Sustainable houses showcased

A MOUNT Duneed home with a remarkable 8.2-star energy rating is among the 10 houses across the Geelong region that will open their doors for Sustainable house Day 2017.

the public is invited to visit “Lepus house” and other sustainable homes on october 15 to discover what the owners have done to make them more comfortable and enjoyable to live in, cheaper to run and better for the environment.

Geelong Sustainability is hosting the popular annual event for the ninth year, with support from the City of Greater Geelong.

the 10 eco-friendly houses in the 2017 program are located in eight different suburbs and towns. Several homes are recent award-winners. All showcase clever passive solar design, sustainable and recycled materials and have loads of smarter living features.

Built this year, “Lepus house” at 300 Dickins road, mount Duneed is an 8.2-star, off-grid, strawbale home. the timber eaves of the north-facing family home are calculated to maximise winter warmth, while keeping out summer heat.

“the Castle” at 116 Princes Street, Drysdale is a 1960s home being progressively retrofitted by owners who are exemplars of sustainable living. the property overlooks the Bellarine rail trail and is famous for its quirky garden art and extensive productive garden.

“Samphire house” at 57 Cliff Street, St Leonards is a 7.5-star home built in 2016 as a seachange retirement home. the owner carefully researched the home’s design and selected building materials, fixtures and fittings to maximise quality, aesthetics, value, energy efficiency and overall sustainability.

the properties in Geelong, highton, mount Duneed and Sage Farm in Bannockburn will be open between 10am and 2pm. the homes on the Bellarine in Drysdale, Wallington, mannerim and St Leonards will be open between 1pm and 5pm.

the entry fee is $2 per house for adults and children are free.

For more information, head to geelongsustainability.org.au/shd.