The Coledale Rainforest Retreat is nestled in a Rainforest under the escarpment  at Coledale. The site had been used historically as a coal mine pony paddock and was zoned as environmentally sensitive. The site is now used as an environmental education centre and base for rain forest walks with a Managers Residence included.  The clients asked Matt to build them a high quality home that was beautiful but not pretentious, and to incorporate as many environmentally sound principles into the home as possible within a decent but not unlimited budget.  The construction certificate had to fulfill one hundred and seventy two conditions placed on the approval, all of which were fulfilled.  The principles of passive solar design were used as a basis for the home, where all windows and doors are double glazed in timber frames. All the glazing is externally shaded with north passive overhangs, west by the escarpment, and east by the rainforest. Automated internal blockout blinds limit summer daytime solar gains and winter night time heat loss and to limit light pollution to the escarpment.   High level of natural light in all rooms, with additional lighting from low energy T5 and compact fluorescent, and LED lights. All appliances are industry best practice MEPS rated.  High thermal mass concrete was used for floors and walls, with wall insulation to R2.5 total, and ceiling/roof insulation to R3.5 total. Stack ventilation and multiple path cross ventilation to all bedrooms and living areas, with ceiling fans to all living areas and bedrooms. Ground source heat pump is used for heating and additional cooling of the home. Ground source heat pump is also used for pool and spa heating.   There is a 110,000 litres rain water storage tank and an onsite full waste water treatment, which recycles wastewater to the garden. Solar hot water with electric backup supplies the domestic hot water, and a 10 kW peak Photovoltaic array supplies the majority of the electicity.  The home achieved Carbon Zero status when the swimming pool is excluded, and the home has no energy bills and no greenhouse emissions.  The finished home clearly shows that making decisions based on environmentally sound principles can still result in an aesthetically pleasing product.