Great Ocean Road luxury lodge in Victoria, Australia

The saw-toothed roof system is unique, seeking to minimize solar gain in the summer, whilst maximizing solar gain in the winter months, the benefit of this feature is that through cross venting the house in the summer months we remove the need for an energy intensive air conditioning system, whilst in the winter, with the sun penetrating the building we reduce energy consumption for heating the house. The roof also enables guests to enjoy uninterrupted views to the Southern night sky through a sequence of full width sky lights throughout the Lodge.

From the initial planning and design the Architect considered in detail the natural environment and the lie of the land. The buildings design, earthworks and placement on the site, takes into account the land contour lines, with the aim being to minimize the lodges’ impact on existing water courses and drainage patterns, with an orientation to provide shelter from prevailing wind directions and favourably using solar gain to heat the houses.

Local and recyclable materials were selected. The bricks and stones have been selected as the building materials, avoiding the shipping of materials. Internal finishes include natural locally quarried blue stone. The lodges colour system draws the building into its physical landscape setting. Consideration in the orientation of the building reduces the unnecessary consumption of electricity. For the summer months, the buildings position and design utilizes the prevailing breeze and provides cross ventilation through the Lodge. In the winter months, solar heating is captured through the planned angling of the roof windows. Additional warmth is provided by the heat efficient open fire place, which is back filled with scoria - once heated continues to radiate heat over time, providing warmth long after the fire is extinguished.

We treat waste water to class one quality. We also seek to recycle water for grey water activities such as use in toilets. We use of low voltage LED lighting systems, both for energy efficiency and minimal light pollution into the night sky by restricting the number of white light systems throughout the Lodge. In the selection of appliances for the Lodges, e.g. fridge, oven, energy efficient models have been chosen. Cooking appliances utilize gas. The radiators all have thermostatically controlled valves.

We encourage wildlife and it’s a highlight of our guests stay to see the kangaroos on the front lawn at dusk. Environmental education: The staff have been involved from the point we started fitting out the Lodge and are aware of the different features. The have also been involved in discussions with our owner about all these points and therefore are briefed/educated. In their interaction with the guests they discuss these points. Guests are also curious and will ask questions pertaining to the design, architect, which opened up discussions on the different features.

We use where possible, organic produce and food products that are locally produced. Bottled water originates from Australia to minimize the impact of transport. Human waste is collected in our septic tank and there is a pig bucket for the foods scraps. The Lodge staff all live from surrounding towns, local to the Great Ocean Road. The Australian charities we are supporting are Australia Cancer Research Foundation and Starlight Children’s Foundation.