It’s the quintessential Australian dream — to own a home. But with many traditional builders facing difficulties, lengthy build times, and an increased need for housing with environmental considerations, buying your dream home isn’t as simple as it once was. And with imminent effects of climate change, there’s also the question of sustainability: how do you build a home that stands the test of time and has a minimal impact on the environment?
Inspired by the Australian landscape and lifestyle, Ecoliv aims to make the dream happen, ‘naturally’. Ecoliv’s story started in 2008 when founders Ashley and Esme Beaumont saw a need in the Australian housing market for a truly sustainable building option. Now they’re Australia’s leading builders of sustainable prefabricated (prefab) modular homes that offer comfort and sophisticated design without compromising the planet.
Ashley explains the ethos behind the business: ‘Our goal is to be a regenerative business. This means pushing the boundaries to restore and renew the environment and provide benefits to people. We aim to make sustainability the norm in the homes we build and how we build them, working to transform the housing industry itself.’
The idea behind prefab homes is simple: homes are built in a manufacturing facility and then transported as whole volumetric modules to site. Shorter build times, cost efficiencies, customisable design, and a streamlined construction process are just some of the benefits for Ecoliv home owners.
Ecoliv homes are made to blend into unique Australian landscapes and withstand the harsh weather elements while providing comfort and efficient design.
The modular homes come in EcoGeneration, EcoLiving, and EcoSanctuary ranges, with EcoHut range catering for those looking for a smaller cabin or a studio. All homes are built in their Gippsland manufacturing facility and designed to suit each site and be as energy efficient as possible.
The business is committed to all areas of sustainable building in their design, including considerations in energy efficiency, water efficiency, air quality, materials, and waste reduction.
Building homes that store more carbon than they emit is beneficial for both the environment and people. Ecoliv homes use passive solar design principles, insulation, and optimal orientation to ensure year-round comfort, optimal air quality, and lowest possible running costs.
Building materials are locally sourced and renewable, with timber sourced from Gippsland’s renewable plantations. All homes are fitted with solar power and a minimum of a 10,000 litre water tank to reduce reliance on mains power and water.
All these features are carefully considered to ensure each home limits impact on the surrounding environment.
‘In the face of climate change, we must find more sustainable ways to bring our dream homes to life,’ Ashley says. ‘I’m driven to steer Ecoliv into a future that designs and builds truly adaptive and responsive homes that minimise negative environmental impacts whilst maximising comfort and wellbeing.’
There are big things on the horizon for Ecoliv. They want to take sustainable modular homes mainstream — and educate consumers in the process.
‘In addition to growing our carbon neutral and carbon positive ranges, we’re creating The EcoHub — a sustainable living and off grid construction facility. It’s a purpose-built, fully automated facility and an educational precinct,’ Ashley explains.
Sustainability and responsibility are woven into the core of the business, backed by a number of rigorous accreditation processes the business has undergone to achieve the highest standards of sustainable construction. They’re a certified B Corporation, Climate Active member, and part of Greenfleet and HIA GreenSmart, which Ashley says all contribute to the legacy they want to leave for people and the planet.
‘Our goal is to be a regenerative building company supporting a healthy planet, resilient local ecosystems, and a thriving local community.’
Want to know more about Ecoliv homes? Visit their website here.
