A ground-breaking sustainable home project that showcases the future of sustainable inner-city living has officially launched in Sydney. Nestled in the heart of Newtown, The 'ImPossible House' – a renovated worker's cottage – shows that sustainable off-grid living is possible even in the most constrained urban environments. It also aims to demonstrate how all Australians can adopt more sustainable building and housing practices to reduce our impact on the environment and climate. Led by homeowner Dr Laura Ryan, The ImPossible House project also shares tips and lessons learned during the design and construction process, to help more people have the tools and information they need to create a more sustainable home. "I started this journey in 2016 to help show what's possible in sustainable living," Dr Ryan said. "I have really tried to push the limits of sustainability with my home. It hasn't been easy, and there have been hurdles along the way, but the rewards are worth it. I hope The ImPossible House inspires others to take steps – big or small – towards creating more sustainable homes, wherever they live." "All Australians can live more sustainably, but we need to make it easier and more affordable for people to make sustainable choices when building or renovating. While investing in a more sustainable home involves up-front costs, I have shown that 'off-grid' living is possible anywhere, and that the payback period can be minimised by adopting smart solutions and finding qualified and sustainable trade partners," Dr Ryan said. A boundary-pushing blueprint for more sustainable inner-city living
The ImPossible House, which features in the latest season of Grand Designs Australia on ABC TV and iView, produced by Fremantle Australia, has been designed to be as sustainable and self-sufficient as possible. It features a combination of Passivhaus design principles, prefabricated, recycled and sustainable building materials, off-grid waste and water, solar solutions and sustainable interior design choices. From energy efficiency to water conservation and waste reduction, every element of The ImPossible House has been designed to minimise environmental impact while maximising comfort, style and functionality. Key features include:
Building & Design: A prefabricated extension incorporates high ceilings, Passivhaus principles, insulation, double glazed windows, natural light and ventilation, ensuring thermal comfort without heating or cooling. The prefabrication process also allows for waste materials to be captured and reused.
Energy & Solar: A rooftop solar system generates renewable electricity, aiming for energy independence, supported by a high-capacity battery secured in a fire-resistant bunker.
Water: A custom designed off-grid water system, including rainwater harvesting and a storage system located under the floor of the home coupled with a greywater recycling system which treats and reuses household water, allow it to be completely self-sufficient for water.
Sewage & Waste: An incinerating toilet means no water usage and no sewage output, producing just a cup of ash a week.
Interior and Exterior Design: The home prioritises furniture and finishes made from recycled, locally sourced and sustainable materials. A second-hand staircase and basin were restored, while cabinets, shelves, and doors from the original house were refurbished and refreshed with low-VOC paint. Floorboard joists were repurposed into a courtyard bench, and building material offcuts were creatively used, including making a chopping board. Recycled floorboards and bricks feature in the courtyards and throughout the house. By avoiding new purchases and opting for recycled furniture and materials, the design reduces waste and energy use while creating a unique and personal style. Additionally, carbon-sequestering paints and primers were applied both inside and outside.
"Creating a sustainable home isn't just about installing solar panels or saving water," Dr Ryan said. "Every decision we make can have a positive impact. From choosing more sustainable building materials, to embracing natural light, using recycled products, and choosing more sustainable paints – the possibilities for making our homes more sustainable are endless. I also want to show that a sustainable home can be modern and stylish. It doesn't need to be a hippy log cabin."
The ImPossible House has been made possible thanks to leading experts in sustainable architecture and design, water, waste and solar energy, showing the power of collaboration and innovative thinking in sustainable home design. "Finding the right solutions and trade partners was a challenge, but we built a fantastic, innovative and collaborative team, which made all the difference. I want others to know it's possible and that there's great support and guidance available to help them create a sustainable home," Dr Ryan said. Helping more Australians make smart, sustainable home choices
Dr Ryan hopes The ImPossible House will help accelerate the movement towards more sustainable urban living. She has created a series of free ImPossible House Guides, sharing insights and lessons learned during the project. These guides are designed to help Australians start their own sustainable journey, regardless of their budget or constraints. "We're in a climate crisis, and the choices we make at home can make a difference," Dr Ryan said. "I have always been passionate about sustainability, and how we can reduce our impact on our planet and the environment. I understand that my journey, and building an 'ImPossible House', isn't for everyone, but I hope it sparks ideas, inspires others and pushes the sustainable living conversation forward." Dr Ryan also highlights the need for change to make sustainable home choices easier
"A major hurdle for going completely off-grid, has been local council heritage restrictions meaning I have been unable to place solar panels on my street-facing roof. If we are to create more sustainable homes, this needs to change. We need smarter and more flexible policies that support, not hinder, the transition to more sustainable homes," Dr Ryan said. If you are interested in living more sustainably or building/renovating a sustainable home – you can access the free ImPossible House Guides at www.theimpossiblehouse.com.au. You can also go to Evitat.com.au to source sustainable products and suppliers.
Appendix: Quotes from collaborators and partners on The ImPossible House
Paul Adams – MODUS Architects and Assemble Systems (architect and prefab): "MODUS Architects and Assemble Systems are proud to have contributed to the ImPossible House. Collaborating with owner Dr Laura Ryan and the build team, we helped transform her run-down workers cottage into a model of water and energy-efficient, low-carbon living. The ImPossible House combines flexible, comfortable spaces with a strong focus on health and environmental sustainability. Featuring adaptable indoor and outdoor areas, it fosters a compact, uplifting lifestyle while championing regenerative design principles. Dr Ryan's vision for a contemporary, off-grid home inspired us from the start, and we were excited to help bring this project to life. From concept to construction, MODUS Architects provided architectural design, documentation, and advisory support. Assemble Systems' prefabricated panelised solution ensured the project was completed with efficiency and precision. The ImPossible House sets a new standard for sustainable, energy-efficient urban living."
Dean King – King Building Group (builder): "King Building Group worked with Laura to deliver the ImPossible House project build, partnering on design changes, product selection and overcoming the challenges associated with the build. Laura's vision of off-grid inner city living guided all stages of the project. The depth and detail of what she has achieved will benefit many future builds with similar sustainable aspirations. Sustainability can be many different things, to many different people, which can come at many different costs. Think carefully about what you are trying to achieve and how your sustainable vision sits within the landscape of your build."
Roland Lawrence – Roland Lawrence Electrical (solar system): "Designing and installing Laura's solar system for The ImPossible House was an exciting challenge. We have been involved in the project since early 2020, and Laura has been incredibly driven towards her goal of being completely off grid. Off-grid systems are never 'off the shelf', they must be carefully tailored to the site, roof space and energy needs of the homeowner. For Laura's terrace home, we custom-designed a system that maximised the limited space by incorporating a fire-resistant battery enclosure in the unused roof cavity, while prioritising safety with interlinked smoke alarms. It was also great to be able to utilise an Australian-produced battery system. Unfortunately, Inner West Council's archaic restrictions on using the ideal street-facing roof for solar panels are yet to be overcome, despite similar systems permitted just streets away under City of Sydney guidelines. For anyone considering off-grid living, the key is finding experienced solar professionals who can design a system tailored to your specific needs. With the right expertise, even space-constrained urban homes can achieve remarkable sustainability, as Laura's project has shown."
John Caley – Ecological Design (water system design): "My consultancy Ecological Design, is completely focused on minimising the impact of our homes on the planet. Laura came to me asking to design the rainwater harvesting system and greywater treatment for the ImPossible House. I knew immediately I would be yet another person telling her it was impossible to achieve her aim. Laura's vision and amazing tenacity has given birth to the wonderful ImPossible House. She has pushed the envelope on many fronts and sharing how she did it and what she learned will help others trying to build more sustainable homes " Roy Ames – Aqua Clarus (greywater system): "Aqua Clarus offers sustainable solutions for the treatment and reuse of greywater. We were excited that Laura selected our innovative greywater treatment system for The ImPossible House, which is located on a very small block. Being compact and having a small footprint made it ideally suited for this site. The high-quality treated greywater being recycled and reused for plant irrigation and the washing machine is a major step in the conservation of fresh water. It was great to work with a dedicated team that provides a sustainable house design offering off grid living in Sydney. Anyone aiming to build sustainably usually means they will be pushing the conventional barriers. It is important to understand the rules and regulations and be prepared to challenge conventional thinking. This can often take time; however, the rewards can be significant. It is important to work with a team that has a shared view of the benefits of sustainable design. The inclusion of a system that treats greywater for reuse makes a significant contribution to saving fresh water which is becoming a dwindling resource."
Sonja Markovic – Evitat (sustainable product and supplier platform): "Evitat is a renovation platform offering trusted data and education on sustainable building products and design solutions. For The ImPossible House, Laura used Evitat's vetted database to source innovative, locally made materials that aligned with her sustainability goals. She also connected with a water consultant ensuring expert input for her project. As part of this collaboration, we created a Logbook documenting the project's environmental, human health, and efficiency achievements. This resource showcases the home's sustainable transformation while adding long-term value by integrating its green credentials into potential property listings. It's a powerful example of how thoughtful renovations can create beautiful, future-proofed homes that are efficient, resilient, and ready for tomorrow. Building sustainably requires rethinking the traditional Australian dream. It's time to recalibrate—to focus on purpose, size, and climate-readiness. Laura's experience with The ImPossible House highlights the importance of setting clear goals. Through her journey, Laura learned how critical it is to establish goals that align with both human needs and environmental aspirations before engaging stakeholders. Equally, her decision to prioritise a modest size showcased how smaller, purpose-driven spaces can be both functional, sustainable and future-proofed against rising energy costs. The future of the Australian dream is smarter, smaller, and more sustainable—homes designed to balance aspiration with responsibility. Let's build better, together."
Dave Beeman – Vampt Vintage Design (interior design): "It has been inspiring to collaborate on The ImPossible House project and help demonstrate how sustainable design and thoughtful choices can create a truly unique, functional sustainable home. As the space evolved, we selected compact pieces, including a classic Eames table and a mid-century Brazilian sofa, which complemented the sustainably produced rug in the living room. This process demonstrated how the circular economy in mid-century design allows for flexibility, adaptability, and future value. It has been amazing to work with such an open-minded and creative team, and at Vampt Vintage, we look forward to supporting future projects with sustainable, timeless design solutions."
Key Facts:
The ImPossible House – Top 5 tips for creating a more sustainable home now:
- Make the most of research and review platforms: Platforms like CHOICE and Evitat help you quickly find sustainable products and services without the need for extensive research. From energy-efficient appliances to recycled materials, these platforms make sustainable home choices easier.
- Use recycled furniture and furnishings: Reuse old furniture and materials instead of buying new. Paint, repair, or repurpose items like shelves, pots or timber. Recycling reduces waste, uses less energy and is often cheaper, while giving your home a unique touch. We need to move away from the need for everything to be "brand new"- pre-loved items are just as functional and stylish and are much more sustainable.
- Choose recycled paint: Circle Paints turn leftover paint into affordable, high-quality options. It's a simple way to refresh your home while keeping paint out of landfill.
- Use recycling programs: Services like TerraCycle handle hard-to-recycle items, from plastics to electronics. Order a collection box or use free recycling drop-off points to make recycling easy.
