the roost

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The Roost Johanna

Retrofitting for Efficiency

Purchased in 2022 as an ongoing business of short stay accommodation, the second aspect of the Johanna Project, ‘The Roost,’ involves the retrofitting of two existing short-stay cottages built 25 years ago.

This element of the project focuses on upgrading the cottages with more sustainable systems and products to make them more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly. The goal is to lower the operational energy requirements and reduce the overall environmental footprint of these structures. By integrating technologies such as solar panels, water-saving systems, and high-performance insulation.

The Roost aims to become a model for sustainable retrofitting that breathes new life into existing buildings while minimizing their ecological impact.

The Roost Johanna is open for business, so you can experience the Johanna Project in progress and the greater area as a whole.

 

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Cosy, character-filled cottages lovingly being retrofitted and revitalised as part of the Johanna Project.

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A Warm, Dry Place to Bring You the Johanna Project From… Even in the wild beauty of the Otways, a little shelter goes a long way. This is the space where stories are shared, plans are made, and the vision of the Johanna Project continues to take shape—rain, wind or shine. Join us behind the scenes as we reflect, plan, and build from this cosy corner of the bush. It’s not just where we stay warm and dry—it’s where we keep the fire of the project burning. 🌱 Learn more about The Johanna Project: https://johannaproject.com.au 📺 Subscribe for updates: https://www.youtube.com/@johannaproject
A Warm, Dry Place Begins – Time Lapse of the Johanna Project Site Office
We gave the electric Cub Cadet a solid run at The Roost Johanna — mowing the lawns around the cottages, riding nearly 1 km to the office, mowing around the office, then cruising back to the garage… all with more than 60% battery remaining. Quiet, efficient, and seriously capable. What a weapon. See what it can do: 🚜 https://www.cubcadet.com.au 🌿 Plan your stay at The Roost Johanna https://roostjohanna.com.au 📺 Subscribe to follow our journey https://www.youtube.com/@johannaproject 🌐 Learn more about The Johanna Project https://johannaproject.com.au #CubCadetAU #ElectricMower #TheJohannaProject #TheRoostJohanna #SustainableLiving #BatteryPower #EcoTourism #RegenerativeDesign
Cub Cadet... It's Electric!!!!!
Koorrayn — Restoring Country, Cultivating the Future Koorrayn is the third component of the Johanna Project, located on 100 acres of remnant farmland along Victoria’s Great Ocean Road. This video offers an introduction to our vision for Koorrayn — a place where land restoration and sustainable farming come together. At Koorrayn, we’re focused on: Restoring native vegetation and habitat Stabilising and rehabilitating landslip areas Introducing regenerative farming practices that reduce environmental impact and build long-term resilience This is about more than conservation; it’s about reimagining how we live and farm, and how we can work with the land to create a healthier future. Join us on this journey as we restore biodiversity, support the landscape, and explore new ways of caring for country. For more on the Johanna Project and its three integrated parts — The Roost, The Camp, and Koorrayn — visit https://johannaproject.com.au/ #Koorrayn #TheJohannaProject #RegenerativeFarming #LandRestoration #Sustainability
An introduction to Koorrayn
Our Electric Cub Cadet & DEWALT Mowers Quiet, capable, and battery-powered — we're using Cub Cadet and DEWALT electric mowers as part of The Johanna Project’s ongoing push for lower-impact land care. Set against the rolling hills and coastal winds of Johanna, Victoria, this video showcases how modern tools can work in harmony with the land. Whether it's tending to the grass around Koorrayn or maintaining the grounds of The Roost Johanna, every decision — including our choice of electric over petrol — supports our vision of a more sustainable future. See how we’re building and retrofitting with purpose, one cut at a time. Learn more about The Johanna Project: https://johannaproject.com.au Stay at The Roost Johanna: https://roostjohanna.com.au Tools by DEWALT: https://www.dewalt.com.au Electric Mowers by Cub Cadet: https://www.cubcadet.com.au
Silent Power on the Land
Exploring Sustainable Living at Haysheds Johanna Experience the essence of sustainable living with this introduction to Haysheds Johanna, a key component of The Johanna Project. This video showcases the innovative design and eco-conscious construction of four self-contained 1-bedroom pods and the caretakers cabin, each thoughtfully crafted to minimize environmental impact while maximizing comfort. Set against the serene backdrop of Johanna, Victoria, these accommodations exemplify a harmonious blend of modern living and environmental responsibility. From the selection of sustainable materials to the implementation of energy-efficient systems, every aspect reflects a commitment to reducing the ecological footprint. Whether you're interested in sustainable architecture, eco-tourism, or simply seeking inspiration for low-impact living, this video offers a glimpse into a project that sets new standards for environmentally responsible development. Learn more about The Johanna Project and our commitment to sustainability: https://johannaproject.com.au/ #HayshedsJohanna #SustainableLiving #EcoTourism #JohannaVictoria #TheJohannaProject #GreenArchitecture #EcoFriendlyDesign
Introduction to the Haysheds
Where is Johanna, Victoria? A Quiet Coastal Destination on the Great Ocean Road This video takes you to Johanna, a secluded and stunning part of Victoria’s south-west coast. Located along the iconic Great Ocean Road, Johanna is known for its powerful surf, rolling green hills, and peaceful rural charm. In this short overview, we look at: Where Johanna is located What makes it unique Why it’s worth visiting or exploring further Whether you're planning a coastal road trip or looking for lesser-known destinations in Australia, Johanna offers something rare — raw beauty, space to breathe, and a deep connection to land and sea. For more about Johanna and related projects, visit: https://johannaproject.com.au/ #JohannaVictoria #GreatOceanRoad #CoastalAustralia #TravelVictoria #HiddenDestinations
Where is Johanna, Victoria
As part of The Johanna Project — a broader vision for sustainable living and thoughtful design — we’re reviving what’s already here, one piece at a time. In this video, we restore a weathered outdoor table using DEWALT’s battery-powered tools, all with the spectacular view of Johanna Beach and valley as our backdrop. This isn’t just a simple fix — it’s part of the ongoing retrofit of The Roost Johanna, where we’re breathing new life into existing buildings and spaces to reduce waste and extend their story. Whether it’s restoring a table or rethinking how we live, The Johanna Project is about resilience, reuse, and reconnecting with place. Come stay and experience it for yourself: 🌐 https://roostjohanna.com.au/ Explore the tools we used: 🔧 https://www.dewalt.com.au/ Watch now — rejuvenation with a view.
rejuvenation with a view
The Johanna Project: A Sustainable Vision for the Future Welcome to The Johanna Project—a bold and inspiring initiative led by Liz Ronson, Ralph Alphonso, and Rani the rescue dog 🐾 @.rain_the_rescue. Located in the pristine coastal landscape of Johanna, Victoria, this project brings together over 60 years of combined experience in design, construction, and sustainable development. Together, they’re reimagining what it means to build and live sustainably—balancing environmental responsibility, architectural innovation, and community connection. ✨ The Project Includes: 🏡 Haysheds Johanna – A new eco-accommodation build featuring 4 low-impact, high-performance 1-bedroom pods, designed with minimal embodied energy and maximal comfort. ♻️ The Roost – A retrofitting of two 25-year-old cottages to meet modern sustainability standards with solar power, water efficiency, and thermal upgrades. 🌱 Koorrayn – A 100-acre land restoration and regenerative farming project focusing on native vegetation, sustainable livestock practices, and healing the landscape. This project builds on the legacy of the acclaimed http://www.fivexfour.com/ project, pushing boundaries in embodied energy reduction, material sourcing, and circular design. 🔔 Subscribe to follow the journey 📌 Learn more at https://johannaproject.com.au/ 🐾 Follow Rani’s adventures and behind-the-scenes moments on Instagram @thejohannaproject #SustainableLiving #EcoDesign #RegenerativeFarming #LowImpactLiving #TheJohannaProject #ArchitecturalSustainability #LandRestoration #AustraliaEcoBuild #HayShedsJohanna #TheRoost #Koorrayn #TinyHouseAustralia
Introduction To The Johanna Project
A Sustainable Stay Within the Johanna Project Purchased in 2022 as an existing short-stay accommodation, The Roost is a key element of the Johanna Project — a long-term vision focused on land regeneration, sustainability, and thoughtful design on the Great Ocean Road. These two original cottages, built 25+ years ago, are being carefully retrofitted with modern, eco-conscious upgrades. From solar panels and water-saving systems to high-performance insulation, The Roost aims to reduce environmental impact and demonstrate what's possible when we adapt and improve existing buildings. 🌞 Experience The Roost for yourself — now open for bookings — and immerse yourself in the beauty of Johanna while witnessing sustainable living in action. 📍 Learn more at https://johannaproject.com.au/ 📷 Follow the journey on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/johanna_project/ 🌊 Stay tuned for more updates on the Johanna Project! #SustainableLiving #EcoStay #TheRoostJohanna #JohannaProject #GreatOceanRoad #Retrofitting #RegenerativeDesign #EcoCottage
Introducing The Roost Johanna
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