Terrace House is an exemplar of triple bottom line development, founded on three principals of Environmental, Financial and Social Sustainability. All given equal weight.
![](/getmedia/6edabb0c-0a69-4f55-906a-479088c76cdb/1657592148337-03_terracehouse_austinmaynardarchitects_photo_derekswalwell.aspx)
Terrace House is an evolution of apartment living. As architect and developer, it offered Austin Maynard Architects a way to create ethical, sustainable, cost-effective housing, while also allowing the community to craft an outcome that suits their needs and wants.
![](/getmedia/9030d328-2c74-4bde-bdf9-fec37b616ab2/1657592168102-06terracehouse_austinmaynardarchitects_photo_maitreyachandorkar.aspx)
Terrace House is an ethical, beautifully designed, highly sustainable and 100 percent fossil fuel free building in Melbourne. Terrace House takes a revolutionary approach to housing and delivers community-focused, environmentally, socially, and financially sustainable homes that are robust and resilient in the face of the growing climate crisis.
![](/getmedia/9becc407-6e8c-4a1e-8ab9-fa792312c604/1657592246617-04_terracehouse_austinmaynardarchitects_photo_derek_swalwell.aspx)
Located on a busy high street, close to all amenities, the building comprises 20, (two- and three-bedroom residences, with 55 bike parks and three commercial spaces. Intended as owner-occupier, Terrace House is the re-imagining of a former inner-city suburban life, where rows of worker’s cottages generated a close community. Shared childminding, communal gardens, neighbourly lending and borrowing – these ideals are the basis of Terrace House. These are not apartments but terrace houses, stacked six storeys high.
![](/getmedia/8527cbad-4794-4199-9758-8bc37444e96c/1657592276438-14_terracehouse_austinmaynardarchitects_photo_maitreyachandorkar.aspx)
The average Australian home measures 233 square metres and is, typically poorly designed, high maintenance and inefficient in terms of space and energy. By contrast, small inner-city apartment buildings seek to maximise returns. Responding to the unique site (a long block measuring 10 metres by 57 metres) the design emulates traditional terrace house plans – homes with big external outlooks, a front veranda, a study, and a shared ‘backyard’ on the roof.
![](/getmedia/a7fb3062-88d3-4615-8cda-e0f1cbe583f2/1657592330823-08_terracehouse_austinmaynardarchitects_derekswalwell.aspx)
Multi-residential buildings are required to achieve 6 stars, within the Australian building code certification method. Terrace House is 8.1. Internationally equivalent to a 6-star Green Star rating (considered world leading) and ‘Platinum’ LEED and BREEAM ‘Outstanding’ classification.
![](/getmedia/1ac68460-474d-4566-a47f-4b432c2f650d/1657592341687-10_terracehouse_austinmaynardarchitects_derekswalwell.aspx)
All the sustainable products used in this build:
- Concrete 50% Cement Replacement (Fly Ash) Recycled aggregate.
- Proportion of recycled water used. Target 50%. Achieved 100%
- 11kw Solar PV System. Embedded network with 100% Green Electricity. Induction cooktops and Electric BBQ
- Low VOC
- Apartment Master Switch
- 90% Construction Waste Recycled
- Dedicated waste room with recycling facilities. Batteries & Electronic waste. Worm Farm.
- 10,000L Rainwater tank used for landscape
- 7,000 Stormwater detention Tank for reuse
- Melbourne Water Storm Rating of 133%
- High efficiency WELS rating for all fixtures
- Brass, locally made fixtures
- Electric Heat Pump for Hot Water
- Water Sensitive Landscaping
- Recycled Clay Red Brick Facade
- FSC Timber
- WSACAP Steel
- R4.0 Wall Insulation
- R6.0 roof insulation
- U = 2.7 glazing
- Energy Recovery Ventilators
- Lightwells with Cool Mist
![1657592932763-terracehouse_austinmaynardarchitects_plan01-1.jpeg 1657592932763-terracehouse_austinmaynardarchitects_plan01-1.jpeg](/getattachment/Projects/Multi-Residential/2022-Sustainability-Awards-Multi-residential-dwell/1657592932763-terracehouse_austinmaynardarchitects_plan01-1.jpeg.aspx)
Products used:
Lighting: Clipsal, Ambience Lighting. Fittings & Fixtures: Sussex. Fisher & Paykel
![](/getmedia/637e23b6-50cd-4b08-921b-47664383fc7d/1657592947035-terracehouse_austinmaynardarchitects_elevation02.aspx)
Sponsored by Electrolux