Open Field House, Muckleford — this one stops you in your tracks
There are sustainable homes… and then there’s this.
Tucked away on acreage just outside Castlemaine, Open Field House is the kind of place that makes you rethink what a home can be. Eight bedrooms, built to Passive House standards, and wrapped in hempcrete, but it’s not just the specs. It’s how it feels.
Quiet. Solid. Fresh air that actually feels fresh.
This place has been designed to sit lightly on the land while doing a lot of heavy lifting behind the scenes. In summer, it shuts the heat out. In winter, it pulls the sun deep into the space. All year round, the temperature just… holds. No constant fiddling with heating or cooling, it’s stable, comfortable, and calm.
And then there’s the air. A full mechanical ventilation system quietly cycling fresh, filtered air through the house 24/7. No stuffiness, no damp, no noise, just a really clean, breathable environment.
The walls are hempcrete, which means thermal mass, insulation, and a natural, breathable envelope all in one. Pair that with high-performance insulation and airtight detailing, and you end up with a home that uses a fraction of the energy of a typical build — reportedly in the top tier nationally.
The hempcrete installation was done by Respirabuilt who also helped out with the carpentry and detailing of the system.
But it’s not just a high-performance box.
Outside, it opens up into something much bigger:
- A huge dam anchoring the landscape
- Established orchard and productive gardens
- Rainwater harvesting at scale
- Systems in place for genuine self-sufficiency
It’s the kind of setup that could support a family, a community, or even a retreat-style way of living.
There’s also a strong sense of intention behind it. This wasn’t built as a showpiece — it was built for resilience. For a future where comfort, energy, water, and food actually matter.
And importantly, it still functions as a home. A big one. Flexible, accessible, and designed for people to live in — not just admire.
If you’ve been curious about hempcrete, Passive House, or what “next-level sustainable living” actually looks like in practice… this is one to see in person.
Full details and original listing available via Renew.
Disclaimer
HBD do not warrant the quality or experience of anyone listed on this directory.
We have relied on the information provided by the business and its representatives.
This site is not intended to provide and does not constitute building advice, or other professional advice.
This is an ad by Google
