SWIFT PARROT HOUSE

Swift Parrot house is named after the native-Australian, fastest parrot in the world that is now an endangered species. The opposing skillion roof lines of this sustainable home echo the swift parrot in flight and ensure protection to the north facing glazing during summer.

The floorplan has been designed into two clear zones to suit heating and cooling requirements. All living and daytime zones have great access to top north or east glazing, while in the evening unconditioned areas are planted on the south, removing the risk of overheating.

Orientational strategies minimise west- facing glazing and maximise north-facing glazing to create ideal connectivity to private and open spaces while avoiding oversizing to opaque surface area ratio. A quality vapour management system with ventilated facades and roof, including detailing to openings and penetrations, ensures Swift Parrot House will not succumb to moisture issues, ensuring a long-lasting, healthy home.

Swift Parrot House demonstrates how a compact residential design can meet the requirements of most occupants for a three bedroom home. The design has an efficient and functional layout, fulfilling all needs and requirements of its future residents. By widening the hallway, the space can be used for multiple functions and storage requirements.

Materials have been carefully considered, and, where possible, minimise the carbon footprint, while meeting the specifications and fit-for-purpose to demonstrate the ability for Swift Parrot House to last for decades.

Judges Commendation Award

Designer: James Goodlet, Altereco Design

Assessor: Daniel Prochazka, Resilient Homes Project

Project cost estimate: $700,000

House size: 135 sqm

Energy rating: 8.7 stars

Swift Parrot House will achieve net-zero emissions between 2023-2050 with the benefit of a 10kW photovoltaic system and by being an all-electric home. The sustainable landscape design includes a tank to store rainwater, which is harvested by maximising the catchment of roofs, and the water is used for garden irrigation, toilet flushing and the washing machine.

Materials were carefully selected to address suitability, durability and longevity, cost and health. For Swift Parrot House the flat site is in good soil conditions making it ideal to install a low-carbon concrete subfloor for the best structural base. Fibre cement cladding was selected to offer remarkably low embodied energy per square metre, particularly when compared to the ongoing energy required for repainting and replacing other less durable materials.

Accessible housing considerations were included with the home being a single level dwelling allowing for ageing in place and the minimisation of internal steps to provide a step free threshold onto the northern and eastern decks.

While the design is presented as a single living room with a three-bedroom configuration, the second and third bedroom could easily be adapted for another function, such as a second living space if the household dynamics changed over time.