Simply sustainable home designs

Carbon negative home designs for the Witchcliffe Ecovillage and beyond

We’ll help you live in a better home and leave behind a better environment … to live lighter and wake every day cocooned in quality spaces, with a home designed to support - not drain - your resources.

Econests are a unique collection of carbon negative, highly energy efficient home designs created by multiple award- winning practice Arcologic and built by master builders Tallwood. We bridge the gap between one off custom design and the volume home market to reduce the uncertainty, time, cost and stress often associated with designing and building a bespoke new home.

We dream it.

We have spent several years working towards this unique collection of designs to offer as an alternative pathway to your dream sustainable home without the uncertainty, time, stress and costs of custom design.

They build it.

We partner with highly awarded local builder Tallwood to deliver your dream home on time, on budget and built to the highest quality. We co-ordinate the build process to smooth out potential issues during the project.

You live it.

Our mission is to help you live in a better home and leave behind a better environment . . . to live lighter and wake every day cocooned in quality spaces, with a home designed to support , not drain your resources.

Our Latest Home Collections

  • FARM.house collection

    The FARM.house collection is a modern interpretation of the traditional farmhouse with steep gables, weatherboard cladding, zincalume roof and vine covered pergolas. With raking ceilings and exposed trusses to living areas and a Chefs kitchen complete with Butlers Pantry, these homes are made for entertaining. Designed in two wings to maximise views and offer flexible zoning and privacy , this Collection is suitable for Family, Cottage or Garden Lots and are available in 2 , 3 and 4 bedroom versions.

    EXPLORE

  • BARN.house collection

    Inspired in equal part by the simple barn structures of the region and the design rigour of Mid Century Modern , the BARN.house collection is for those who appreciate the finer things in life but still choose to live responsibly. With wrap around veranda to three sides and extensive glazing, this home is at one with the environment . Feature rammed earth walls, a Chefs kitchen and high ceilings with exposed timber beams are features of this home. Available in 3 and 4 bedroom versions, suitable for Family and Garden Lots.

    EXPLORE

  • RETREAT collection

    The RETREAT Collection is inspired by simple gabled country cottages found in the small villages and country towns scattered throughout the Southwest. Designed with discrete courtyards to ensure privacy and access to winter sun and summer breezes , the collection is available in 2 and 3 bedroom versions and is suitable for Cottage, Groupie and Short Stay Lots.

    EXPLORE

  • SHACK collection

    The SHACK Collection is inspired by a simpler lifestyle reflected in the humble beach shacks found in the region. Simple, robust, informal. The Living room has ceilings raking upward to the winter sun giving a sense of space and openness. Designed around courtyards for privacy and winter sun, these homes are suitable for Cottage , Groupie and Short Stay Lots and come in 2 and 3 bedroom versions.

    EXPLORE
SEE ALL DESIGNS

“ The idea of designing from a blank slate is intimidating and we were worried about the additional costs and approvals process of custom design“

Dane & Mai , Karrack Crescent, Witchcliffe Ecovillage

  • “We cannot imagine living in any other home or how any other home could possibly fit as well as this one does. I love the way the house fits into its location and feels right from every angle."

    Greg & Jo, Southern Brook

  • “The spacious feel of the house is highlighted by the high ceilings and doorways throughout. The energy efficiency is clearly illustrated by the comfortable indoor temperatures no matter the conditions outside. Our home is easy to live in and we are very proud of it"

    Gill & Bouwe, Kulbardi Way, Witchcliffe Ecovillage.

  • "John listens intently and then has the uncanny knack of translating your ideas into practical and inspiring reality. He even knows how to incorporate two seemingly opposing views into an integrated whole at one with the environment.

    Liam & Cath, Dunsborough

  • “We found John to be inspiring in his approach to house design. He presented us with a unique design that made the most of the block and use of weather elements to create an inspiring, eco-friendly, energy efficient house while still taking advantage of the breath-taking views."

    Tony & Lisa, Leschenault

  • " We are living in a Tallwood built house, designed by Arcologic. From the day we moved in we have felt warm and cosy in the house. The high ceilings, tall doors, pergolas and total finish of the house is of a high standard. Cool in summer (without aircon) and warm in winter is something you can almost not believe. The Arcologic approach has certainly been a great help in making decisions about style, colour and fittings. That and a great builder has made the whole process very smooth and easy."

    Hans and Dagmar, Wannang Lane, Witchcliffe Ecovillage

  • “John listened to our wish list carefully and came up with a design that fits both our personalities. We are so happy in this house, it feels right for us and a big thank you for such a clever design to John and the team at Arcologic.

    Dave & Margaret, Bridgetown

  • " I had thought that I would need to engage an architect for a custom design given what I wanted for my home, but it has become clear that through the variety and originality of your Econest designs I could save on the considerable cost of this process, yet still get a home that feels unique and has genuine architectural beauty.

    Lewis, Karrack Lane, Witchcliffe Ecovillage

  • " I have been in my new home for two weeks today, I couldn't be happier ! Love everything about it, especially the view over the Middle Dam. Particular features I love are the high ceilings, large doors, light over the kitchen bench , shower and hidden laundry. Thanks for all your support and help during the build. "

    Gaye, Mulal Avenue, Witchcliffe Ecovillage

  • Your words here!

Why use an Econest ?

Save time

Using one of our pre-designed homes could save you up to six months off the design and approval process of a full custom design as we have already done 90 % of the work. In the current building market, time is money … costs can escalate enormously in a short time period resulting in your home costing more and you not having any funds left over for the nice finishing touches you may have wanted. Our build team is also highly effective in getting our Econests built with minimal delay, typically within an 8 - 10 month timeframe.

Greater Certainty

Our pre-designed homes have been designed to comply with the strict Guidelines and Lot requirements of the Ecovillage so that we can submit your plans in the knowledge that we can obtain approvals in the shortest time possible. We also know that our homes will exceed the Energy assessment and LCA requirements of the Ecovillage so there won’t be any nasty surprises that could derail your dream home plans. Our building partner Tallwood also offer fixed price contracts and timelines, giving you more certainty and peace of mind.

Ample Choice

The ‘Paradox of Choice’ states that when faced with too much choice the human brain can become overwhelmed and we tend not to make the choices we are happy with down the track. We have curated a set of home designs and selected finishes which aims to streamline the decision making process but still allow ample opportunity for personalising your home so that no two Econests are identical. We have already done the hard yards and sorted through hundreds of products to arrive at the most sustainable choices from our Product Partners.

Save money

By choosing a pre-design you are making savings on up front design and engineering fees of at least 75 % over Custom design. We can also negotiate special deals with our Product Partners that allow us to use premium products at a discounted rate. By designing Collections of homes whereby certain elements and products are used multiple times over several homes, we can unlock efficiencies and economies of scale that just do not exist in one-off custom homes. But we will not use cheap or inferior alternatives - we believe quality will last long after price is forgotten.

Renowned Team

We have assembled one of the most awarded and respected design and construction teams working in the South West to bring your Econest to reality. Arcologic (design) Tallwood Custom Built Homes ( building ) and Cotan Pty Ltd. ( engineering ) have all built a reputation as leaders in their field and have a good working relationship with the team at the Witchcliffe Ecovillage. We are also forging relationships with up and coming artisans who can provide unique finishing touches to your Econest, from bespoke timber joinery to stunning wall murals.

One stop shop

Once you have chosen your design and finishes, we pretty well take care of everything else, leaving you free to do what you do best. We will organise the site survey, energy ratings, LCA assessments, approvals through the Ecovillage, engineering and final costing through the builder. We can even organise your landscape design and installation and our Interiors team can help you with any special requirements you have. It really is a turn-key offering and we look forward to the Handover day where you get to live in what started out as simply an idea.

Latest Awards

  • 2022 Design Matters WA BUILDING DESIGN OF THE YEAR

    Margaret River “ Wing House ”

  • 2021 Design Matters WA BEST CONCEPTUAL / UNBUILT DESIGN

    “ Kulbardi House “, Witchcliffe Ecovillage

  • 2019 BDAWA OVERALL DESIGN EXCELLENCE AWARD

    “ Suburban Farmhaus” , Claremont

See all Awards