Forest Lodge ECO House: A Sustainable and Contemporary Design

Residential Interior Design that Reflects the Philosophy of Light

The Forest Lodge ECO House stands out for its ability to create the illusion of space. This was achieved by strategically incorporating highly reflective surface finishes such as mirrors, timber joinery, and a latex mirror ceiling on the ground floor. The bathrooms, in particular, showcase the black and white theme, with black glass mosaic floors melting into the walls and patches of white mosaics appearing until the walls reach the complete white mosaic ceiling.

Creating a continuum between interior design and interior decoration was essential for this project. The glossy black ceiling and kitchen are juxtaposed with the white polished concrete floor and mirror feature wall, creating a strong Yin and Yang effect that symbolizes life. Panton dining chairs and 3D photographic lenticular artworks in black and white of the Opera House parallel the light and space created in the design.

The Forest Lodge ECO House boasts impressive technical specifications, including a building envelope of only 89m2 and an internal living space of 120m2. The house features three bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a laundry. It incorporates double glazing to all windows, Fisher and Paykel appliances, glass mosaic tiles, recycled hardwood first-story floorboards, and electric ground floor rear folding doors. The house also utilizes LED lighting equivalent to only three 60-watt standard light globes, further enhancing its sustainability.

The Forest Lodge ECO House has surpassed expectations in terms of thermal performance. Despite experiencing hot days with temperatures reaching 40-43 degrees Celsius, the house has not required the use of air conditioning. This is a testament to the design's sustainable features and its ability to create a comfortable living environment.

The project, which started in July 2012 and was completed in August 2013, is located in Forest Lodge, Sydney, Australia's heritage precinct. It has received accolades for its innovative design, including the Bronze A' Design Award in 2014 for Interior Space, Retail, and Exhibition Design. This award recognizes designs that exhibit strong technical and creative skills while contributing to quality of life improvements.

The Forest Lodge ECO House is a testament to the successful integration of sustainability and contemporary design. By seamlessly blending eco-friendly features, a black and white theme, and the illusion of space, Chris Knierim has created a truly unique and inspiring residential interior design.