Forest Lodge ECO House: A Unique Blend of Contemporary Architecture and Natural Beauty

Residential Garden Design

The landscape design for the Forest Lodge ECO House is truly unique, further enhancing the contemporary architecture of the building. The external facade, green roof, vertical gardens, and water features were meticulously designed to ensure that the philosophy of the design flowed seamlessly throughout every element of the project.

One of the key strengths of this design is the use of engineered lightweight soils for the gardens. This not only minimizes the weight loading on the walls and roof but also reduces the need for extensive structural engineering, resulting in lower overall building costs.

The Forest Lodge ECO House boasts impressive specifications, with a land size of 89m2 and an internal living space of 120m2. The house features three bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a laundry. The carefully selected plant species, such as sedums and succulents, were chosen for their extreme drought tolerance, minimizing maintenance requirements. The vertical gardens are irrigated using a drip feed system, with water supplied by a 3,500lt underground water storage tank.

What sets the Forest Lodge ECO House apart is its interaction with the environment. The insulating benefits of the gardens eliminate the need for mechanical heating or cooling, reducing electricity consumption and minimizing its carbon footprint. The thriving gardens also attract flora and fauna to the area, creating a harmonious ecosystem.

The project, which started in July 2012 and was completed in August 2013, is located in Forest Lodge, Sydney's heritage precinct. The landscaping component took four weeks, including waterproofing. The Forest Lodge ECO House gained national recognition when it was featured on the television series Grand Designs Australia in November 2013 and was officially opened by the Lord Mayor of Sydney in January 2014.

Chris Knierim's research and experience abroad played a crucial role in the development of this sustainable design. His vision for a sustainability model tailored to Australian conditions was realized through the Forest Lodge ECO House.

Overcoming the challenge of creating a sustainable ECO home that seamlessly blends with its heritage-listed neighbors was no easy feat. The landscaping was critical in softening the sharp contrasts of the crushed black and white marble exterior walls. Additionally, the constrained site access required creative thinking for both design and delivery.

The Forest Lodge ECO House is not only a testament to innovative design but also a living piece of modern art. As the plants mature, the building evolves, creating a dynamic and ever-changing visual experience.

This exceptional design was awarded the Bronze A' Design Award in Landscape Planning and Garden Design in 2014. This prestigious accolade recognizes designs that exhibit strong technical and creative skills, contributing to quality of life improvements and making the world a better place.