Holocene House is like being in nature. Canopied in plants, water flows through like a rainforest creek, and every room opens to the outdoors. Balancing residents’ health and comfort with environmental performance, the carbon-positive home is the first in Australia to be certified by the international Active House Alliance.
Holocene House showcases what happens when we invest in sustaining life and leading change rather than building bigger and more. The home will soon generate more energy than was used to create and operate it. Regenerative thinking guided every aspect of design and construction, from the innovative use of low-embodied-energy spotted gum Shou Sugi Ban for exterior cladding to the natural swimming pool and extremely low-toxicity finishes throughout.
The owners wanted their home to feel like a rainforest creek. So CplusC designed Holocene House around a living water source shaded by plants. Cleansed by a biofiltration system of polishing ponds, reeds, charcoal and pebbles, water flows from the rear to form a natural swimming pool that animates the dramatic living spaces and expansive outdoor deck. Tumbling to the entrance in a waterfall, the water is recycled back into the system.