber components, being lightweight and modular, can be maintained or replaced locally without extensive mechanical equipment. The SIP-based enclosure requires minimal maintenance and provides long-term thermal stability, reducing operational energy loads across its lifespan. Low-flow sanitary fixtures reduce water consumption and maintenance of mechanical systems.
Afterlife
The superstructure is fully modular: it was assembled in the factory, disassembled for transport, and then reassembled on site. This makes future adaptation inherently possible. The floor plan, defined by two parallel volumes with a free-standing core, allows program flexibility without structural alteration. The entire building can be disassembled and relocated, or reconfigured into new arrangements, making the architecture inherently adaptable at both the interior and structural levels.
The project's logistics showcase a comprehensive Design for Disassembly (DfD) framework:
- Panels were constructed in the factory, labeled, and then disassembled for transport.
- The house was later reassembled on-site using this labeled “kit of parts.”
This process of assembly, disassembly, and reassembly allows for a straightforward approach to future circular use. SIP panels, timber framing, RPT window units, and facade components can all be removed individually at the end of their lifespans, enabling reuse rather than demolition.
Key products in low carbon design
