The site sits on the edge of the Cox’s River within the Megalong Valley bounded by the Blue Mountains range. The site has native wildlife & bushland and slopes towards the river, so containment of waste and potential contaminants was always in mind. The new house replaced an existing structure which ensured that other potential locations on the site remained undisturbed. The majority of the demolished existing structure was reused at the site or by neighbours or the correct method of collection and disposal was always used. The design utilises passive solar design principles with a combination of good orientation, high thermal mass from the concrete floors and walls, and high levels of insulation for roof, ceilings, walls and floors. Total captured rainwater storage for main home is 60,000 litres. Dam water was used during the build for certain elements. The Black and Grey Water is treated on site using no chemicals or spray system; it uses 100% exposure to the elements and UV Rays to clean and dispose of the water before entering the soil again. The solar farm supplies the electricity to the appliances, to lighting, to the pressure pumps, circulating pumps and hot water storage tank elements which results in an “off the grid” solution. The finished home is a bright comfortable home with a low environmental impact, sitting in a sensitive environment. It is a worthy Winner of the 2021 Excellence in Environmental Management Award.