Award-Winning Unanderra Eco Property with Dual Homes Hits the Market
An award-winning, energy-efficient property in Unanderra, featuring two distinct homes in one, has been listed for sale, presenting a unique opportunity for savvy investors or eco-conscious buyers. The property includes a three-bedroom family home and a single-bedroom certified passive house, both of which have recently been used as popular Airbnb-style short-term holiday rentals.
Dual Homes with Sustainable Design
The main house was redesigned by architect Alexander Symes and renovated by Souter Built, a local construction company. The collaboration extended to the creation of the 'Pepper Tree Passive House', the Illawarra's first certified passive house, which has garnered multiple awards. Built around a pepper tree, this 60-square-metre dwelling features a u-shaped design with cantilevered wings that extend over a landscaped yard. Construction began in early 2020 and was completed in 2021, with the passive house initially serving as a company office and display home for clients.
Adam Souter, co-owner and director of Souter Built, explained that the passive house was designed to require minimal maintenance, promote occupant health, and use almost no energy. "I wanted to build something that needs no maintenance, is really healthy for the occupants, and uses next to no energy," Mr Souter said in 2020. The property boasts a small solar farm on the primary dwelling, with upgraded grid feeds aimed at eliminating power bills entirely.
Energy Efficiency and Market Appeal
Passive houses, a popular building standard in Europe, emphasize key principles such as excellent thermal insulation, airtight construction, high-performance windows, comfort ventilation, and thermal bridge-free design. Mr Symes noted that this approach focuses on creating a high-performance thermal envelope to reduce reliance on air conditioning. Mr Souter estimated that passive houses use 90% less electricity for heating and cooling compared to standard Australian homes.
The entire property, located at 25 Coachwood Drive on a 613-square-metre block, is equipped with 20kW of solar panels and a 14kW battery system, enhancing its energy efficiency. Selling agent David Greenwood from McNeice X described the front house as "stunning" and highlighted the passive house's uniqueness in the Illawarra region. Establishing a price guide has been challenging due to the lack of comparable sales, but early buyer interest has been in the mid $2 million range.
Investment Potential and Buyer Interest
Mr Souter suggested that an ideal buyer would be a "savvy investor who wants to purchase established Airbnbs", as the property offers multiple income streams. The family no longer resides there, making it ripe for full-time rental use or mixed occupancy. Mr Greenwood elaborated on the options, stating, "It could be someone who uses the property from Monday to Friday, and then also Airbnbs it. It could also be a full-time Airbnb investment, which brings in plenty of income."
Interest has been strong from buyers in Sydney, Canberra, and the Southern Highlands, attracted by the property's dual-income potential and sustainable features. Reflecting on the project, Mr Souter added, "There's been a lot of blood, sweat and tears put into it. But my wife and I are excited for the next chapter, and what we've got planned." This listing represents a rare chance to own a pioneering eco-friendly property in the Illawarra, blending modern design with environmental responsibility.
