Wattle Bank Home | Sustainable Architecture in Victoria's Gippsland Region

The Wattle Bank Container Home stands as a remarkable innovation in residential architecture, challenging conventional container housing norms. Situated in the idyllic rural setting of Wattle Bank, located north of Inverloch in Victoria’s scenic Gippsland region, this home is set against a backdrop of breathtaking natural beauty that includes lakes, mountains, and pristine beaches. This unique residence is surrounded by expansive farmland and dense Australian bush, offering its residents quick access to coastal regions, extensive hiking trails, and captivating local attractions.

The property spans an impressive 10 acres of land, which is equitably divided between Amy and Richard, and Amy’s parents, Mark and Melissa. Mark and Melissa reside in close proximity and are proprietors of the modular construction company that crafted this unique dwelling, thereby bringing a personal touch to its creation.

Exterior Design: Beyond Traditional Container Homes

From the outside, the Wattle Bank Container Home breaks away from the typical aesthetic associated with container homes. The design eschews a traditional focus on the floorplan and instead captivates with its expansive wooden decking and a meticulously arranged gravel area featuring aesthetically placed planters that create an inviting atmosphere.

The home incorporates three 20-foot shipping containers, each positioned parallel to one another with a gap of approximately five feet. These gaps are ingeniously bridged by perpendicular corridors, which facilitate easy indoor navigation and offer the potential for modular expansion through the addition of more containers. This architectural strategy not only optimizes the functionality of the space but also significantly enhances its visual appeal.

Roofing and Functional Design

The roofing structure is thoughtfully designed with each container topped by its own elevated, sloping roof. This architectural feature improves air circulation, aids in cooling during warmer months, facilitates rainwater collection through an integrated gutter system, and supports solar panels that supply sustainable electricity to the entire home.

Material Choices and Insulation

The home’s exterior boasts a sturdy and durable design, thanks to the use of high-quality Colorbond steel cladding. The clever use of this material not only obscures the industrial origins of the shipping containers but also provides excellent insulation properties. The cladding plays a vital role in preventing condensation from forming and helps to maintain the integrity of the interior space. Furthermore, the installation of beautiful wood-framed windows with silvertop ash trim not only adds to the home’s aesthetic appeal but also contributes to superior thermal insulation. With this combination of practical and stylish design elements, the home is both functional and visually stunning.

Interior Design and Layout

Entering the home from the wooden deck, visitors are welcomed into the first container, which houses a spacious dining area and a modern, L-shaped kitchen. The uniform interior design across the containers features floors of Tasmanian oak and walls and ceilings of plywood treated with a low-VOC finish, imparting a warm, Scandinavian-like feel to the space. This aesthetic is further accentuated by the textured gaps between the plywood sections, a technique reminiscent of the famed Kangarilla Container Home in South Australia.

The central container serves as the main living space for the family, equipped with large windows, a comfortable L-shaped couch with integrated storage, and a dual workstation setup. It also houses a wood-burning stove, essential for warmth during the cooler months. The furniture throughout the home is predominantly custom-built and integrated into the structure to maximize space efficiency.

A passageway connects to the final container, which cleverly integrates a closet with folding doors and leads to a spacious bathroom designed as a wet room, elegantly finished with white subway tiles that extend up to the ceiling. The bedroom, located at the front of this container, features a bed built over extensive storage space, a full-width window, and strategically positioned reading lamps, enhancing both functionality and comfort.

Sustainability and Energy Efficiency

Despite its compact design, the home boasts an impressive energy star rating of 7.1, attributed to superior insulation, passive cooling techniques, double-glazed wood-framed windows, and a 3.75kW solar panel system. A substantial rainwater collection system further underscores the home’s commitment to sustainability.

Project Realization and Future Use

Amy and Richard are a couple who share a deep passion for travel and a desire for a simpler lifestyle. They wanted to create a living space that was both sustainable and innovative, and with the help of their family’s expertise and industry connections, they were able to bring their vision to life in just five months. Their investment of approximately AUD 145,000 allowed them to build the Wattle Bank Container Home, which has become a true testament to their commitment to sustainable living. Over time, as their family has grown, the Wattle Bank Container Home has transformed from a private residence into a short-term rental, adapting to their changing needs while maintaining its unique character and charm.