Awards keep coming for Desert Rose
Desert Rose stood out among an outstanding range of innovative projects from across NSW, showcased in the 2019 winning line-up for the 20th annual Green Globe Awards.
NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment Deputy Secretary, Energy, Climate Change and Sustainability, James Hay said the diverse projects are helping ensure NSW achieves the most sustainable, thriving and resilient future.
“I’m inspired by the ground-breaking projects and the devoted people and organisations across our state who are committed to moving us towards a brighter future for our planet for current and future generations, Mr Hay said
Team UOW led by the University of Wollongong received the Regional Sustainability and Built Environment Awards for Desert Rose House, a collaboration with TAFE NSW and multiple industry partners, is a world-leading example of sustainable, human-centred residential design using state-of-the-art technologies.
The Regional Sustainability Award celebrates an exceptional person or organisation making a difference in regional NSW.
Winner University of Wollongong: Team UOW – Desert Rose House
Over 420,000 Australians live with dementia and the disease is the leading cause of disability for those over 65.To meet the challenges of an ageing population, the University of Wollongong conceived and built Desert Rose House: the first environmentally sustainable home designed specifically to help older and dementia-affected Australians age in place. Working with Kiama Dementia Alliance and Illawarra-based suppliers and sponsors, Team UOW has produced a ‘House for Life’.
The eco-friendly design combines technological innovations with wheelchair-accessible dimensions and elderly-friendly fittings and lighting to allow occupants to live independently for as long as possible. Desert Rose House is particularly notable for its scalability, demonstrating how local lessons and partnerships can be expanded nationally and potentially globally.
Clayton McDowell, Project Manager and Student Lead Team UOW Australia – Dubai, said Team UOW is dedicated to creating an innovative and sustainable future that celebrates life.
“To have our students, researchers and collaborators recognised for their outstanding contribution to this mission with a Green Globe Award is exceptional. We are astounded!”