Tasmanian Home Design 'Bricolage' Achieves True Zero Carbon Status Through Creative Recycling 

In a groundbreaking achievement for sustainable architecture, a conceptual design for a Spring Bay, Tasmania residence called "Bricolage" has been crowned the winner of Design Matters National's True Zero Carbon Challenge 2024. The winning design, a collaboration between architect Uta Green of Green Design Architects and energy efficiency assessor Rebecca Boyle from Aspire Sustainability, demonstrates how innovative thinking and creative material use can transform residential construction's environmental impact, while still achieving a beautiful and comfortable home that will sustain occupants well into the future.

Revolutionary recycling in construction 

The winning design's most striking innovation lies in its use of post construction waste for cladding. A 'Bricolage' is an 'artwork that has been constructed from random materials that happen to be available'. Bricolage house is clad in large format shingles cut out from waste construction materials, such as fibre cement, ply and metal. The use of recycled materials as cladding reduced the embodied carbon of the design significantly as well as resulting in a striking and playful exterior, demonstrating the joy of recycling. 

A unique approach to thermal mass was also integrated in the design: water-filled recycled glass bottles placed into key internal stud walls. This ingenious solution delivers a lightweight stud wall with thermal capacity comparable to a traditional clay brick construction without the embodied carbon as well as repurposing waste materials. 

"Each wall section contains 30 recycled wine bottles arranged in a 5x6 pattern, creating an effective thermal battery within the home's structure," explains the design documentation. This approach demonstrates how everyday waste materials can be transformed into functional building elements and is a fun way for owners to be involved in the building process. 

Finally, the design incorporated two prefabricated sections, stacked on top of each other, which can be demounted and re-used in various configurations in a new location, in the future. 

Setting new standards in sustainable performance 

The two-storey residence achieves remarkable energy efficiency metrics: 

- A stellar 9.2 NatHERS star rating 

- An exceptional Whole of Home performance rating of 124 out of 100 

- A modest embodied carbon footprint of 147.2 tonnes CO₂ (0.8 tonne/m²) 

- Projected to achieve true carbon zero status by 2042 

Side view showing the home's indoor-outdoor living space with a covered patio.

Technical excellence in every detail 

The home's high performance stems from a carefully orchestrated combination of passive and active systems. The thermal design features strategic window placement with a 38.8% glazing-to-floor ratio, high-performance uPVC windows with low-E glass (U-values 1.52-1.64), and a comprehensive insulation package including R6 ceiling and R2.7 external walls. The energy systems include a 14.52 kW total solar PV system (10.56 kW house + 3.96 kW shed), efficient heat pump technology for both space conditioning and hot water, energy-efficient induction cooking, and an LED lighting system operating at just 1.9W/m². 

Spatial innovation 

The floor plan demonstrates thoughtful consideration of modern living requirements while maximising energy efficiency. The ground floor features open-plan living spaces that flow seamlessly to outdoor areas, while the upper level accommodates additional bedrooms and flexible spaces that can adapt to changing family needs. 

Bird's eye view of the property layout, showcasing the rectangular plot with landscaping, stepping stone pathways, and solar panels on the roof.

Looking to the future 

"This winning design demonstrates that achieving true zero carbon housing isn't just aspirational—it's achievable today using creative thinking and readily available materials," says Design Matters National. "The project shows how innovative approaches to thermal mass and material selection can dramatically reduce both operational and embodied carbon." 

The project's success in reaching a 9.2-star rating, while maintaining reasonable construction costs, positions it as a valuable case study for future residential development in Tasmania and beyond. Its achievement of a 124/100 Whole of Home performance rating particularly stands out as evidence that exceeding current sustainability benchmarks is both possible and practical. 

Contextual aerial view showing the Bricolage house in relation to neighboring properties, featuring lush garden spaces and hexagonal paving.

Impact on policy and practice 

The project's innovative use of recycled materials and its comprehensive approach to carbon reduction offers valuable lessons for policymakers and building professionals. As governments across Australia grapple with increasingly ambitious carbon reduction targets, this Spring Bay residence provides a practical template for future residential construction. 

The home is projected to generate 14,415 kWh annually through its solar system, demonstrating how residential buildings can transition from energy consumers to clean energy producers. This aligns perfectly with Tasmania's renewable energy goals and provides a blueprint for other states to follow. 

The true zero carbon achievement by 2042 represents a significant milestone in Australian residential architecture, showing how thoughtful design can create homes that not only minimise their environmental impact but actively contribute to carbon reduction goals. 

Close-up detail of the facade's distinctive pattern, showing the geometric turquoise panels separated by yellow vertical supports, demonstrating the house's unique architectural character.