The Cassowary

THE CASSOWARY ESTATE, PORT DOUGLAS, QLD
“COST EFFECTIVE & SUSTAINABLE TROPICAL DESIGN”

Designed as an eco-friendly executive retreat, the clients had large ambitions as to the level of sustainability and self-reliance they wanted to incorporate within this project.

The facilities include a series of bed/ bathroom pavilions in between which sit lounge spaces as well shared kitchen, meeting and conference facilities. A big single roof covers the whole development, whilst below the roof the space for habitation is cut into the side of the hill. With floor and walls constructed in mass building materials ‘coolth’ is contained within the interior. Cross flow ventilation and forced convection in the roof space acts has an evaporative cooling effect drawing air up from surrounding ponds and water features. Minimal artificial air conditioning is required.

The Cassowary Estate project was a true collaboration by all consultants. Engineering in adverse conditions on a steep hill-slope the consultant and building team were able to provide a sustainable solution that has real sense of place and connection with its surrounds. Design engineered sustainable initiatives incorporated a total rainwater harvesting solution not reliant on town water supply, advanced tertiary sewerage treatment plant with recycled landscaping irrigation infrastructure, low energy fixtures & fittings throughout, passive ventilation systems and long-term life cycle efficiency.

On completion the project received a Regional Award and Commendation to the State Awards in the Residential Houses Category at the Australian Institute of Architects 2009 Architecture Awards