The dwelling is designed as a north facing thermal passive dwelling optimized for cross ventilation, and thermal mass for both heating in winter and cooling in summer.  This dwelling contains a 3.4kW Photovoltaic system for electric generation, a gas boosted solar hot water system for the domestic hot water, and a solar hot water system for the pool and spa. Although the house is designed to operate in passive thermal mode, additional active systems such as an in slab hydronic heating system and a hybrid mechanical exhaust system have been implemented to cope with peak weather conditions.
Recycling of construction waste for use at other sites and this site was implemented. Materials were selected for their recycled content, low embodied energy, impact on biodiversity and durability with the coastal environment. The brick and concrete foundations of the original house were crushed and returned to this site and used in place of aggregate for back filling behind retaining walls. The concrete used for this construction is called Descrete and is claimed to have up-to 90% CO2 reduction compared with ordinary Portland Cement Concrete. All the concrete blocks have also been made using this same alternative cement mix.   Recycled bricks were used for the 2.4 metre high spine wall that provides the function requirements of public outdoor space, ground floor public space and entry passage.
The structural framing and cladding is made from PEFC certified timbers which ensures that the forests are sustainably managed. Joinery elements such as the black-butt stairs are recycled timbers and the landscaping is made out of recycled railway sleepers.   Captured water is stored in a subterranean water tank for use in the toilets, laundry, pool spa and landscaping. The water tank also acts as a thermal cooling device for the cellar.   The landscaping used natural materials, many recycled and a large variety of local indigenous flora from the local rainforest plants on the escarpment down to the sea side shrubs to help re-establish the biodiversity of the area.