Carbon neutral home uses plant beds as part of the building’s framework

A rooftop garden and interior glass wall help to naturally regulate internal temperatures

Spotted: Designed as “a direct response” to the Earth’s climate emergency, the Welcome to the Jungle House in Sydney, Australia, is carbon neutral. With plants spilling out of windows and covering the roof, the lush greenery provides both thermal regulation and structural reinforcement. Plant beds situated between the internal glass wall and the outer facade cool the interior while also acting as braces for the external wall.  

Designed by New South Wales-based CplusC Architectural Workshop studio, the home includes a solar panel facade and rooftop planters. The steel planter beds at the top of the house provide natural cooling for the home and are irrigated by the fish pond. The pond contains an edible silver perch, adding an interesting additional home-grown food source.  

The need for a mechanical means of cooling is negated by the passive thermal regulation throughout the structure. Windows on all levels let in large amounts of natural light without overheating the home and many can be opened at different angles for varying amounts of airflow.   

The home was a two-time winner in Australia’s 2019 National Sustainability Awards. Amidst the global movement towards net zero, Springwise has spotted an array of interesting design projects focused on carbon neutrality including quartz made from recycled materials and a conference centre coated in pure lime putty in order to adapt to outside temperatures.  

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