About
The Seed
The ‘5×4 Hayes Lane Project.‘
Produced by Ralph Alphonso, the 5×4 Hayes Lane Project is a groundbreaking inner-city dwelling designed to maximize an exceptionally small footprint—just 5 by 4 meters. This innovative build integrates both passive and active eco-driven strategies throughout its design, construction, and operation, making it a leading example of sustainable urban living.
Located in the heart of East Melbourne, the project demonstrates the potential for healthy urban densification, showing that sustainability and quality of life can coexist—even in highly compact spaces. Its design is guided by the One Planet Living® principles, emphasizing reduced ecological impact, the integration of sustainable practices, and a commitment to enhancing both the environment and occupant well-being.
More than just a residence, the 5×4 Hayes Lane Project functions as a platform for knowledge-sharing. It invites dialogue around sustainable development and offers real-world insights to inform and inspire future projects. It stands as a bold statement of what’s possible when innovative design meets environmental responsibility in a dense urban context.
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The ‘Johanna Project’ offers a unique opportunity to showcase, profile, and promote your brand, products, or services—building on the proven success of the 5×4 Hayes Lane Project.
Accolades
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Presented at the United Nations Earth Summit, 2012 in Rio, Brazil.
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Featured on Grand Designs Australia, Season 6, 2015.
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Selected as Grand Designs UK’s Top 10 Homes.
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Selected as Grand Designs Australia’s Top 10 Homes.
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Published Papers on the ‘5×4’ Project, co-authored with the University of Melbourne, presented internationally.
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Featured in several Melbourne Open House programs.
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Multiple News Editorials over the past 9+ years.
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Channel 9’s Open Homes Australia (Season 7), Episode aired June 2024 on Nine Life, available for streaming on the 9Now app.
Meet the Team
Liz Ronson
Founder & Commercial
Liz Ronson is a seasoned property development professional with over 25 years of experience in residential and mixed-use development across Australia. She has held leadership roles at top-tier companies, including Mirvac and Peet Limited, where she played a key role in shaping development strategies and driving commercial success. She is now the head of land development at 3L Alliance, currently delivering one of Victoria’s priority communities.
In 2020, Liz founded Ronson Consulting, a strategic property advisory business. She is also an active contributor to the industry, serving on the UDIA Queensland Advisory Board, the EACH Housing Board, and various other advisory committees. Liz has been a judge for the Victoria Urban Development Awards for Excellence from 2022 to 2025.
With a strong track record in business strategy and outcomes, Liz is passionate about sustainable development and continues to shape the Australian property landscape.
Ralph Alphonso
Founder & Creative
Ralph Alphonso is a versatile creative professional with over 28 years of experience across construction, photography, and multi-media industries. As a freelance photographer, his clients included Coca-Cola Amatil, Hilton Hotel Group, and Australian Geographic.
Ralph’s creative journey led to the founding of Barley Store, a production company that delivered projects like the internationally acclaimed ‘5×4 Hayes Lane Project’, a exemplar of sustainable construction. This project has solidified his reputation as a leader in sustainable design, leading to lectures at the University of Melbourne and co-authoring study papers presented at international conferences.
Ralph’s expertise has also extended to consulting and advisory roles with state governments, where he has shared his knowledge on construction methodology and sustainability. His ability to blend creative, construction, and environmental expertise has allowed him to build strategic relationships, solve complex challenges, and gain international marketing exposure.
Project Partners and Supports
