Port Philip EcoCentre
The existing caretaker’s dwelling was transformed into a demonstration sustainable community centre and the first five star energy-rated residential dwelling in Victoria. It includes community meeting spaces, displays of sustainable technology, office, cooking and dining facilities, amenities and community garden.
The Port Phillip EcoCentre demonstrates a wide range of sustainable technologies and methods for energy and water efficiency, as an example to both existing and new housing. This includes reducing operational energy; embodied energy; rainwater to black water collection and reuse.
This project was funded by local government, state government, community groups, sustainable business sector and philanthropic trusts.
Community consultation commenced at the master planning stage and involved local community environment groups including Earthcare, City of Port Phillip and Heritage Victoria. The volunteer EcoHouse Working Group guided the project to construction and many tasks were completed by community volunteers to save on funds. Community stewardship and participation has remained a hallmark of the project, with literally thousands of hours of volunteer labour being crucial to the Project’s success.