Truth in advertising? Brave New Eco is a design studio based in Brunswick, Australia, that, as its name implies, marries sustainable practices with daring modern style. A few years ago, the firm was brought on to conceive thoughtful finishes and custom millwork for a new build in West Bend—and make it all planet-friendly to boot.
The house, oriented for passive solar heating and cooling, had been designed by MRTN Architects with energy efficiency in mind: “fully electric, with heat pump in-slab heating and a battery backup solar system,” writes BNE founder Megan Norgate. Given the structure’s seriously green creds, it was only fitting that the interiors be just as environmentally sound.
Below, Megan gives us a tour of the kitchen—and outstanding example of, if you will, brave new eco design.
Photography by Peter Bennetts, styling by Megan Norgate and Bea and Co, courtesy of Brave New Eco.
Above: “Sustainable materials are used throughout, including eco-certified spotted gum, locally made brass tapware, low VOC paints, and locally made lighting fixtures,” says Megan.
Above: The wall here is a mix of spotted gum wood, terra-cotta tiles from Artedomus, and green tiles from Academy Tiles. The terra-cotta Tile Linear pendant light is from South Drawn.
Above: The view to the den. A battened wood partition keeps the dishwashing station (at left) concealed.,
Above: The drawers in the window seat are used for “bedroom repatriation”; each family member is assigned one for corralling mislaid items that need to be returned to their proper storage spots.
Above: The counters are a mix of marble and tile. The induction stove is by Fisher & Paykel.
Above: Sliding mesh brass panels offer a lighter take on the standard wood cabinet door. “This is important in large open-plan spaces so that joinery elements don’t feel monolithic,” says Megan.
See also:
- Steal This Look: A Penny Tile Bath in Australia
- Above & Beyond: A Sensitive Remodel That Celebrates the ‘Undercroft’ in Brisbane, Australia
- Kitchen of the Week: A Sensitive and Considered Renovation, by Australian Kitchen Maker Cantilever
