Air conditioner vs hydronic heating
Heat pumps can provide air conditioning or hydronic heating. But which is more efficient, and which more comfortable? Cameron Munro tells us what he learned by trying both in his super-insulated home.
Read morePutting a waste management plan in place
“Construction waste is not something that’s first and foremost on people’s minds when they want to design and build their own home,” says Eugenie Stockmann, a sustainable developer and consultant. “We were probably a bit shocked when we saw the reality of what happens on a construction site.”
Read moreDriving change, at least overseas
In his latest update on the electric vehicle market, Bryce Gaton reports on how quickly things are changing overseas, while Australia still waits for its EV moment.f
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SubscribeReplacing your fossil miles
Our regular writer Bryce Gaton explains why he’s just bought his first-ever new car, a Hyundai Kona electric vehicle.
Read moreA tale of three winters
In a well-designed house, can you get by without heating? And how does far infrared heating compare to split systems, for efficiency and comfort? Jenny Edwards put her own home to the test.
Read moreRecycling solar
With the recent boom in solar PV installations and the increasing uptake of storage batteries, we take a look at what will happen to these products when they reach the end of their lives.
Read moreSolar system buyers guide 2020
Interview with a designer: cladding in the sub-tropics
Rain and heat mean different cladding and finishing choices in the sub-tropics, says Stephanie Skyring, an architect based in Brisbane. But a focus on sustainable materials is key, no matter the climate.
Read moreSustainable salons
When our managing editor heard that her hair salon was joining a movement for greater sustainability, she was intrigued, and sent Kellie Flanagan to find out more.
Read moreCladding case study: Charred for a long life
Quentin Irvine has been making and using charred timber cladding since 2015, both on his own house and for clients.
Read moreCladding case study: Timber cottage with low-maintenance twist
This house in Willunga, SA, uses timber cladding for a cottage feel, but adds low-maintenance Colorbond and magnesium oxide board for the hard-to-reach areas.
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