Japanese influences meet straw bale construction at 13 Ocean View Cres, Torquay, which is on the market for $2.9m-$3.1m. Photo: Nikole Ramsay

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A remarkable Torquay house crafted from more than a 1000 straw bales is the culmination of a one couple’s 20-year mission to build themselves a sustainable coastal sanctuary.

Surf Coast plumber Joe Walkerden started scouring demolition sites in the 1980s to stockpile reclaimed materials that would eventually feature at he and wife Frances’ family home.

Finishing the ambitious four-bedroom residence at 13 Ocean View Cres, Torquay, has been a labour of love for the pair.

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Over two decades they’ve hand built and hand rendered the walls, constructed the roof, completed plumbing and built a Japanese inspired tea house in the landscaped garden.

The result is an earthy, timeless abode showcasing reclaimed timber from landmarks such as Station Pier and the Queen Victoria Hospital.

Mrs Walkderden said the project had evolved over the past 22 years to incorporate changing styles.

Two contemporary bathrooms and a high-end kitchen with marble benchtops are a case in point.

The couple hand rendered the interior walls. Photo: Nikole Ramsay

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Reclaimed timber salvaged from landmark buildings feature throughout the house. Photo: Nikole Ramsay

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Enjoy ocean views from the main bedroom on the top level. Photo: Nikole Ramsay

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“Joe became interested in straw bale homes decades ago because they ticked many boxes which included being sustainable, energy efficient, robust, beautiful and artisanal,” she said.

“We wanted the house to be unique, sustainable, natural and a home that we could really enjoy living in as well as a place that we could have autonomy over the build and the finished product.”

Many weekends were spend scouring for doors and timbers to create the perfect look.

“We were able to find enough four panelled doors from the demolition of a hotel in Little Bourke Street, Melbourne that was built 150 years ago,” she said.

Owner builders Frances Walkerden and her husband Joe did much of the work themselves. Photo: Nikole Ramsay

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The kitchen has marble benchtops and stainless steel appliances. Photo: Nikole Ramsay

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The house’s split-level design capitalises on ocean views from one of the living rooms and the top floor parents’ retreat.

The main open-plan living zone, meanwhile, connects to lush garden with a large deck, an outdoor cinema space and a tea house that celebrate the couple’s love of the Japanese aesthetic.

Mrs Walkerden said the straw bale walls meant the house was supremely comfortable.

The split level design maximises the ocean view. Photo: Nikole Ramsay

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13 Ocean View Cres, Torquay is on the market for $2.9m-$3.1m. Photo: Nikole Ramsay

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The back yard is a Japanese inspired oasis. Photo: Nikole Ramsay

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“We have enjoyed the benefits of energy efficiency as well as being up to 10 degrees cooler on a very hot day and lounging in winter in 26-degree comfort on a sunny day without other cooling or heating,” she said.

The 713 sqm property is listed for sale through Natural Real Estate, Torquay agent Olivia Swann with a $2.9m to $3.1m price guide.

Ms Swann said loved how “perfectly imperfect” and undated the house is.

“It is the sort of home that in 20 or 40 years time it will still be a gorgeous property and stand the test of times in terms of durable materials,” she said.

“It is irreplaceable, which I think is one of the coolest things about it.”