Q. Where is the Sustainable Mandurah Home?
A. You’ll find the Home at 18 Grandmere Parade, Meadow Springs

Q. When can I visit the Home?
A. The Home is open to the public on Saturday and Sunday from 1- 5pm, and Wednesday from 2 - 4pm. You can bring a group at other times by contacting Craig Salt on 0412 223 031 or by emailing him at council@mandurah.wa.gov.au

Q. I’m not buying a new home. I’m renovating my existing home. Is it still relevant for me?
A. The Home is relevant to everyone who is interested in more sustainable ways of living, including new home builders, people who are renovating, builders and designers, or school and university groups. It showcases lots of products and ideas that can help you to reduce the environmental impacts of your home, such as energy efficient lighting and appliances, water-efficient appliances and waterwise garden design.

Q. How much does did it cost to build the Home?
A. Affordability was one of the underlying principles guiding the design and build of the Sustainable Mandurah Home. You can buy a house similar to the project home from the builders, Ultimate Homes.

Q. How long will the Sustainable Mandurah Home be open for?
A. It is expected that the Sustainable Mandurah Home will be open until September 2009.

Q. Is a sustainable home more expensive to build?
A. No, it shouldn’t be. If you incorporate simple sustainable design principles into to the design of your home at the earliest stages it shouldn’t have to cost you any more. For example, through careful consideration of orientation and internal layout you can fully utilise the benefits of the winter sun and summer cooling breezes. This should dramatically reduce your heating and cooling costs and save you money in the long run.

Q. You say that the house is designed for ‘universal access’. What does that mean?
A. Universal access means that the Home has been designed to be accessible and liveable for people of all abilities. For example, some of the special design features such as wider doorways, control switches located only 1metre above floor level and flat pathways mean that people in wheelchairs can live comfortably in the Home.

Q. Who’s involved in building the home?
A. The project is a partnership between the City of Mandurah, Mirvac Fini, Solar Dwellings, Sustainable Consulting and Ultimate Homes

Q. Do you have any special programs for school groups?
A. Yes, there will be special programs for schools available from term 3 2005. There will also be a special section on the website for schools coming soon.

Q. Can I organise a tour through the home for my group?
A. Yes, you can book a tour for your group by contacting Julie MacMile on 9550 3941 or by emailing her at council@mandurah.wa.gov.au

Q. I’m really interested in sustainable design and living. Can I get involved in the Sustainable Mandurah Home project?
A. Yes, the City of Mandurah has volunteers to show people features of the Home. Volunteers receive free training by industry experts, showing you the many features of the Home and how it works most efficiently.

We will be updating our Frequently Asked Questions on a regular basis.

If you have any further questions or if you require any more information about the Sustainable Mandurah Home just email Julie MacMile at council@mandurah.wa.gov.au. She will be happy to help you with your queries.