Testing ground New build

Testing ground

Joel and Danni Turner, with architect Nikki Mote, experimented with hempcrete for a compact studio to finetune the design and build for their future family house.

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An uplifting prospect New build

An uplifting prospect

Set in a biodiverse landscape 700m above sea level in Queensland’s Great Dividing Range, this small-footprint home is built to withstand the fire threat and extreme temperature fluctuations.

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Glorifying tents New build

Glorifying tents

We’ve all heard the gripe that Australian houses perform no better than glorified tents, but architects are taking inspiration from these age-old forms. The houses showcased here demonstrate how long-held understandings about shelter have a role to play in climate-responsive design.

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Raw materials New build

Raw materials

Architect Paul O’Reilly employed passive solar design principles and raw and prefinished materials to great effect for his sister’s house near Margaret River, WA.

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Tune up New build

Tune up

A U-shaped house on a tight suburban block optimises privacy and passive solar design and creates secluded spaces to sit, depending on the sun and season.

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From fibro to fabulous Renovation

From fibro to fabulous

Often poor performing and riddled with asbestos, is Australia’s ubiquitous fibro shack worth keeping? These two families on opposite sides of the country said yes, opting for renovations and extensions that vastly improved the liveability of their humble homes.

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Material difference Renovation

Material difference

Homeowner Danny Mathews had plenty of ideas and knowledge about low impact materials and how to use them to improve his period cottage, but he sought the guidance of architect Penny Guild to make it happen.

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Work the room Renovation

Work the room

Shrinking the footprint and redesigning and rebuilding one part of this simple beachside house improved its layout, comfort and energy efficiency.

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Cottage cathedralette New build

Cottage cathedralette

Reversing the room layout and building on the same footprint as the original cottage were key to achieving a spacious, flexible new home that preserves this Melbourne horticulturalist’s beloved inner-city food garden.

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