Michael Mobbs transformed a modest inner-city terrace in Chippendale into one of Sydney’s most influential sustainable homes. Since 1996, the house has operated off-grid for water, sewage, and stormwater, demonstrating what is possible in a dense urban environment. It generates its own electricity through rooftop solar panels with battery storage, harvests rainwater for all household needs, and treats wastewater on site for reuse in the garden.
The home features a composting toilet, dramatically reducing water use, and a green roof and vertical garden that help insulate the building and cool it naturally. Passive design strategies, including improved insulation, shading, and natural ventilation, minimise the need for heating and cooling. Food is also part of the system, with productive gardens integrated into the small urban footprint.
Michael Mobbs’ Sustainable House is not just a home but a living experiment in reducing reliance on centralised infrastructure. Open regularly for tours, it has inspired thousands of people to rethink how their own homes can generate energy, conserve water and reduce waste. It proves that even the most conventional city terrace can be transformed into a resilient, low-impact home that is cheaper to run and better for the planet.
