Holocene House, designed by CplusC Architects + Builders in Manly, is a regenerative family home conceived to immerse daily life within nature. At the heart of the design is a natural swimming pool that operates like a rainforest creek, flowing through the site and shaping the spatial organisation of the house. Living spaces are arranged around this watercourse and shaded by a dense overhead canopy of planting, allowing light, air, wind and rain to move freely through the home. Rather than isolating occupants from the environment, the architecture embraces climatic variation, prioritising wellbeing, comfort and a continuous connection to landscape. The project is Australia’s first home to achieve international Active House certification, reflecting its balanced approach to energy efficiency, indoor environmental quality and sustainability.

The house is carefully configured to respond to both site constraints and ecological responsibilities. A linear, multi-level layout follows the natural slope of the land, connecting interior spaces to roof gardens, courtyards and outdoor rooms that reinforce the rainforest-like experience throughout. Integrated systems such as solar power, rainwater harvesting and biofiltration enable the home to operate with a net-positive environmental impact, while material choices further reduce its carbon footprint. Beyond performance metrics, Holocene House demonstrates a broader ambition: to redefine contemporary residential architecture as an active participant in its ecosystem, offering a model for living that is not only sustainable, but restorative.