Council planning staff studied plans of houses completed between the beginning of January 2005 and the end of the 2007 financial year to identify designs which embody the principles of passive, solar energy efficient design.

The plans were judged on orientation and layout considerations such as whether the house was facing true north, the thermal mass and whether the house would be protected by natural features and landscaping. Ventilation provisions, the placement of living and sleeping zones and insulation features were also taken into account.

The 2005 Award went to Judy Davey, of Binnijig on the Hazelgrove Road, for a design by Andrew Kovac. Mr Kovac accepted the award on behalf of Mrs Davey and said that it was a pleasure designing the house and working with Mrs Davey.

“If you don't have a good client, you don't have a good job,” he said. Mrs Davey donated her $200 in prizemoney to the NSW Fire fighters.

The 2006 Award went to JW and JE Liddell for their house on Jerula Road. They were unable to attend the meeting, but said they were grateful for the award. They thanked their builder Paul Dwyer, and designer Mick English.

The 2007 Award was presented to Robert and Lyndall Pritchard for their house on Edith Road. The house was,designed and built by Mr Pritchard.

Mr Pritchard said the award money would be put towards the solar energy system in the home, and that the building of the house was a challenging task but very satisfying at completion.