Sustainable homes

Visitors to The Cape will notice that the homes are architecturally different to those in most new developments. Quite a few of these homes have been featured in sustainability and architectural articles and the residents will tell you what a joy they are to live in. If you have an interest in architecture, sustainability or simply living better, then you’ll find lots to interest you here. Discover what goes into an energy efficient home here.

The design guidelines for homes at The Cape

Owners, architects and builders must refer to the Cape Design Guidelines when designing, building or modifying a home at The Cape. The guidelines maintain a consistent approach and approval process for home designers and can be accessed from the Live at the Cape website.

The Cape Design Guidelines reflect the input and expertise of some of Australia’s most experienced sustainable architects and designers. Site layout, design features and local services have all been thoughtfully packaged to work seamlessly together for the residents’ benefit and to create homes that have a light environmental footprint and low living costs. They help develop houses that are optimally sited, orientated, designed and built, for year-round comfort. Following these guidelines will deliver a high quality, attractive and sustainable home that is sympathetic to the site, neighbours, surrounding parklands and the coast. There is also a very handy Design Checklist (PDF 1.45MB) which can be used in conjunction with the guidelines.

Our sustainable homes in the media

The homes at The Cape regularly feature in the media. As we hear about them, we will provide links here, so you can see what is being written and researched.

How a cattle farm became a sustainable coastal community – The Guardian, July 2022.

The Strait House – The Design Files, May 2022

Evaluating The Cape – Renew, January 2020

Passive House design at The Cape – Renew, October 2021

The couple living in a carbon neutral home in Victoria’s picturesque Cape Paterson – Domain, May 2021

Zero carbon and climate resilient – Domain, January 2020