4 Sustainable Homes Built With Brick

The future of architecture lies in its ability to coexist with the environment and design for a better future. Built with sustainable principles, function and longevity in mind. These four homes employ the properties of their materiality to drastically reduce their eco-footprints. 

1. Farrier Lane

When designing his family home, it was essential to Matt Delroy-Carr of MDC Architects that an awareness of both its carbon footprint and intrinsic functionality were core aspects of the plan. Beginning with a foundation of certified carbon neutral Jamison house bricks for their durability and thermal efficiency. Farrier Lane’s pared-back palette was realised, opting for raw timbers and concrete to highlight each brick’s unique patina. 

Further design choices were made to reflect the state of the home year-round, with the site’s orientation and built elements protecting its residents from the summer sun. While distinct window placements let it shine through in the cooler months. Basking in the beauty of its natural surroundings, the home’s earthy palette forms a connection with its expansive garden. Wwhich takes up over 60 percent of the site. Acting as a space for entertaining, play and relaxation, the indoor-outdoor connection reflects MDC Architects’ commitment to working with the natural environment. 

2.Hyde Park House

Retaining existing architecture honours a home’s heritage while reducing the environmental impact of intrusive renovations. Hyde Park House by Robeson Architects uses a custom blend of Daniel Robertson Hawthorn Tan and Hawthorn Red carbon neutral bricks as a visual reference to the surrounding red brick cottages, all while significantly mitigating the home’s eco footprint. 

The considered material choices continue with the inclusion of Bowral Bricks Hamlet pavers that surround the pool and outdoor dining areas. Adding warmth to the striking black and white shades of the family home. Inside, porcelain, FSC-certified timber and ivory continue the sustainable narrative. Creating an elegant interior palette that meets the eco-conscious requirements from the family. This passive house offers natural thermal regulation across the material choices. Combined with double-glazed windows, solar-powered electricity and hydronic heating to form a comfortable home. 

3. Mygunyah by The Circus

Blending contemporary additions with a historic façade, Mygunyah by The Circus is designed for contemporary family living. Specifically, home to a young family and live-in grandparents, the design of the home takes into account the multigenerational needs of the owners. Furthermore, presented as three separate pavilions, Mygunyah addresses multi-generational living in a functional and refined series of spaces that cater to each lifestyle. 

Matt Gibson Architecture + Design retained the Victorian makeup of the initial structure to convey the site’s historical significance before blending it with the two brick buildings beyond. Connecting each distinctive building is the choice in materials. Which allows each tone and texture to create a cohesive display throughout every space. Specifically, made up of three styles – Daniel Robertson in Buff, Austral Bricks La Paloma in Romero and Nubrik Acland Cream – the modern additions harness the robust nature and timeless appearance of brick. Moreover, building a lasting home that able to withstand the everyday wear-and-tear of family living. 

4. Ha Ha Haus

Placing nature at the centre, Ha Ha Haus surrounds its inhabitants with a lush central courtyard, grounding them in their natural context. Moreover, Ha Ha Haus by FIGR boasts an acclaimed approach to sustainable design. Responding to a brief based on feeling rather than dimension, architects FIGR were able to manipulate the design to create a home that connects to the natural environment. While supporting the residents’ lifestyles within. 

The circular layout of the home not only acts as a distinctive design feature. But also contributes to passive solar principles. This design maximizes cross-ventilation and utilizes north-facing glazing efficiently. Replacing a traditionally man-made fence structure with a lush garden mount. Ha Ha Haus heroes greenery throughout, prioritising it as an integral residential feature. Additionally, the design places a landscaped mound over 20,000L rainwater tank that stores recycled water for irrigation and bathrooms. Ensuring that the family uses their primary resources with respect to the land. Austral Bricks La Paloma in Miro from a visual reference for the home’s organic design. Pairing its calming qualities with the resistance and thermal efficiencies found naturally in house bricks.

“Presented as three separate pavilions, Mygunyah addresses multi-generational living in a functional and refined series of spaces that cater to each lifestyle.”

“Presented as three separate pavilions, Mygunyah addresses multi-generational living in a functional and refined series of spaces that cater to each lifestyle.”