New South Wales, Australia

Category:           Sustainable Houses
Year:               2025
Architects:         Cera Stribley
Design Team:        Chris Stribley and Jessica Coulter
General Contractor: Martin Day Construction
Client:             CADRE
Photographers:      CADRE

SOLHAVEN rethinks how people can live, work and connect in a changing world. Nestled in Ballina on the Northern Rivers, New South Wales, this community brings together everything that makes daily life easier and more enjoyable: homes, workplaces, wellness, and local businesses, in one walkable, human-centred neighbourhood. It’s Australia’s first fully integrated, fossil fuel free live-work neighbourhood where design, sustainability and everyday life come together naturally.

The Village Square is a lively community hub, to come together over coffee, share meals with friends or work close to home without feeling isolated. Artisan food outlets, co-working spaces and local retailers create a sense of community that’s authentic and vibrant. A few steps away is the Wellness Park, magnesium plunge pools, infrared saunas, yoga lawns and cold immersion zones encourage residents to prioritise health and relaxation in their lives.

44 flexi-homes are fully electric, powered by rooftop solar and elevated above the 100-year flood line, designed to adapt as life changes, turning a study into a home office, a spare room into a creative studio or set up for multigenerational living. High-performance insulation, cross ventilation and smart home tech make them comfortable and efficient, while a simple kill switch at the front door reduces energy use in one step.

Edible gardens let residents harvest fresh produce. Rooftop beehives and native plantings support biodiversity and attract pollinators. Landscaping isn’t decorative; it manages stormwater effectively and keeps the community cooler. Walkable laneways, safe cycling paths, EV charging, and car-share options mean people can leave their cars at home more often.

Every design decision was made with real people in mind, working closely with local residents, business owners, and sustainability experts so every feature makes sense for daily life. Prototypes and test fits were used to refine every detail, ensuring that homes and shared spaces work seamlessly.

The community supports the local economy. Health and wellness operators, creative professionals, and artisan producers have spaces to thrive, keeping money and jobs in the region. Early sales are strong, with more than 30% of homes sold in the first release, showing that people are eager for this type of neighbourhood. With its smart living platform, We Wumbo, residents can manage energy, book community spaces, and stay connected with neighbours.