Join us on Sunday 28 September for a special @home, when we will be visiting two homes in the Blue Mountains. Designed by the award winning studio, Anderson Architecture, Govetts Leap Bach and Off Grid House are great examples of sustainable homes built in challenging locations.
GOVETTS LEAP BACH - BLACKHEATH
This is a small house project for a New Zealand couple built to Flame Zone construction. Govetts Leap Bach is the latest in a string of bushfire resistant design homes and a benchmark in bushfire resistant design.Govetts Leap Bach has also been designed and constructed using Passivhaus principles to greatly reduce energy demand and provide a healthy indoor environment. These two methodologies go hand in hand, meaning in the event of a bushfire the home should be smoke free, due to its airtight construction and a ventilation system able to filter out bushfire smoke.
Govetts Leap Bach highlights sustainability does not represent a compromise on design or comfort.
OFF GRID HOUSE - MEGALONG VALLEY
Nestled in Sydney’s dense Blue Mountains bushland, Off Grid House acts as a premium benchmark for sustainable living under what can be extreme conditions while coexisting with nature. Boasting an 8.2 star rating, a holistic approach is ensured from start to finish of procurement and beyond into post occupancy. The modest, highly durable dwelling is net zero emissions in a BAL-40 / BAL-FZ setting; self-sufficient in terms of power, water and sewage.
The distinctive architectural form unifies two skillion roofs of opposing slopes to optimise solar energy generation over the living area, as well as passive heating and cooling to the bedrooms, bolstered by high levels of insulation and air tightness, an HRV, external shading and double glazing.
Rainwater collected from roofing serves all the home’s needs, and a worm farm wastewater treatment system manages sewerage. While being located in a bushfire-prone vicinity suggested using a concrete shell, the embodied energy is partly offset by cladding and decking which a low carbon product containing 60% recycled industrial materials. Trees requiring removal are reused in the home’s internal structure and joinery. The design enables a deep connection to nature at differing scales.
Simon said, 'there's something amazing about running off power that you've made and water that you've collected'.
Don't miss out on going inside both of these amazing houses in the Blue Mountains bushland with the architect. CLICK HERE to secure your ticket for the tour.
ABOUT ANDERSON ARCHITECTURE
Based in Surry Hills NSW, Anderson Architecture was established in 2002 under the direction of architect Simon Anderson.
Anderson Architecture specialises in the design and realisation of sustainable, high quality residential projects with a team of experienced architects who manage their projects from design to construction.
Their work has been recognised with numerous industry awards and commendations.
TOUR DETAILS
Location: Blackheath & Megalong Valley, NSW
Please note that the address and meeting point will only be forwarded to ticket holders in the days immediately before the tour.
Time: 10.30am - 1.00pm
Date: Sunday 28 September 2025
Tickets: $60 (Early Bird) / $65 (Public) / $50 (AAA Members)
Note: Company Members are entitled to free tickets (limited numbers) contact: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Don't miss your opportunity to experience these private residences, numbers are limited. Book your place on the tour, CLICK HERE.
Please note:
- Please do not attend the tour if you are feeling unwell.
- Article: Annette Dearing & Vanessa Couzens
- Image 2&3: Govetts Leap Bach, Blackheath designed by Anderson Architecture
- Image 1,4 &5: Off Grid House, Megalong Valley designed by Anderson Architecture
- Photographer: Nick Bowers