Bespoke Sustainable House Build – Balhannah

At The Crafted Timber and Building Co., we specialise in crafting bespoke, energy-efficient homes that harmonise with the natural beauty of the Adelaide Hills. Completed in 2016, this 8-star energy-rated family home in Balhannah exemplifies sustainable design, innovative use of recycled materials, and timeless aesthetics. It stays effortlessly warm in the winter and cool in the summer.
Milling fallen tree limb to turn into braces
Fallen tree limb being turned into braces
Timber framed brace
Timber framed brace and porch
Front porch, summer, 2024
Timber framed brace
Footprint in recycled brick
Footprints in recycled brick
Balhannah Kitchen
Balhannah Kitchen
Fireplace and sitting area
Balhannah frontage in summer
Custom recycled timber front door
Handmade swinging bench
Front fence
balhannah-verandah
Balhannah - Garden in summer
Balhannah - Chook area and garden
Balhannah - Garden and chook area
Ralph and garlic harvest, summer 2024

Project Highlights

A Sustainable Family Home

This home was designed to be a sustainable sanctuary, blending practicality and eco-conscious principles. The goal was to create a space that remains cool during the summer, warm in winter, and minimises environmental impact while providing a beautiful and functional family dwelling.

Recycled Materials and Craftsmanship

  • Recycled Timber Framing: Roof trusses crafted from recycled Oregon timber.
  • Reclaimed Bricks: Sourced from an old school in Norwood, used behind the wood-burning fire for thermal mass.
  • Natural Timber Accents: A fallen tree limb from the backyard was repurposed as a stunning timber brace for the verandah, adding a unique, personal touch.

Energy-Efficient Design

  • Double Glazing: Large windows and sliding doors maximize solar gain while keeping the interior comfortable year-round by reducing heat loss and external noise.
  • Insulation: A combination of high-density bulk insulation and Kingspan KoolTherm ensures stable indoor temperatures in all seasons.
  • Solar Orientation: The east-west orientation optimises natural light and warmth in the living areas during cooler months.

Permaculture-Inspired Living

This project embraces permaculture principles, integrating productive gardens, room for chickens, and spaces for fruit trees and vegetable patches into the 700sqm property. The design reflects David Holmgren’s retrosuburbia philosophy, emphasising sustainable suburban living that fosters connection with the land.

Sustainability in Practice

The Balhannah home is a testament to the benefits of sustainable building practices:

  • Energy Efficiency: The home performs exceptionally well, reducing reliance on heating and cooling systems.
  • Natural Materials: Recycled and reclaimed materials enhance the home’s charm and reduce environmental impact.
  • Eco-Friendly Design: Features like thermal mass, double glazing, and permaculture landscaping ensure long-term sustainability and comfort.

Why Choose The Crafted Timber and Building Co.?

With over 25 years of experience, we are dedicated to creating bespoke, sustainable homes tailored to your needs and values. Our expertise in energy-efficient design, recycled materials, and timeless aesthetics ensures every project enhances the Adelaide Hills’ natural beauty while promoting sustainable living.

Let’s Build Your Sustainable Dream Home

If you’re inspired by this bespoke sustainable house in Balhannah and want to explore building an energy-efficient home in the Adelaide Hills, contact us today.

  • Phone: 0423 159 488
  • Email: info@craftedtimber.com.au
  • Location: Adelaide Hills, South Australia

Let’s craft something extraordinary together.

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We love to hear from people about their projects and carpentry needs, whether you need an urgent project, or are planning for the future it’s a great idea to get in touch early to get the results you want.