Merri Home

Wurunjuri,
Northcote,
VIC
This home will be open for in-person tours on the 17th May 2026

About this home

At first glance MM House’s striking forms and spaces are uncompromisingly distinct and contemporary. However, the more interesting story is that the geniuses of the design comes from the sites constraints, local context and a focus on multivalent sustainability.

During the tours the owner/designer will be presenting key aspects of this unique family home including;

– The process of design with a focus on resilience and flexibility
– The way the building has been designed to evolve over time
– The process of building an air tight home
– Hybrid approach to insulation and thermal mass
– Demonstration of the Heat Recovery Ventilation system
– Monitored results of the thermal performance of the building (in conjunction with Melbourne University)
– Monitored results of energy consumption and production
– Water saving measures
– And other learnings.

Comprising of three volumes, each having a morphed gable form uniquely optimised to capture light, views and passive solar. Whilst mediated by the constraints of the heritage overlay and respecting the amenity of the neighbouring homes. The gable inspired profile echo’s the charm of its surrounding heritage bungalows.

A multivalent approach to sustainability guided all aspects of this project. After careful analysis of the existing 1978 beser block home it was evident that renovating the existing was not feasible at a number of levels, in particular building envelop, spatial planning, orientation. However, an important decision was taken to re-use all of the existing strip foundations and concrete slab. This was the chosen path, as it saved massive amounts of embodied energy, it also dovetailed with keeping the build foot-print compact further energising the path to an efficient floor plan.

Daily rituals, seasonal solar patterns, view corridors, are synthesized. Moving through the home, one is presented with a multitude of ever changing moments, subtly choreographed, offering un-expected glimpses within a

Q & A

What motivated you to build or retrofit sustainably?
Health, comfort, positive contribution to neighbourhood and the local natural environment
Too many to list.
Aspects of the stormwater collection system and filtration
Finishing the rear garden and bungalow
Back to 2026 Homes
Type: Standalone house/townhouse
Project: New build
Architect: eme design pty ltd
Designer: luke middleton
Builder: luke middleton
Size: 196m²
Energy Rating: 8
Bedrooms: 4
Bathrooms: 3

Sustainability Features

Building Materials & Envelope

Draught-proofing/air sealing
High-performance insulation
Double or triple-glazed windows
Sustainable or low-impact materials
Recycled or reused materials
Other

Heating, Cooling and Ventilation

Passive heating/cooling (north-facing glazing, cross ventilation, thermal mass, shading, etc.)
Ceiling fans
Heat pump (reverse-cycle) heating/cooling
Mechanical ventilation with heat recovery (MVHR) system

Energy and Appliances

Rooftop solar PV
Efficient lighting (LED, daylighting, solar skylights)
Heat pump hot water
Electric cooktop - induction/ceramic
Other energy-efficient appliances

Water & Waste Systems

Water-efficient fixtures
Rainwater tanks

Landscape & Biodiversity

Native garden
Permaculture garden
Edible garden
Wildlife-supporting habitat

Climate Resilience

Flood
Cyclone/storm
Heatwave

Accessible & Flexible Design Features

Design for flexible use
Design for multigenerational living or dual occupancy
Universal design for accessibility
Share this home:

Related Homes

Home tours delivered to your inbox

Step inside sustainable homes across Australia and get practical ideas you can use in your own