Media Release
	18 February 2004

Mosman Green

Archicentre Announces $2 Million Green Housing Project

A run-down, single storey cottage on Sydney's North Shore in Mosman will become a national focus of an environmental architectural competition to be conducted by Archicentre, the building advisory service of the Royal Australian Institute of Architects.

Archicentre State Manager NSW & ACT, Mr David Lawrence said, "The project to design and build an environmental renovation is a special Year of the Built Environment Project."

"The project is designed to promote and showcase best practice in sustainable housing design, environmental building products and master planning of renovations using an Architect."

Mosman Green
21 Killarney Street Mosman
2 Bedrooms, 1 Bathroom
Land Size: 487 sqm
Potential second storey water views of Quakers Hat Bay through to Long Bay

"The design competition will be held amongst our Architects, with a winner selected by a judging panel to carry out the project."

Mr Lawrence said the aim of the brief for the architects will be to convert this old, run-down, traditional residence into a contemporary family home with a strong environmental sustainability focus.

The winner of the competition will be commissioned by Archicentre to undertake the renovation from its conception to its completion.

"Upon the completion of construction there will be an extended open house period prior to auction. It is anticipated that the home will be sold at a profit, demonstrating to the public the financial value that can be added to their home through renovations."

"Australians spent $17.6 billion on renovations in 2003 with a 5% increased forecast, lifting the expenditure to $18.5 billion in 2004." Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics.

"Over the last 30 years Sydney home prices have increased between 11% - 13% per year," Mr Lawrence said.

The renovation boom in Australia is being fuelled by people who realise they are wiser to spend the $50,000 cost of moving on their renovation for which they will get a capital and lifestyle gain, Mr Lawrence added.

www.archicentre.com.au

Media Enquiries:
David Lawrence State Manager ACT & NSW Archicentre (02) 9555 5111 Mobile 0407 833 324
Ron Smith Corporate Media Communications (03) 9818 5700