Crosby Architects in association with Lifehouse Design have won the inaugural 10 Star Challenge organised by the Building Designers Association of Victoria (BDAV).

The Flip Flop House design was named the winner after experts awarded a 10 Stars Rating, indicating that it will require no energy to heat or cool while in normal day to day use throughout the seasons of the year.

The name comes about as “with the installation of a solar power system this house would flip its energy bill upside down”.

The house is designed on a modular system to reduce waste during construction.

It is shaped to use as little materials as possible, its selection of materials is based on their sustainability credentials.

It is designed using standard building industry techniques and commonly available materials so as to be a useful model for the mass housing market.

The house is also designed to satisfy different family requirements over its life; from parent retreat/home office at the front, kids at the back to granny flat at the rear, teenage apartment at the front, to a separate tenant at the front.

The designers say the front and back can flip in use over time to sustain the building well into the future. It is also designed to enlarge with the extension of the first floor if needed.

The Building designers Association of Victoria stated:

Lifehouse Design in collaboration with Crosby Architects and Lewin Consulting have ‘ticked the boxes’ and given us a sophisticated, simple, elegant, house with a two-storey component. The modular wall treatments would facilitate minimisation of construction material waste and reduction of inefficient site labour processes.

The collaboration between Lifehouse Design, Crosby Architects and Lewin Consulting for the 10 Star Challenge developed from a shared vision to explore less energy-intensive building methods and products. This is supported by a genuine interest in wine, and creating more socially conscious, pleasing built environments.

http://www.bdav.org.au/10-star-challenge-finalists-2011

Architecture & Design Team

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