Sanctuary magazine

Sustainable House Day 2019

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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Latest news

Research

The Value of Higher Efficiency Homes

22 Sep 2019

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.

Submission

Consumers speak up on new building standards

18 Sep 2019

Renew and our community partners have responded to options for efficiency improvements for new homes

News

Sanctuary 48 out now: Sustainable House Day special

16 Aug 2019

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.

News

Welcome to our new Sanctuary editor, Anna

23 Aug 2019

We are excited to welcome Sanctuary's new managing editor, specialist sustainable design writer Anna Cumming.

Ideas and advice

Ideas & Advice

Are we aiming for the stars?

23 Sep 2019

Two decades after the introduction of the Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme, an analysis looks at how we’re building, the Star ratings we’re achieving and what needs to change to deliver climate resilient homes.

On the drawing board

On the drawing board: Of lovable, well-made things

6 Sep 2019

Inaugurating our new series On the drawing board, architect Matt Elkan muses about beauty and quality in the built environment, how they contribute to longevity, and how an appreciation of both has informed his recent work.

Ideas & Advice

Green builders: How to choose the right person to construct your home

6 Sep 2019

To turn a great design into a high-performing sustainable house, you need the right builder. Jenny Edwards explains where to look and what to ask.

Take the next step

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Sustainable design events

We run regular Speed Date a Sustainable Design Expert events plus the annual Sustainable House Day in September each year.

Find events

Design workshop

Design workshop: Connecting indoors and out

26 Aug 2019

Libby Kartzoff and her husband Gary Fry are planning a renovation of their 1950s home on the mid-north coast of New South Wales.

Design workshop

Design workshop: Making space for family and friends

22 Jul 2019

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.

Design workshop

Design workshop: A better beach shack

8 Mar 2019

Uta Green of Green Design Architects in Tasmania offers suggestions for how a 1950s beachside shack can be renovated for better thermal efficiency, including options for a low-budget retrofit or a modest extension.

More house profiles

House profiles

Shacking up

6 Sep 2019

A compact, versatile and functional home on the New South Wales mid-north coast makes the most of recycled and reclaimed materials to create a cabin-like feel.

House profiles

Elegant infill

3 Sep 2019

Careful orientation, spaces with double functions, and plenty of storage combine to ensure this family home on a subdivided Brisbane block feels larger than it is.

House profiles

At home with hemp

3 Sep 2019

This family home in central Victoria makes the most of the beauty and thermal properties of hempcrete, to satisfying effect.