Green at heart

Designed by Clinton Cole, CplusC Architects + Builders

From the architects:

The bathrooms in this home act as a microcosm of the project’s broader 'rainforest creek' concept. 

Located on the upper level, the three ensuite bathrooms are designed as permeable sanctuaries that ensure the daily ritual of bathing is immersed in natural light and fresh airflow.

The material palette intentionally reflects the surrounding environment. 

A combination of matt and gloss tiles mimic the reflectivity of the central swimming pool, while their arrangement echoes the dappled light and shade created by the overhead canopy.

This theme is further articulated in the shower screens, where irregular cut-outs serve as shelves that reference the hit-and-miss filtered light patterns found in the home's timber cabinetry.

Cored lava lighting and recycled hardwood detailing – repurposed from locally demolished inter-war homes – ground the spaces in a tactile, earthy aesthetic.

The bathrooms are vital to the home’s status as Australia’s first Active House.

All fixtures are supplied by a 15-kilolitre underground rainwater harvesting tank, achieving total water independence. 

Furthermore, an integrated grey water system captures and filters all discharge from showers and basins to irrigate the native coastal landscape, closing the resource loop.

Thermal comfort is maintained through a solar-powered hydronic heating system integrated into the slab, providing gentle warmth without energy-intensive mechanical cooling.

Prioritising occupant health, the design utilises strictly non-toxic finishes, low-VOC materials, and low-formaldehyde plywood. 

This rigorous approach contributed to an extraordinary Active House performance score of 1.64, demonstrating that true luxury in our climate stems from a restorative, regenerative relationship with nature.

Features of interest

• Water is supplied from a 15kL rainwater harvesting system with underground storage tank
• Grey water system captures and filters water from showers, baths and wash basins to irrigate lawn and gardens
• A heat pump provides hot water

Story by: Trendsideas