Beyond is the largest environmental restoration development on the coast south of Adelaide and one of the largest in South Australia. It is the only residential development of its kind with careful restoration of native vegetation and contribution to the ecological well being of coastal dunes and wetlands. Only one third of site is designated for residential development, with 52 hectares dedicated to native vegetation, grassland, wetlands and wildlife, as well as more than 100,000 trees.

The property owners have undertaken a very successful and extensive regeneration program using local provenance species of trees and shrubs, to re-establish the flora and habitats of the local region.

Energy Architecture was engaged by the property owners as Project Manager and designer of the development, with particular emphasis on implementation of effective and ecologically responsible solutions.

Urban design guidelines were produced to ensure that each home is well designed, well built, and long lasting, providing simple, practical guidance for achieving highest sun-given energy efficiency benefits through:

• placement of windows


• orientation of living areas


• thermal mass for internal walls and floors


• external shading


• landscaping


• freedom from overshadowing from neighbours


• indoor/outdoor living area linkage


• solar hot water supply


• solar energy supply


• materials with lowest toxicity and lowest environmental impact


• rainwater harvesting

The guidelines explain how to provide healthy, cooling natural ventilation to all rooms; how to keep in warmth during winter and expel unwanted heat during summer; how to conserve water and power.

The Advertiser ran this story on the 2nd of October 2007.