The Vision
The Johanna Project is the result of the shared dreams and aspirations of Liz Ronson and Ralph Alphonso, born from the vision of the 5×4 Hayes Lane Project. With over 60 years of combined experience in sustainable living, design, and development, this project is built on a deep passion for creating eco-conscious spaces.
The Johanna Project is a long-term vision for sustainable living and regenerative land use. Set off Victoria’s Great Ocean Road, the project is made up of three interconnected elements — Koorrayn, The Roost, and the Haysheds — each exploring a different approach to low-impact living. Together, they form a working model of what a balanced, eco-conscious future can look like.
Come along with Liz, Ralph, and Rani, the rescue dog, as they share their learnings and celebrate the results of this ambitious and inspiring project.
Anatomy of the project
There are three aspects to the ‘Johanna Project.
The new build, ‘Haysheds Johanna’ will consist of 4, fully self-contained 1 bed pods, for short stay accommodation. Constructed in a combination of different materials and processes to create the smallest eco-footprint, whilst providing the highest performance & comfort without compromise to lifestyle. Core to procurement and construction methodology, is the environmental impact. From extraction, processing, manufacturing, transport, operational lifespan, all the way to end-use. Careful selection of sustainable materials and waste minimization is core to decision making.
The assessment of the embodied energy of each of the product, materials and learnings from the ‘5×4 hayes lane project,’ will feed the materials etc. use in the build & construction process.
Retrofitting, ‘The Roost,’ 2 existing short stay cottages built 25 years ago, with more sustainable systems and products to run more efficiently and a smaller footprint on the environment.
The third, ‘Koorrayn,’ the 100 acres of remnant farmland, is focused on restoring native vegetation, rehabilitating landslip areas and sustainably managing the land. Koorrayn is also home to the Haysheds eco-accommodation and Johanna Lamb, our pasture-raised Suffolk sheep enterprise.
Johanna Lamb is an exciting new chapter of the Johanna Project. Raised on the lush pastures and rich soils of the Otways, in the clean coastal air of Johanna, our Suffolk lambs are cared for with a focus on animal wellbeing, responsible grazing and healthy land. We believe great food begins with the environment in which it’s raised, and we’re delighted to bring a little of this remarkable place to the table.
