The Living Laboratory Owner Testimonial
Kerry Shepherd, Owner
“On the design of our home in The Ecovillage we needed a compact home that focussed on efficient use of space due to budget constraints. We ended up with a 2 bedroom home of 101sqm internal space and 75sqm decks that utilise the outdoor features that are accessible no matter what the weather. The internal space becomes the external and the area almost doubles so very easily just by opening doors. We have lovely views from every angle also and the home was afforable for us to build. The house works well with sun access during winter but the angles also work well to exclude summer sun. Will’s 3D modeling abilities made it easy to see just how the house was going to work aesthetically and thermally even before it was built.
Collaboration with Will was enjoyable as he listened to our needs and converted them to design. Our home won the HIA Greensmart National Building of the Year for 2008 as well as Qld’s Energy Efficient Home of the Year and other industry awards.
I recommended him to many other people in The Ecovillage and would do so again and again.”
Testimonial
Tyler and Sally Wood
“Not being the most savvy people to building terminology what we needed was someone who was clear and concise and talked in a language we could understand. Will’s approach to design and development far exceeded all our expectations and assumptions. Will delivers an outstanding product in a professional, timely and friendly manner. At all times we felt comfortable and in good hands.”
Testimonial
Denis and Clare Johnston
“We feel grateful for having been introduced to Will as our designer. His ability to blend our vision with his own brilliance in ecological sustainability resulted in a design much admired and with a special ambiance.”
Developer Testimonial
Chris Walton, Managing Director, Landmatters CV Pty Ltd
“As developers of The Ecovillage at Currumbin we have found the design input given by Will Collins to be excellent. Will has, on many occasions, offered valuable suggestions for sustainable solutions to design and construction needs.
His knowledge of the sub-tropical climate and how to design for it is very sound and his designs always incorporate sensible and creative ideas that enhance a homes’ comfort.
Will has designed all 27 homes that he has worked on within The Ecovillage at Currumbin to incorporate no airconditioning thus including good orientation, fenestration and climatic outcomes.
He has at all times been helpful in supplying information relating to design and construction techniques to us as devlopers and we have thoroughly enjoyed collaborating with him on the many occasions we have.”
Awards
- 1998 BDAQ Gold Coast Regional Award Winner
- 2003 BDAQ Gold Coast Regional Award Winner
- 2005 BDAQ Gold Coast Regional Award Winner
- 2005 BDAQ Gold Coast State Award Winner
- 2006 BDAQ Gold Coast Regional Award Winner
- 2008 BDAQ Gold Coast Regional Award Winner x 2
- 2009 BDAQ Gold Coast Regional Award Winner
Associated Awards
- 1998 Best Display Home QMBA Awards
- 1999 Best Display Home QMBA Awards
- 2000 Best Contract Home Under $125,000
- 2000 Silver Medal HIA Contract Home $250,000 – $350,000
- 2005 Gold Medal QMBA Awards for Renovation
- 2005 Bronze Medal QMBA Awards, Best Kitchen…..
- 2008 Nth Rivers / Gold Coast HIA , Most Sustainable Home
- 2008 HIA State Award Best Energy Efficient House of the Year
- 2008 QMBA Awards Best Home “Unlimited” Gold Coast
- 2008 National HIA Greensmart “Building of the Year”
- 2009 HIA National “Finalist” for Energy Efficient Home of the Year
The Living Laboratory Press Article
Will’s design for The Living Laboratory was the HIA-Boral Greensmart Award winner for ‘Building of the Year’ in 2008.
The Living Laboratory in Sanctuary Homes
Read the article in Sanctuary Homes (Issue 6, P.68) about Will Collins’ Design for The Living Laboratory home, winner of the HIA’s 2008 Greensmart National Building of the Year.
The Castle in Sanctuary Homes
Read more about Will’s design for ‘The Castle’, featured in Sanctuary Homes magazine (Issue 4, P56).
