How Frances turned 1000 straw bales into a fortress-like Torquay house
On a sunlit rise with sweeping views of Bass Strait, this straw-bale home breathes life into the art of sustainable living.
For Joe and Frances Walkerden, it represents the culmination of over two decades of dedication, where every curve and reclaimed material tells a story of their passion for eco-design and the coast.
Joe, a sustainable practices plumber, and Frances, a retired teacher, discovered this block of land In Torquay in the early 2000s, when only a few homes dotted the hill.
Back then, nothing like this had been built in the region, sparking curiosity and raising eyebrows.
“At times, during rough weather, all eyes were watching to see how the house would fare before the hand rendering of the straw walls,” Joe says.
“It took 22 years of dedication, passion, and patience to complete our bespoke, environmentally conscious home.”
Frances Walkerden, with her husband Joe, found the block of land in Torquay in the early 2000s.
The result is one of the largest straw-bale homes in the southern hemisphere, crafted from over 1000 bales and reclaimed timber sourced from historic landmarks like Station Pier and the Queen Victoria Hospital.
As its form began to emerge, it became clear that this was no ordinary build.
“Our home’s gentle curves and robust timber elements were influenced by Japanese, Tibetan, South American and European styles,” Joe says.
“Situated between several beaches with views of the ocean, the design needed to incorporate these views, but energy efficiency through passive solar principles was our top priority.”
Joe’s interest in straw-bale construction began in the 1990s, rooted in his commitment to sustainability, passive solar design and permaculture principles.
The couple aimed to minimise their environmental impact by using reclaimed building materials to create a home that required minimal heating and cooling.
“Apart from the beauty of massive timber beams and thick timber floors, the standout advantage of using reclaimed timber is its inherent durability and strength,” Joe says.
“And what’s not to love about relaxing in the living area at 26 degrees on a sunny winter’s day, with no heating other than the sun streaming through the double-glazed windows?”
‘It took 22 years of dedication, passion, and patience to complete our bespoke, environmentally conscious home,’ says owner Joe Walkerden.
The Walkerden family moved in at the lock-up stage of construction, and Frances fondly remembers the milestones they celebrated along the way.
“Some of our best memories include the kids, family and friends helping with the build and cheering us on as we reached milestones, from installing the kitchen to first enjoying the luxury of hydronic heating,” she says.
“Most recently, we updated the downstairs wet areas with a ‘modern with a twist’ style and completed the landscaping with terraced gabion rock walls, adding the final touches to our labour of love.”
As the house evolved from a building project into a home of comfort and celebration, it became a place where the sea served as a breathtaking backdrop for life’s most memorable moments.
The couple built the home based on passive design principles.
“One of the highlights was hosting our son’s engagement party in the lounge, kitchen, outdoor area and Japanese tea house,” Frances says.
“With over 100 guests, the space handled it like a breeze, especially when we opened the sliding glass doors to create a flow-through between indoors and out.”
Over the years, it wasn’t only grand celebrations that marked their time here; the home also offered a quiet refuge of serene moments, cocooned from the outside world.
“The thick walls block out so much noise, but when you want to hear it, the roar of the ocean fills the night air,” Frances says.
‘We’ve poured our hearts into every detail,’ Frances says.
“During the winter months, you feel completely protected – the house has a fortress-like quality.”
Moving through the home, the innovative construction and thoughtful considerations become even more apparent, from the main-bedroom suite’s breathtaking ocean views and elegant en suite to the landscaped gardens with expansive decking, rock walls and fruit trees.
“We’ve poured our hearts into every detail, and it’s incredibly fulfilling to see how it all comes together,” Frances says. “It’s not just beautiful, but also sustainable and deeply connected to the landscape.”
As Joe and Frances prepare for the next chapter – retirement, travel, and renovating a smaller place up north – they do so with bittersweet emotions. They’re excited for what lies ahead but sad to leave the home they designed, built and filled with love.
“There’s a deep sense of satisfaction in knowing we leave behind a home that reflects who we are — a blend of traditional craftsmanship and modern sustainability,” Frances says.
“Our reclaimed timbers have already undergone over 100 years of drying and seasoning and will continue to provide strength and beauty for many more.”
This article was originally published by Domain.com.au. Reproduced with permission.