About the project
The Queensland Department of Housing's Research House project, is an essential part of the Smart Housing initiative.
This project involves the design and construction of a family home in Rockhampton, Central Queensland, which has been developed as a research centre to trial, validate and apply sustainable design, contemporary technologies, and building products and practices.
Supported by contributions from sponsors and research partners in the private and public sectors, the project brings together new and innovative design, technology, products and concepts and tests them in a single, living environment. These partnerships will enhance research while promoting sustainable regional development through collaborative decision-making, job creation and education.
The Minister for Public Works and Housing and Member for Rockhampton, Robert Schwarten officially opened the Research House in December 2001. It was then open for public display until the end of April 2002.
In October 2002, a family of two adults and two teenagers moved into the Research House. The family provides qualitative information about the comfort of the house, with quantitative data being generated from their day-to-day lives and the surrounding environment.
The Research House is being monitored for an initial period of two years from November 2002 to November 2004. This research will shape the future direction of Smart Housing and be a resource for the community and the building industry.
The research will assist people in making choices that effect how safe, comfortable and affordable their home is over its lifespan, ensuring cost savings and value for their investment over the longer term. Importantly, the research will demonstrate that this can be achieved while protecting our natural environment.
Last updated 07 July 2005
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