Sustainable living in Mount Mellum landscape teeming with life and purpose
/What was once a weekend escape for family and friends, this incredible property on the picturesque slopes of Mount Mellum, has been strategically designed and curated with a fierce focus on sustainable living. Exuding a dynamic blend of natural comfort, energy efficiency and a commitment to environmental harmony, it’s a pristine example of an evolutionary, self-sufficient and modern homestead.
Purchased in 2017, this 35-acre property comprised of primarily dense native forest interspersed with open areas for cattle and a cleared house site providing a rustic holiday getaway. The vision for the property ventured far beyond a mere luxury residence to provide a lifestyle that embraced the flourishing natural ecosystem, and it became one with the landscape.
The beating heart of this transformation is based on the raw principles of permaculture. Decisions were consciously made with an appreciation of the existing environment and ways of regenerating the landscape. Rather than imposing on the surrounding natural habitat, it’s complemented and celebrated.
Self-sufficiency provided by closed-loop systems was the key objective of the property's well-considered design. Every step of the cycle needed to have a purpose, from growing and harvesting vegetables for self-consumption to providing scraps to feed the chickens, who then produced eggs and compost and fertiliser, which would eventually recycle back into the gardens to help build nutrient-dense soils. The result - a harmonious dance of nature's elements, creating a thriving ecosystem within the property's borders.
Food forest systems were also introduced to enhance the natural landscape visually whilst also respecting the local wildlife. These perennial forest systems and gardens play a dual role, providing an organic food source and acting as a natural pest control method by promoting the presence of beneficial insects.
Surrounding the homestead, rotational grazing systems see cattle carefully managed to play a vital role in maintaining the land's fertility. Waterways traversing across the property have been protected and regenerated with natural gravity-fed systems harnessing creek and dam water, requiring little to no electricity. The land's transformation into a chemical-free haven showcases a commitment to sustainable land management that benefits not only the homeowner but also the environment.
Driven by the pursuit of energy efficiency, the home's architectural design integrates a bold mix of features that are independently purpose-driven. From thoughtful window placements that ensure optimal airflow to enhanced insulation, a wood-burning fireplace with cooking capabilities, and a biogas digester turning kitchen scraps into cooking gas, self-sufficiency has been taken to the next level.
Call out quote: “The first rule of sustainability is to align with natural forces, or at least not try to defy them.” - Paul Hawken
So much more than an ad-hoc weekender, this incredible property showcases the perfect collection of sustainability efforts whilst embodying a sweet coexistence of luxury living and environmental stewardship.
The Property Lifestyle Edit had the privilege of showcasing this impressive property - a world where every detail serves a purpose and every element plays a part in a grand symphony of sustainability.
The magic of the ‘Golden Hour’ with the soft, warm light of the sunrise and sunset helped us showcase the natural beauty of this property, from its architecture, sustainable finishes and layout to its outlook, gardens and landscapes. Candid moments showing residents feeding chickens, enjoying the firepit and utilising the space also added a personal touch and highlighted the property's livability.
By capturing the juxtaposition of architectural elements with the backdrop of lush vegetation, we were able to portray the seamless integration of nature and architectural design and highlight the property's seamless coexistence with the environment.
Zooming in on the finer details that made this property unique, such as the solar panels, biogas digester, and energy-efficient features, we were able to offer an intimate glimpse into the We live in a world increasingly aware of the importance of sustainability and harmonious living. This luxury homestead on Mount Mellum emerges as a shining example of what's possible when design, comfort, and environmental stewardship converge. Explore its unique spaces and versatility, its edible and purpose-built gardens, and endless vistas through the lens of a camera, and you'll experience a vision that promises a brighter, greener for future generations.