NSW builders win national sustainable building awards

A small house in inner Sydney, transformed using sustainable building practices by Sowden Building Solutions, won HIA Australian GreenSmart Renovation/Addition Project.

Succeeding in the goal to create a comfortable, healthy home with minimal ongoing energy costs, the impressive renovation has taken a drafty 1884 built house to a home achieving the PassivHaus' EnerPHit Plus standard. The category is partnered by Clipsal by Schneider Electric.

The renovation was not simple with the rear half of the house demolished to remove a thermal bridge, internal walls removed to create a more practical flow for the family, and a third floor added to create a master suite taking in city views, allowing the family to grow with the home.

Intelligent choices such as heat recovery ventilation, improved insulation, finishes with low or zero VOC and new energy efficient fittings have assisted in raising the standard of living in this house.

Joe Mercieca from Blue Eco Homes won HIA Australian GreenSmart Professional. Operating his business from a World Heritage listed region, Joe is conscious and respectful of the natural environment, actively applying environmentally friendly design and processes in his business.

Joe and the team at Blue Eco Homes aim to reduce environmental impact both during construction and habitation of their homes. A pioneer in sustainable innovations in the industry, Joe isn't short of new ideas, with the team successfully developing and implementing their own prefab panels FAB-FYV, meeting the rigorous standards set by the Passive House Planning Package.

With a holistic approach to passive design and his business, Joe continues to lead and ensure that the environment and sustainability will remain a focus in the industry. HIA Australian GreenSmart Professional is partnered by HIA Insurance Services.

This is the fifth time Joe has won the HIA Australian GreenSmart Professional award.

HIA Managing Director Jocelyn Martin said HIA Australian GreenSmart Awards recognise HIA members who deliver the latest in environmental design excellence and sustainable building practices.

"HIA is committed to sustainable building outcomes through environmentally focussed design, innovation and construction. Our commitment to recognise excellence has not altered over the 24 years the HIA GreenSmart program has been running. The winners and finalists are at the cutting-edge in their field and demonstrate expertise in building superior performing, energy-saving homes for their clients.

"Each winner and finalist is congratulated for achieving success at a national level," concluded Ms Martin.

For images visit media.hia.com.au
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