The client wanted the house to be as self-sufficient and independent as possible, inexpensive to maintain and live in, and utilize available natural resources.  -    The four key construction objectives were:    1.    Creating a small footprint on the property;  2.  Harnessing solar energy for heating and electricity;  3. Capturing and utilizing as much water as nature would provide;  4. Leaving as much ‘usable’ land for growing fruit and vegetables....     The house is planned in accordance with solar design principles with all the living spaces and two of the three bedrooms located to the north, with appropriate roof overhang to shade the hot summer sun, while allowing the winter sun to penetrate.  The external walls are reverse mass construction, with light weight cladding on the outside of insulated block walls, where the internal mass reduces the internal temperate variation, keeping the house comfortable throughout the year.  All the windows are double glazed with low E glass to reduce winter heat loss. A high level duct shifts heat from the living space to two of the bedrooms. Reversible ceiling fans throughout help for both summer and winter comfort. A wood fired Bakers oven helps with winter comfort while also used for cooking during winter.  Evacuated tube solar water heating with natural gas boosting provides hot water. A 150,000 litre water tank is used for collecting rain water, with the waste water being fully treated on site and used for landscaping. A 5 kW grid connected solar power system feed surplice power into the grid during the day and reduces the running costs. LED lighting throughout and energy efficient appliances further reduce the running costs.  For a 12 month period the household expenses for water were $0, for electricity $55.85 and for Gas $145.60, meeting the design brief. This design has resulted in a self-sufficient home with reduced operating costs and providing  comfort throughout the year. It is a worthy of a Merit for the Excellence in Energy Efficiency Award for 2014.