The Holocene residence immerses its inhabitants in nature, with abundant plants providing shade and flowing water reminiscent of a natural stream. Every room opens seamlessly to the outdoors, creating a harmonious living experience. This home carefully balances occupant health, comfort, and environmental performance, earning it the distinction as the first Australian residence certified by the Global Active Housing Alliance.
The current Holocene residence replaces the original structure, offering breathtaking views of Sydney’s Shirley Beach to the front and a national park at the back, surrounded by coastal shrubbery. This proximity to native vegetation introduces unique challenges: the design meets a Bushfire Attack Level (BAL) of 29 for fire safety, while also ensuring a pathway for endangered marsupials to forage freely and undisturbed during the night.
Built on principles of sustainability and transformative innovation, the Holocene Residence is designed to be self-sufficient and produce more energy than it consumes. From its exterior clad in low-carbon burnt fir wood to a natural swimming pool and the use of environmentally friendly, non-toxic materials throughout, every detail reflects a commitment to regeneration and environmental stewardship.
The homeowner wished to evoke the atmosphere of a rainforest, so the CplusC Architecture Studio designed the residence around a living water source. The water is purified naturally via a biological filtration system incorporating purification ponds, reeds, charcoal, and pebbles before flowing into a natural pool at the rear. This vibrant water feature enhances the spacious living areas and outdoor spaces. The water then cascades down a waterfall and recirculates, creating a self-sustaining water cycle ecosystem.
Upon entering the residence, you ascend stone steps beside the waterfall to access the living space. This area is enveloped by a tranquil stream and shaded by plant-woven curtains, seamlessly connecting indoor life with the surrounding natural environment. The air is filled with the soothing sounds of flowing water, while in the spacious double-height living room at the front, colorful light filters through stained glass windows, creating a dynamic interplay of light and shadow. Residents can wander freely, enjoy the water, take a refreshing swim, or relax on a mesh hammock suspended above the waterfall.
To foster a lively and intimate family environment, the residence adopts an inward-facing layout, deliberately avoiding direct reliance on panoramic ocean views. However, residents can access a private rooftop garden via spiral staircases or glimpse unique perspectives of Sydney Harbour through irregularly shaped stained glass windows. The colored light streaming through these windows fills the rooms with joyful and unexpected atmospheres, emphasizing the importance of harmony with nature and sustainable living.
The residence is designed for excellent climate adaptability, with energy production surpassing consumption. Its photovoltaic system generates 20% more electricity than the household requires, while an underground 15,000-liter rainwater tank ensures water self-sufficiency. The greywater system supports year-round growth of local plants. Additionally, the natural swimming pool serves as a storage reservoir that both circulates and purifies water, protecting coastal ecology and providing a habitat for local beavers.
Project Drawings
△ Structural schematic diagram
△ Garage floor plan
△ First floor plan
△ Second floor plan
△ Roof plan
△ Section diagram
△ Section diagram
Project Information
Architect: CplusC Architecture Studio
Area: 340 m²
Year: 2023
Photographers: Renata Dominik, Michael Lassman, Felix Mooneeram
Zhu C: Clinton Cole
Location: Manly, Australia
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