Havwoods’ eco certified engineered flooring was part of the materials palette selected by the builders to improve the energy efficiency of an old Edwardian home in Brunswick, VIC during its renovation.

‘Enduring House’ is a grand old double-fronted Edwardian home on a leafy street in Brunswick West. The home has undergone extensive refurbishment with a new extension providing more space for the family of five. Energy efficiency was an important consideration throughout the project, which necessitated the selection and use of materials that would assist with the energy goals. This included use of Havwoods' engineered flooring from their PurePlank Collection.

The Enduring House project is a wonderful example of balancing a sympathetic refurbishment of an existing older home with the modern day needs of creating a home that is as environment friendly as possible. 

As certified passive house tradespeople, Chris and Jai from Pledge Custom Builders have applied some of the basic principles at Enduring House, such as ensuring properly installed and complete insulation, as well as using exterior membranes and detailing in such a manner that a high level of draught proofing was achieved. On completion, the house was pressure tested by certified passive house builders and achieved an 8.99 ACH rating, high for any type of renovation of an older home and a tribute to the builders’ passive house building skills. 

To assist with delivering on an important element of the brief – improving the energy efficiency of the home – Havwoods supplied Lucerne from the PurePlank Collection. Products in this collection utilise a click system resulting in tighter joins and are suitable to be laid over underlay, with both features assisting to limit air leakages – an essential component in creating a more environment friendly or passive home. In addition, Lucerne is an FSC certified engineered flooring and cladding product. This ensures it has been sourced and manufactured following strict eco-friendly practices for the safety and well-being of our ecosystem, wildlife and people.

Brave New Eco delivered a stunning concept and interior design with the tone and texture of Lucerne from the PurePlank Collection selected to complement both the old and new parts of the home. It created a warm, durable base on a palette of hardwood timber, porcelain/ceramic surfaces and brass details.

Photographer: Marnie Hawson