Passively perfect: Architect’s Southern Highlands eco home hits the market

When Sydney architect Alice Martin designed the first passive house in the NSW Southern Highlands, the aim was to build an eco-conscious home that blended in with its cool-climate environment – energy efficient while capturing a luxe feel in this affluent part of the world. 

“My ethos is slow architecture, and I have those values and that’s what I put into this home and all the projects I work on,” Ms Martin says.

Now the luxury home at 48C Burradoo Road, Burradoo is for sale, an opportunity to buy a much-loved abode designed and lived in by the architect and her family.  

The contemporary four-bedroom residence is fitted with a large kitchen, living and dining area, two-bathrooms and a master bedroom with an ensuite. It’s set across two floors, where polished concrete and plush New Zealand wool carpets weave throughout. 

The passive home in Burradoo designed by architect Alice Martin. Picture: realestate.com.au/buy

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The passive house approach was essential for Ms Martin when it came to building her dream home on what she describes as a “hard block” in the Southern Highlands; but her architecture background meant she could invest wholeheartedly in her creative process and not cut any corners.  

Ms Martin relocated with her family to the Highlands in 2015, at first renting before they stumbled on the ideal piece of land – 2045 square metres of it – to build a spacious residence. 

“We chose the Highlands because it’s the most beautiful artistic and creative community of good people,” she says.  

The mother of three created a floor plan to suit a growing family; and one that gave her clear sight of the children with a central courtyard within view of kitchen, while also separating her from the noise when they were outside. 

The kitchen features black paperock cabinetry. Picture: realestate.com.au/buy

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The home’s passive philosophy is evident through its clever architectural design – where Ms Martin embraces the efficient use of the sun with the abundance of light that naturally filters throughout.

The internal heat sources and heat recovery within the home means there’s no need to rely on conventional heating systems when it gets cool in winter. The home is a comfy 20 degrees inside all year round; windows are triple-glazed and thermal efficiency indoors means concrete floors aren’t as toasty for toes.  

The family were living in a heritage home in Darling Point before making the rural move; and its century old architecture informed how she approach the design aesthetic in the country. 

Internal heat sources and heat recovery means there’s no need to rely on conventional heating systems. Picture: realestate.com.au/buy

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“I loved the texture of old bricks and the solidity of something that has been there over 100 years,” says Ms Martin. 

 “When I was building this home in the Highlands, I wanted to create that solid feeling reminiscent of heritage architecture of Sydney, and for it to have an ability to age as gracefully as a heritage home. That certainly helped drive the aesthetic for me; I wanted a home that aged well and didn’t require much maintenance,” she says. 

The silvertop ash clad home is designed to age gracefully.

“The cladding ages off grey, and it never needs to be treated again. It has the rustic finish and blends in with its environment,” Ms Martin says.

“In winter the home blends in with the trees around it; it’s designed to not stand out and in summer either, the greens blend in with the timber nicely.”

Trees are visible from every outlook. Picture: realestate.com.au/buy

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Inside you’ll find paperock cabinetry – made from paper, bonded with phenolic resin and heat-pressure cured making it a strong composite building material. The finishes are purposefully matte and not shiny; conjuring a resort mood which has relaxation front of mind. 

The open-plan living and kitchen – which you can also envelope yourself in as it’s tucked away from the action – looks onto a central courtyard; purposefully designed for Ms Martin’s family.  

“When the kids were outside playing, I wanted to see my children, but not necessarily hear them. The central courtyard has been designed is like you’re in the garden – you can access it from the inside, or get amongst it too,” she says. 

Brickwork is inspired by heritage homes in Sydney. Picture: realestate.com.au/buy

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In the main living space, you have visibility of the kitchen and TV room, but Ms Martin says you can close it off, too. The kitchen is equipped with an Ascot commercial grade cooktop finished in stainless-steel titanium and black paperock cabinets. You’ll spot a Myrtle tree from the kitchen window – and Ms Martin says it doubles as a calendar. 

“As the seasons rotate the tree changes alongside it, so you’re constantly connected to the rhythms of the seasons with the Myrtle tree as your reminder.”

The home is surrounded by nature. Picture: realestate.com.au/buy

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A drawcard is the upstairs retreat which gives the sense of respite from the happenings of downstairs. It features a main bedroom with a spacious ensuite and walk-in-robes, an office space and a living room which can double as a craft zone. A private deck looks out on the trees, giving a sense of escapism.   

“It’s been designed to feel like a humble home that’s friendly,” says Ms Martin. “It’s a welcoming home that’s authentic and values driven.” 

The bathrooms feel like you’re in a resort; designed to feel dreamy and tactile.   

The upstairs retreat allows respite from the ground floor entertaining areas. Picture: realestate.com.au/buy

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“I wanted to bring a minimalist design feel to these spaces but with warmth,” says Ms Martin. 

“We have three children, so the main bathroom was designed for all of them to be in there at once and never feel claustrophobic. There is lightness through the windows and the matte finish was intentional.”

It’s also designed for wheelchair access with non-slip floors in the bathroom, too.  

The luxury designer home is a few minutes-drive from Bowral and only 90 minutes from Sydney. A chance to live close to nature and do so with refined luxury.

“For me, the home had to make the most of the beautiful natural light – so I really focused on that with the design of this home. You rarely need to turn the lights on during the day which does give it that softness and you do feel alive in the space,” says Ms Martin. “I love that you don’t feel blasted with artificial lighting all day long; it really connects you to the beauty of nature you find here.”