Gayemagal people
New South Wales
Holocene House by CplusC Architects + Builders is a pioneering carbon-positive residence and the first in Australia to be certified by the global Active House Alliance. Designed to feel like a “rainforest creek,” the home is centred on a biofiltered natural swimming pool and cascading waterfall integrated into a lush plant canopy.
The project exemplifies regenerative design, generating 20% more energy than it consumes and achieving complete water self-sufficiency. Sustainability is embedded in every detail, from the charred spotted gum (Shou Sugi Ban) cladding to the non-toxic, 97% recyclable material content.
The design prioritises local biodiversity through a dedicated bandicoot corridor and ensures climate resilience through a comprehensive 80-year lifecycle plan. By harmonising occupant wellbeing with environmental leadership, Holocene House offers a transformative vision for modern living that sustains life rather than just building larger.
Commendation for Residential Architecture – Houses (New)
This carbon-positive, biophilic project, incorporates a generous outdoor natural pool, with an expansive green canopy that unifies inside and out, creates privacy and refuge, moderates weather, supports wildlife from nearby bush and contributes to the home’s outstanding environmentally sustainable credentials. Holocene House is a tranquil family home, and the first residence in Australia to be certified by the International Active House Alliance. It is managed by a comprehensive Life Cycle Assessment process that reduces embodied carbon from project initiation through to an 80-year span.
Commendation for Residential Architecture - Houses (New)
This carbon-positive, biophilic project, incorporates a generous outdoor natural pool, with an expansive green canopy that unifies inside and out, creates privacy and refuge, moderates weather, supports wildlife from nearby bush and contributes to the home’s outstanding environmentally sustainable credentials. Holocene House is a tranquil family home, and the first residence in Australia to be certified by the International Active House Alliance. It is managed by a comprehensive Life Cycle Assessment process that reduces embodied carbon from project initiation through to an 80-year span.
Clinton Cole, Design Architect
Hayden Co’burn, Project Architect
Landforms, Landscape Consultant
Duncan Gibbs, Landscape Consultant
CMS Surveyors, Building Surveyor
ROR Consulting Engineers, Structural Engineer
QS Plus, Quantity Surveyor
Mitchell Brandtman, Quantity Surveyor
JH Gordon, Hydraulic Consultant