The Lookout House at Pirates Bay, Eaglehawk Neck
Built in 2021, this house was conceived as a small holiday home. It makes use of a difficult (very steep) site with a stunning view across the bay from every room. The Eastern aspect is great for warming the house with the morning sun. While the bushfire attack level is high on the small bush block (BAL 29), many trees could be retained on site. Despite some significant overshadowing from the mature trees to the north of the house, it achieves 7.5 stars.
The embodied energy is minimised in two ways: high embodied energy materials were avoided where possible, and the footprint of the house is minimised to the smallest comfortable space. The overlaying of functions, avoidance of corridors and a sliding wall make the 83m² feel generous.
The materials respond to the site (local mudstone and timber), and are recycled where possible (joinery and convict brick thermal mass walls). A high standard of insulation and minimisation of cold bridges was achieved by careful detailing.
Solar hot water and the imminent installation of photovoltaic grid connected power further reduce the energy demand.
Rain water is collected for domestic use, and the wastewater is disposed of in an AES onsite treatment system. The garden contains waterwise native local plants.
Builder: Southeast Building
Photographer: Joe Shemesh, Green Design
Featured in the renew Green Rebuild Toolkit: https://greenrebuildtoolkit.com/beyond-bal-case-studies/
This house is available for booking on Airbnb:
https://www.airbnb.com.au/rooms/1157067767885457742?check_in=2025-04-30&check_out=2025-05-05&guests=1&adults=1&s=67&unique_share_id=56b65f08-2b1f-4f17-945a-4d6d9fdba8b8
