Featuring expansive views of Sydney Harbour on one side and a dense national park on the other, Holocene House reimagines what it means to live in balance with the environment. Regenerative thinking is embedded into every aspect of the architecture, interior design and the furniture selections, making it Australia’s first carbon-positive residence to be certified by the global Active House Alliance.
Setting its impressive sustainability credentials aside, this home has a strikingly unique aesthetic. Stained-glass windows wash it in an ever-changing kaleidoscope of colour, and a greenhouse-like exoskeleton encases one side of the structure.
‘When I first met the client, Mondrian was the initial reference,’ says interior designer Jase Sullivan. ‘That is where our inspiration for the windows came from. The challenge was balancing those with the home’s stunning aspect. We had to be bold in our choices but make them feel cohesive and connected to the landscape.’
Using deep browns and neutrals to ground the design allows the jewel-bright colours to feel integrated yet playful. ‘Everything from the charred timber to the lighting and internal finishes was the result of a fruitful collaboration between all of us,’ says Jase, referring to the close working relationship between himself, CPlusC Architects and the owners.
Notable elements include stools made from melted-down fridges, 3D-printed beds crafted from recycled-plastic bottles and a coffee table designed from pink-dyed limestone.
Water also plays a crucial role. Fed through a biofiltration system of reeds, pebbles and charcoal, a stream originates at the rear of the house. ‘Water tumbles from the entrance and flows into a natural swimming pool that runs along the living spaces,’ explains Jase.
‘It is one of the closest connections to nature I’ve ever felt in a property. The clients wanted the house to feel like an adventure, where every turn offers something new. It wasn’t just about the obvious vistas; it was about creating surprises.’
Holocene House now represents a rare convergence of art, sustainability and architecture – it is a home that invites its inhabitants to reconnect with nature, while leading the way in regenerative design. For Jase, the project embodies a new paradigm. ‘It’s not about building bigger,’ he reflects, ‘it’s about building better, for ourselves and the planet.’ jasesullivan.com.au; cplusc.com.au
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