House profiles
Southern success story
A Passive House proved perfect for comfortable, allergy-friendly living for this family in the challenging climate of Dunedin, New Zealand.
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Sanctuary: modern green homes is Australia's premier magazine dedicated to sustainable house design.
On the drawing board
On the drawing board: Nineties townhouse turnaround
Houses only 30 years old shouldn’t need major renovations. But many 1990s townhouses, often built cheaply and poorly insulated in this pre-energy ratings era, are not ageing well. Melbourne architect Ben Callery tackled one recently, demonstrating what can be done to turn these homes around.
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House profiles
Rich pickings
Building a new, highly efficient home in their backyard that’s tailored just for them has brought this Melbourne couple satisfaction and financial sustainability.
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Ideas & Advice
Fan club
Today, sustainable designers agree that ceiling fans can be useful in cutting down on the need for more energy-intensive air conditioning.
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House profiles
More with less
In the Canberra suburbs, this compact, energy-efficient secondary dwelling is affording a retired couple financial sustainability and the opportunity to age in place.
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Scenes from Sustainable House Day 2019
Our Sustainable House Day event this on 15 September featured a record 252 homes open across Australia and nearly 50,000 visitors. Several homes from Sanctuary 48 were open, including Heathmont House, Chewton Hemp House, A39 House, and DecoHousing Denmark. Watch our video to see some scenes from the day.
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Research
The Value of Higher Efficiency Homes
The rise of rooftop solar, high efficiency electric technology and low cost thermal efficiency can lead to substantial energy and financial savings for new homes.
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Submission
Consumers speak up on new building standards
Renew and our community partners have responded to options for efficiency improvements for new homes
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News
Sanctuary 48 out now: Sustainable House Day special
The new issue of Sanctuary showcases some of Australia's most interesting sustainable homes, many of which are open for visits on Sustainable House Day, 15 September. We also explore forward-thinking playspace design, give you a guide to finding a green builder, and present a new feature, 'On the drawing board', with architect Matt Elkan.
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News
Welcome to our new Sanctuary editor, Anna
We are excited to welcome Sanctuary's new managing editor, specialist sustainable design writer Anna Cumming.
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Ideas and advice
Ideas & Advice
Fan club
Today, sustainable designers agree that ceiling fans can be useful in cutting down on the need for more energy-intensive air conditioning.
Read more
On the drawing board
On the drawing board: Nineties townhouse turnaround
Houses only 30 years old shouldn’t need major renovations. But many 1990s townhouses, often built cheaply and poorly insulated in this pre-energy ratings era, are not ageing well. Melbourne architect Ben Callery tackled one recently, demonstrating what can be done to turn these homes around.
Read more
Ideas & Advice
Getting it right from the start: Dos and don’ts for your sustainable build or renovation
A new house, or even a big renovation, is a dauntingly large project and often a significant financial investment – and few of us do it often enough to become experts.
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Become a Sanctuary member
Sustainable design events
Design workshop
Design workshop
Design Workshop: Garage to granny flat
Alicia Brown and Marc Horler are planning to retrofit the red brick garage in their backyard as a temporary living space for their family during house renovations, with an eye to creating a useful ‘granny flat’ for the future too. Building designer Elizabeth Wheeler of Future Focused advises them on a workable layout and what they can achieve with their budget while complying with local regulations.
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Design workshop
Design workshop: Connecting indoors and out
Libby Kartzoff and her husband Gary Fry are planning a renovation of their 1950s home on the mid-north coast of New South Wales.
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Design workshop
Design workshop: Making space for family and friends
Anaise and Martin Cotrell are in the planning stages of extending their 1950s double brick home in Adelaide to provide more living space for their family of five. Paul Worroll of Reddog Architects offers an alternative, pavilion-based design.
Read moreMore house profiles
House profiles
Southern success story
A Passive House proved perfect for comfortable, allergy-friendly living for this family in the challenging climate of Dunedin, New Zealand.
Read more
House profiles
More with less
In the Canberra suburbs, this compact, energy-efficient secondary dwelling is affording a retired couple financial sustainability and the opportunity to age in place.
Read more
House profiles
Rich pickings
Building a new, highly efficient home in their backyard that’s tailored just for them has brought this Melbourne couple satisfaction and financial sustainability.
Read more