Eko:bode

A new benchmark for affordable, eco-friendly living

Project Progress

Project Details

Horizon Housing are challenging the notion that ‘green’ housing is a more expensive option with our Eko:bode development situated in a sought-after location on Monaco St, Surfers Paradise.

We are working with award winning Koho Designers and a number of sponsors to deliver affordable accommodation which is intended to be one of the first city-based developments to be effectively ‘off-grid’ for both water (with all internal and gardening water collected from the roof) and electricity (with sufficient solar systems to generate electricity equal to the amount used). While town planning regulations require connection to the water and electrical grid, the property will target net-zero ongoing energy and water use.

This project will pilot a number of cutting-edge techniques to create a template for affordable, sustainable developments in the future. This housing project, which offers affordable ecofriendly housing, has been identified as a new model for affordable sustainable development.

In keeping with this ‘eco-friendly’ theme, Ekobode will comprise a number of communal amenities, including shared kitchens, laundries and lounges, ample bicycle parking on site and possibly shared vehicles available for tenant use. Additionally, the development will be situated just 100 metres from the new Rapid Transit line, allowing residents easy access to public transport.

This project will not only deliver an innovative solution to housing sustainability it will also address a growing community need for short term affordable housing on the Gold Coast. The development will strictly be a residential complex with 3 – 6 month leases available to suit those moving to the Gold Coast to find work or current workers needing to reduce rent in the short to medium term.

Apartments will be made available fully furnished at 25 per cent below market rent. Energy and water consumption is expected to be up to 40 per cent below average, plus solar and water treamant systems will target a net zero water or power consumption, allowing any utility costs to be included in the rent.

We will harness this project to demonstrate that low cost does not equate to low quality. Ekobode has been designed by the renowned award-winning team at Koho Architects and will feature a stylish façade and modern fittings and finishes. A manager will live at Ekobode to ensure the building presents to a high standard at all times, providing ongoing quality accommodation for key workers in the community.

We are currently looking to collaborate with like-minded local businesses that are able to donate construction materials or provide sponsorship or a discount for Ekobode. If you have a new sustainable product that needs recognition or awareness, we may be able to help you. Project partners would receive recognition through a comprehensive marketing and publicity program, including media coverage, on site signage, inclusion on HHC Website and invitations to the Ekobode launch event and media calls.

Sponsors

We would like to thank our current sponsors who include;

ecolour is an Australian manufacturer of premium quality, climate friendly paints. Free of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), our paint promotes the best possible indoor air quality that is non-toxic to people and the environment. Suitable for residential, commercial and retail applications, the ecolour range includes interior, exterior and timber finishes. Competitively priced with mainstream alternatives, ecolour paints can be tinted to any colour and provide excellent coverage, durability and finish.


	Aqua Clarus produce both domestic greywater and blackwater treatment systems and larger commercial greywater and blackwater treatment systems. Aqua Clarus systems are totally 100% environmentally friendly.
	A&L specialises in unique and well-crafted Aluminium windows and doors. A&L has been manufacturing windows and doors for over 30 years.
	Greenfirst underpins The Laminex Group's environmental approach. Committed to driving sustainable building practices, The Laminex Group are striving to deliver more sustainable product solutions and reducing environmental impact.
	BC Solar has enjoyed great success in supplying the domestic residential Market in recent years. With the recent reduction of the feed-in-tariff announced by the Queensland Government, BC Solar have refocussed itself for servicing the Commercial and Industrial markets. With tax incentives to the business sector, the return on renewable energy as an investment will make this option a very attractive consideration. With new suppliers of ground mount and solar tracker systems now available, the company is expanding its market to the rural and remote areas to provide options for those outside the grid system.

Consultants

Koho Affordable Housing: Architects for the project and the developers of the Koho Model. Horizon and Koho have collaborated previously on other projects. Koho are innovative designers, who measure their success using a triple bottom line of social, environmental and financial outcomes. To date, Koho has successfully delivered over 100 affordable housing outcomes for single people in 22 locations.

Rivergum Homes: Rivergum Homes have been selected as builders for this project because they pride themselves on consistently delivering innovative, quality, affordable homes that exceed expectations. Rivergum Homes have been recognised for innovation and as a result has won no fewer than 20 industry awards.Their award-winning homes are recognised for their uncompromising quality, value and individuality.