Janice Gardner's Award-Winning Project: Hazel Tree Passive House

Janice Gardner embarked on a self-build adventure in the countryside after her children left home. Unable to find an existing house that met their criteria, they discovered a plot of land for sale with stunning countryside views. The site included an old pub garden and a nearby grassland field. Janice and her husband decided to build their eco-friendly home on this land, with the goal of downsizing and creating an environmentally conscious dwelling. They enlisted the expertise of architect Josh from Green Trace Architects, who helped them design a sustainable and modern home. The house is built using a timber frame with wood fiber insulation, and it is clad in a combination of tin and verceda. The interior features clay plaster finishes throughout. The couple also opted for passive house certification to ensure optimal thermal performance. The completed home offers a seamless open-plan living space, exemplifying their desire for a social and eco-friendly dwelling.