CLIENT JOURNEYS

Off Grid Straw Bale Dream

Our journey with this project began when our clients approached us with a deeply rooted desire: to live sustainably within a straw bale home that was completely environmentally friendly. They had a picturesque Australian bush block, perfect for realizing their dream of an off-grid, eco-conscious lifestyle.

Location:

Construction:

Timeframe:

Joadja, NSW

Straw Bale Home Build 

Consultation, Design & Vision:

Their vision was clear: a cozy two-bedroom, two-bath cottage that would seamlessly integrate into the natural treed environment, utilizing solar warmth in the winter months. Embracing their passion for sustainability, we worked closely together to design a home that not only met their needs but also respected the delicate ecosystem of their beloved bush block.

Council Approval and Building in a Bush Fire Zone:

We shepherded the plans through to a set of documents for a Development Approval from the Wingecarribee Shire Council. This included installing 110,000 litres of concrete water tanks, obtaining Bush Fire, Flora – Fauna reports and geotechnical engineering for a Screw Pile foundation system.

As the block was in a Bush Fire zone – we were required to create an Asset Protection Zone around the home. Our client was adamant that as few as possible trees were to be cut down. With a careful survey of the site, we were able to do this with the loss of only two gums – where the home would stand. 

Commitment to Ecological Values:

We further embraced the natural resources provided by the land by utilizing “dead fall” timber from the property to craft handrails and balustrades, ensuring that every element of the home echoed the ethos of environmental sensitivity and sustainability.

As construction progressed, each step was taken with a deep commitment to our client’s ecological values, from the strategic positioning of the home to maximize passive solar heating to the integration of local materials that reduced transportation emissions. The result was a home that not only fulfilled our clients’ dream of an environmentally sympathetic living space but also stood as a testament to the possibility of harmonious coexistence with our natural surroundings.

The Result?

Our clients were thrilled with the outcome—a sanctuary that truly belonged to its environment, built with respect for nature and a clear focus on sustainability. This project was not just a construction endeavor; it was a journey of bringing to life a vision that extended beyond the boundaries of traditional building, creating a home that was a haven both for its inhabitants and the native wildlife surrounding.

Frequently Asked Questions About New Home Builds

We specialise in designing and building custom homes and cottages. We focus on creating unique residences that cater to the specific needs and preferences of our clients, ensuring every design is tailored to complement the natural beauty and character of the Southern Highlands.

The first step is to schedule a consultation with us. During this meeting, we’ll discuss your vision, budget, and timeline. We’ll also provide information on our building process and what you can expect when working with us from design to completion.

Yes, we assist our clients throughout the approval process. This includes preparing and submitting all necessary documents to local councils or private certifiers to obtain Development Approval (DA) or Complying Development Certificates (CDC) as required.

Key design considerations include adapting to the local climate, landscape integration, and making use of natural light. We also focus on sustainable building practices to ensure energy efficiency and reducing the environmental impact.

The construction timeline can vary depending on the complexity and size of the project along with the types of approvals required. Generally, building a new home takes anywhere from 6 to 18 months from the initial design phase to the final handover.

We adhere to a strict quality control process that involves regular inspections and supervision at every stage of the construction. We use high-quality materials and collaborate with skilled tradespeople to ensure each home meets our high standards.

Longshaw Construction offers a statutory warranty period of 6 years for structural defects and 2 years for non-structural defects, as required by New South Wales building regulations. This warranty covers repairs or replacements needed due to construction faults.

Absolutely! We help you to design the custom home of your dreams. If you can dream it, we can build it. Our goal is to create a home that perfectly fits your lifestyle and needs.

We are committed to sustainability, which includes using materials that are eco-friendly and energy-efficient, implementing water-saving fixtures, and designing homes to maximize natural heating and cooling.

We provide comprehensive post-construction support to ensure your satisfaction. This includes a detailed walkthrough to address any concerns and a responsive customer service team to handle any issues that might arise during the warranty period.

"*" indicates required fields

Name*
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
CONTACT US

Ready to make some improvements to your home?

CALL US TODAY

0418 230 912

FOLLOW US ON