Barwon Water & Third Ecology Architects

Barwon Water, in partnership with Third Ecology Architects and Daran Constructions builders, created the ‘Sharland Oasis’ house, which surpasses the requirements of the 5-star energy rating set by the State Government for new homes. It includes self-generating electricity via a ‘grid connected’ solar panel system; use of sustainable materials (reclaimed timber, reconstituted stone); a greywater treatment system; and below- and above-ground rainwater tanks.

“Sharland Oasis is designed to inspire best practice in water and energy consumption amongst new home builders and renovators,” says Stephen Vaughan, Chairman Barwon Water. “It’s also a project that will provide valuable information for the future with the Plumbing Industry Commission supporting the ongoing monitoring and reporting of its performance. This data will be shared to assess the long-term effectiveness of alternative water and energy sources.”

Its two toilets, washing machine, dishwasher and external garden taps are fed with rain water from various styles of rainwater tanks. All appliances are AAAA-rated and tap fittings are AAA-rated under the water conservation rating and labelling scheme.

The house also features a monitored greywater treatment system which supplies the garden’s subsurface irrigation system.

“Importantly, Sharland Oasis is getting the water saving message into the community; in the space of only three months it hosted 2,500 visitors,” says Stephen Vaughan, Chairman Barwon Water. “Sharland Oasis is a great educational example of how a home can conserve significant amounts of water without compromising lifestyle, demonstrating how the average sized household can save up to 168kL of water per year, or 80% of the region’s average.”

Following a two-year display period, the home will be sold and monitored over a five-year period to assess its ongoing water efficiency.

Sharland Oasis is open to the public three days a week and by appointment.