By architect Ben Wollen
A decade of sustainable innovation was commemorated during the 10th-anniversary open day of the Illawarra Flame House, designed and constructed by the University of Wollongong.
As a proud winner of the Solar Decathlon competition, this visionary project continues to inspire environmental design and energy-efficient living.
The Illawarra Flame House has stood as a testament to the university's commitment to environmental consciousness and cutting-edge engineering.
Over the past 10 years, the house has showcased the potential for renewable energy, energy-efficient appliances, and smart home systems that reduce a buildings environmental impact. Its low energy technology – such as solar panels, rainwater harvesting system, passive heating and cooling techniques – are benchmarks for sustainable living.
Most entrants in the competition come from international universities with well-respected architecture faculties and, in general, the impetus is borne by architecture staff and students. Particularly remarkable for the Flame house is the fact that the University team won the 2013 Solar Decathlon without an Architectural Faculty!
Whilst there was some input from a local architect, Mark Jones, I reckon the design would have benefited from some architecture students working alongside the engineers to really push the boundaries of collaboration. That’s not to take anything away from this remarkable house! I just know what it’s like when you get a crack team of students and staff working together on a project of this calibre.
And yes, this is a clarion call to the university to get an Architectural Faculty!
The open day held in mid-August, invited visitors to experience firsthand the lasting impact of the Illawarra Flame House.
Guided tours, interactive displays, and talks by members of the original team provided insights into the house's innovations, its influence on sustainability, and its role in advancing a low-carbon future.
Did you know it’s available as a holiday stay? If you’re researching a new sustainable build I recommend a weekend stay at the house – check it out here.
