Residents of Randwick, Woollahra and Waverley Councils in the eastern suburbs of Sydney will soon have firsthand access to practical tips on sustainable living following the launch of a Sustainability Demonstration House in March. Barrett House, the former house of Australian film pioneer, Franklyn Barrett, was bequeathed to Randwick City Council on the proviso it be maintained as a community resource.
Sustainability Coach and Author, Michael Mobbs, led a project team, which worked on designs to retrofit Barrett House to make it more environmentally friendly, all within a budget of $15,000. The team will now work on implementing the design, with the house expected to open to the public around June or July this year.
The Sustainability Demonstration House is one of several projects under the three Council Regional Alliance, which was formed to reduce the eastern suburbs ecological footprint.
Randwick Mayor, Councillor Bruce Notley-Smith, said located in Randwick, Barrett House will be the sustainable house of the future, showcasing ideas for anyone looking for eco friendly solutions on the domestic front.
“It is hoped that people visiting the house will use some of the ideas on show in their own homes and help reduce the ecological footprint of the eastern suburbs, which is the main premise behind the house’s conversion,” he said.
The Demonstration House will provide a dedicated venue for residents, visitors and students to check out a range of practical sustainability options for the home and garden.
Woollahra Mayor, Councillor Geoff Rundle, said the house will include new products that use energy and water in a more efficient way, as well as local sustainable transport options. It will also be used to demonstrate how to use sustainable building materials and minimise waste.
“With Earth Hour just around the corner, it is a great achievement that the three eastern suburb Councils have established this important resource for local residents,” Councillor Rundle said.
Waverley Mayor, Councillor Ingrid Strewe, said that Barrett House shows people how to transform the average home into a model of sustainability.
“It’s a wonderful opportunity for residents to be able to see first hand what actions they can take in their own homes to reduce the consumption of our natural resources” she said.
For further information contact Richard Wilson at Randwick City Council on (02) 9399 0628.
