![Gardens to go](https://renew.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/IMG_7497-816x524.jpg)
Gardens to go
Jacqui Hagen is a keen gardener who has transformed the gardens of numerous rental properties across Melbourne. She shares some tips and tricks for bringing your garden with you when it’s time to move.
Read more![Constructing the future – The Sustainable Builders Alliance industry revolution](https://renew.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/BuildersDeclare-1-816x524.jpg.webp)
Constructing the future – The Sustainable Builders Alliance industry revolution
![Design workshop revisited: Small space success](https://renew.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/OakeshottFamily-3-816x524.jpg.webp)
Design workshop revisited: Small space success
With some small but important changes to the internal layout based on our expert’s advice, this expanding young Canberra family is getting more out of their diminutive apartment.
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Subscribe to Sanctuary magazine
Modern green homes in Australia's premier publication dedicated to sustainable home design.
Subscribe![In praise of Accoya](https://renew.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/A7A0231-816x524.jpg.webp)
In praise of Accoya
Native hardwoods are beautiful, strong and durable, but we need to wean ourselves off destructive forestry practices. Building designer and recreational woodworker Dick Clarke takes one hardwood alternative for a test run.
Read more![Eco-concrete case studies](https://renew.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/23-Alexandra-053.web_-816x524.jpg.webp)
Eco-concrete case studies
Adored for its thermal mass benefits and durability, concrete remains one of the most popular building materials in the world, but its shockingly high embodied carbon footprint cannot be ignored. Luckily, there are now a number of greener alternatives available. Jacinta Cleary examines how they have performed in three different homes.
Read more![Sustainability in the mix: The latest in eco-concrete](https://renew.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/SCBPhoto_Flood-House_034.final_-816x524.jpg)
Sustainability in the mix: The latest in eco-concrete
Concrete is a beloved building material for its thermal mass benefits, versatility, strength and durability, yet comes at the cost of shockingly high embodied carbon. Happily, more environmentally friendly mixes are coming online. Experienced sustainable designer Dick Clarke looks at the problem and some of the latest solutions.
Read more![Can we afford it? The rising cost of building in Australia](https://renew.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/hero_web_jpg-816x524.jpg.webp)
Can we afford it? The rising cost of building in Australia
What does it cost to build a house in Australia these days? What factors are at play, and what’s the most affordable way? Late last year Sanctuary’s editor Anna Cumming moderated a panel discussion with three expert practitioners to dig into this subject.
Read more![Pocket forests: Urban microforests gaining ground](https://renew.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/JJM_EdwinaRobinson-2-816x524.jpg.webp)
Pocket forests: Urban microforests gaining ground
Often no bigger than a tennis court, microforests punch above their weight for establishing cool urban microclimates, providing wildlife habitat and focusing community connection. Mara Ripani goes exploring.
Read more![Design workshop: Making a small space work harder](https://renew.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Design-workshop-816x524.jpg.webp)
Design workshop: Making a small space work harder
Young professional couple Jess and David love their diminutive Canberra apartment and the productive courtyard garden they have established, and would like to make changes to maximise natural light, make the most of the available space, and accommodate a future family. Small space expert Kate Shepherd of Rob Henry Architects is on hand to help.
Read more![On the drawing board: Pathways to carbon zero](https://renew.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Only-If_front.web_-816x524.jpg.webp)
On the drawing board: Pathways to carbon zero
The team at Melbourne-based design and build operation Positive Footprints has developed Carbon Zero Homes, a series of energy-efficient houses designed to generate enough electricity to offset the carbon footprint of their creation as well as their operation. Jeremy Spencer and Chi Lu tell the story.
Read more![Energy efficiency front and centre: A renovation case study](https://renew.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/21.01.14_Santuary-Magazine_Canterbury-House-1-web.jpg)
Energy efficiency front and centre: A renovation case study
Rather than starting again, this Melbourne couple opted for a comprehensive renovation of their well laid out but inefficient home, achieving huge energy savings and much improved comfort.
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