Ecolibrium Designs

12/10/2026

🌱 An award-winning riverside eco-cottage

One of Ecolibrium’s award-winning residential designs, the Hunnam Residence was created to be exceptional in quality and environmental performance, without being excessive.

Our design brings together a series of interlinked volumes that progressively rise towards the river, creating a distinctive architectural form while maintaining a strong connection with the gardens and landscape.

Careful planning makes efficient use of space, with minimal circulation, comfortable room proportions and flexible living areas. A timber-plinth stair rises through the double-height space to a mezzanine study, adding warmth and character to the home.

The project was recognised at the 2014 BDAQ State Awards with three awards: Best Sustainable Design, Best New Home up to 250m² and Best Use of Colorbond Steel. It also received Best New Home up to 250m² at the BDAQ Regional Awards.

Read more about the Hunnam Residence in the portfolio section on our website.

Interested in exploring ideas for your own home? Get in touch with our team to start the conversation.

[email protected]
07 5442 8155
2/101 Memorial Dr
Eumundi QLD

07/10/2026

🌿 Celebrating Sustainable Inclusive Design

What can happen when design is shaped by community, built with natural materials and created to bring people together?

The Permaculture Noosa Community Pavilion at Cooroy Community Gardens is a wonderful example of sustainable, inclusive design in action, and this year we’re excited to be part of the Sunshine Coast Open House Program.

This year’s theme, Sustainable Inclusive Design, celebrates the role of architecture and design in creating spaces that are environmentally responsible, accessible, welcoming and connected to community.

The pavilion is a wonderful example of this in practice. Designed collaboratively with Ecolibrium and Permaculture Noosa, and shaped by volunteers, local organisations and the wider community, it was created as a place for people to come together, learn, share and connect with the natural environment.

From its natural materials and cob walls, created through hands-on community workshops, to the surrounding permaculture gardens, the project demonstrates how thoughtful design can support both environmental and social wellbeing.

Together with Permaculture Noosa, we will be opening the pavilion and gardens to the community alongside as part of Sunshine Coast Open House 2026.

Join us for a free guided tour:
Sunday 25 October, 10am
Permaculture Noosa Community Pavilion, Cooroy Community Gardens
No bookings required. This is a free event.

Come along, explore the pavilion, wander through the surrounding gardens and discover the story behind this community-led project.

🎥: Christopher Puro, Bueno Design

29/09/2026

🌿 This year, we are thrilled to be part of the Sunshine Coast Open House 2026 program, celebrating inspiring buildings, gardens, landscapes and spaces across the region.

Join Ecolibrium and Permaculture Noosa for a free guided tour of the Permaculture Noosa Community Pavilion at the Cooroy Community Gardens on Sunday 25 October from 10am.

Designed collaboratively with Ecolibrium from 2020 and completed in stages through to 2023, the pavilion is a wonderful example of what can be created when sustainable design, community participation and a shared vision come together.

The project was shaped by volunteers, local organisations, funding partners and the wider community, with the pavilion designed as a place for connection, learning, wellbeing and environmental stewardship. A particularly special part of the project was the hands-on natural building workshops, where community members learned traditional cob-building techniques and helped create the pavilion's beautiful cob walls.

Today, the pavilion is a vibrant community hub surrounded by productive permaculture gardens. It provides a welcoming space for workshops, shared meals, harvest swaps, sustainability education, gardening activities, cultural events and community connection.

Come along to explore the pavilion, discover the surrounding gardens and hear more about how community-led collaboration and sustainable, regenerative design helped bring this special project to life.

Sunday 25 October 2026 | 10am
Permaculture Noosa Community Pavilion, Cooroy Community Gardens
Free event, no bookings required

📸: Christopher Puro, Bueno Design

17/09/2026

🌱 A home where the sustainable design solutions became part of the architecture.

Two pavilions sit across three levels, connected by a central landscaped breezeway. Pergolas and stepped roofs bring the Japanese influence into the design, while the timber decks, water tanks and open connections between the spaces give the home a distinctly Queensland character.

Water storage became part of the architecture itself, with a red header tank and two side tanks providing 36,000 litres of storage while also becoming a defining feature of the home. The main tank even extends into the bathroom, where an internal tank skin creates a playful connection between the inside and outside of the home.

Recycled materials were incorporated throughout, including aged recycled tallowwood flooring and recycled Besser brick used in the thermal mass walls.

For the clients, these design decisions have translated into a home that is comfortable and enjoyable to live in.

“We've now lived in our home for over a year, and we're delighted with its comfort and ambience: recycled tallowwood flooring throughout, and thermal mass walls that make a genuine difference to how the home feels day to day. The north-east aspect brings winter sun into the kitchen and living areas, and the south-west verandah keeps us cool in summer.”

John and Elizabeth, Thannhauser-Dolan Residence.

Got a sustainable project in mind? Book a consultation with Brett to talk through your site, ideas and what you want your home to achieve. Visit the contact page on our website to get in touch.

This design was awarded:
Best Sustainable Design, 2010 BDAQ State & Regional Awards
Best Use of Colorbond Steel, 2010 BDAQ Regional Awards

Built by latitude21.

15/09/2026

☕🌿 Grab a cuppa and have a read of our latest feature in the Spring issue of Hello Sunshine Magazine, this time sharing the story of a beautiful hempcrete home we designed right here in Eumundi.

It’s a home that works with the elements, embraces natural and reclaimed materials, and is designed around the way its owners wanted to live.

Read the full feature via the link in the comments below.

Thank you to the team at Hello Sunshine Magazine, and to our wonderful clients Carmel and Phil, for opening their doors and sharing the story of this special Eumundi home.

To book a consultation or learn more about what we do, get in touch. We’d love to hear about your project!

[email protected]
07 5442 8155
2/101 Memorial Dr
Eumundi QLD

15/09/2026

🌿 A sustainable home, shaped by its site and its setting.

Building within the Currumbin EcoVillage came with some very clear requirements: minimise the impact on the site and planet, maximise energy and water efficiency, generate power and water, incorporate at least 40% recycled building materials, and create a connection with the surrounding community.

The clients also wanted to bring together two distinct influences: the practicality and character of a Queenslander with the simplicity and proportion of Japanese architecture.

The challenge was to bring all of these requirements together into one home, while creating a place that felt warm, personal and enjoyable to live in.

Thannhauser-Dolan Residence, Currumbin EcoVillage.

Visit our website to explore more of our past projects.

This design was awarded:
Best Sustainable Design, 2010 BDAQ State & Regional Awards
Best Use of Colorbond Steel, 2010 BDAQ Regional Awards

Built by latitude21.

08/09/2026

🌿 Bought a block and wondering what happens next?

You’ve found the block. You’ve made the big decision. Now you’re looking at it and wondering…

Where do we start?

Before jumping straight into drawings, there’s value in taking the time to understand your site and what’s possible.

A consultation with Brett is an opportunity to walk the block together and start mapping out the path ahead. We’ll look at orientation, slope, breezes, views, access and the unique opportunities and constraints of the site, while talking through how you want to live and what you’re hoping to create.

With more than 35 years of experience in sustainable building design, Brett can help you understand what your block is telling you, what needs to be considered early, and what the next steps in your project might look like.

From there, we can guide you through the design process, bringing together the right consultants and helping you move from “we’ve bought a block” to “we’re creating our home.” 🌱

You don’t need to have everything figured out before you get started. That’s what the first conversation is for.

Bought a block and not sure what comes next? Book a consultation with Brett.

[email protected]
(07) 5442 8155

20/08/2026

🏠🌿 You've bought the block or staring down a renovation.

Before you meet a designer, there's a lot worth working out first: how your site actually reads (sun, breezes, slope, drainage, views), how you really live day to day, how you want the finished home to feel, which sustainability priorities matter most to you, and the numbers you should already have answers to.

We've put all of it into a free checklist, plus a set of questions to ask any designer you're considering. About 20 minutes, and you'll walk into that first meeting prepared.

Download the Before You Build checklist, link in comments below.

06/08/2026

🍃 A few tickets left - Join us this evening!

If you've been thinking about building, renovating or simply want to understand how to create a healthier, more comfortable and energy-efficient home, now is the time to secure your place.
J
oin Brett Grimley from Ecolibrium Designs and special guest Ben Sinclair from Base Haus as they explore the science behind high-performing homes and the practical design principles that can improve comfort, reduce energy use and create healthier living environments.

Whether you're a homeowner, designer or simply curious about better building, this talk is for you
📅 Thursday 6 August
🕠 5:30 pm – 8:00 pm (talk commencing at 6pm)
📍 Eumundi Scout Hall

Pizza and drinks are included.
Seats are limited, so don't miss out.
Book your tickets here:

Join Brett Grimley and Ben Sinclair for an informative talk about healthy, efficient homes, and the benefits of Passive House Design.

27/07/2026

🍃 Just one week to go!

If you've been thinking about building, renovating or simply want to understand how to create a healthier, more comfortable and energy-efficient home, now is the time to secure your place.

Join Brett Grimley from Ecolibrium Designs and special guest Ben Sinclair from Base Haus as they explore the science behind high-performing homes and the practical design principles that can improve comfort, reduce energy use and create healthier living environments.

Whether you're a homeowner, designer or simply curious about better building, this talk is for you.

📅 Thursday 6 August
🕠 5:30 pm – 8:00 pm
📍 Eumundi Scout Hall

Pizza and drinks are included.

Seats are limited, so don't miss out.

Book your tickets here:

Join Brett Grimley and Ben Sinclair for an informative talk about healthy, efficient homes, and the benefits of Passive House Design.