Castella

The Castella off-grid home is a thoughtfully designed high-performance residence nestled in the natural beauty of Castella’s bushland.

The client sought to build a home that would allow them to live harmoniously among nature while being entirely off-grid. Their vision was driven by sustainability and family values, with the house intentionally designed to be small, fostering togetherness and ensuring they only use what they need.

The compact size of the home allowed the family to invest in key design elements and quality fixtures while focusing on essential off-grid systems. A 19.9kW solar system, mounted on a shed with battery storage, powers the home, with a backup generator on hand for emergencies. Water needs are met by 70,000L water storage in tanks, providing a reliable year-round supply. Although the house runs on electric appliances, a gas hot water unit was chosen to reduce the load on the solar system, using bottled gas as an energy source.

Given the area’s high fire risk, the house was designed to meet stringent BAL40 requirements. Spotted gum cladding, paired with fire check plaster behind it, ensures compliance with fire safety standards while maintaining the home’s aesthetic appeal. The client prioritized low-maintenance materials, eliminating the need for painting or oiling external surfaces.

Despite challenges, such as meeting CFA truck access requirements that altered the design, the final result is a resilient, comfortable home. The double-glazed windows retain heat, while a wood-burning fireplace not only warms the home on cold days but also heats the concrete floors, creating lasting warmth long after the fire has been extinguished.