The concept is to build a home from sustainable materials, use universal building principles, make best use of natural solar energy and include innovations such as improved thermal efficiency, green power electricity, grey water re-use and rainwater harvesting.

During the construction phase, residents will be invited to visit the house to witness first-hand how the ideas will be incorporated.

Councillors voted to release a brief seeking expressions of interest from suitably qualified architects for the design of the house at their latest ordinary meeting.

Councillor Tracey Carpenter praised the idea.

“I strongly support the move by council ... this is a great initiative so the community can have a look at an example of best practice in domestic building. I also note council will be working with experts in aiming to create a model for educational purposes,” Cr Carpenter said.

Deputy Mayor Ian North said he had been speaking

to senior staff members from Bathurst TAFE who would like to participate in the

venture.

Cr Monica Morse suggested council keep some sort of documentary record of the whole process.

A report to councillors said the project aims to be an environmental example of a domestic home, be educational as well as showing cost effective measures to use when building a house.

Council plans to spend $300,000 on the project in its draft management plan for 2010/11.

What councillors voted to do:

* Release a brief seeking expressions of interest from suitably qualified architects for the design of the house.

* Select a short list of three architects from the submissions received.

* Hold a public forum seeking input into the technical specifications of the detailed brief for the short-listed architects.

* Short-listed architects will be asked to make a detailed submission including design and layout, specifications and construction costs.

* The short-listed designs will be presented to council to select the preferred design.

* The selected architect will prepare the plans and be paid an agreed fee.

* A tender will be released by council for the construction of the chosen design.

* An assessment of the tenders received for the construction will be presented to council to select the contractor in accordance with council’s Purchasing Policy.