Sanctuary 49 out now: Backyard builds special
Sanctuary 49 showcases some of Australia’s most inspiring backyard studios, clever infill and brilliant compact spaces.
As the population of our cities and towns continues to rise and new development pushes urban boundaries ever outwards, it’s clear that we need imaginative strategies to minimise urban sprawl and maintain the liveability of our communities. And while urban densification is something of a dirty word to some, it’s not all unsympathetic multi-residential developments.
This issue, we look at clever infill and density done well with our Backyard Builds special. A pair of Melbourne empty-nesters subdivided their backyard and built a highly energy-efficient home that’s bringing increased financial sustainability; in Canberra, a retired couple have achieved the same with a simple and colourful secondary dwelling designed for ageing in place. A gem of a backyard studio in the Blue Mountains shows what’s possible for small, economical and efficient suburban infill buildings. And two sustainably designed double-storey apartments with many shared facilities make great use of a 274-square-metre Fremantle block, epitomising considered suburban density. The backyard builds theme continues in Design Workshop: designer Elizabeth Wheeler offers suggestions for converting a red brick garage at the bottom of a Melbourne garden into a comfortable granny flat.
We also visit an Adelaide home where a budget-conscious renovation preserved its mid-century character, and tour two small-scale Passive Houses in New Zealand and Victoria’s Gippsland.
Take a look inside Sanctuary 49.
Also in this issue:
A new house or a big renovation can be a dauntingly large project; three design experts offer advice on how to get it right from the start for a truly sustainable result. We take a look at the rise of community-supported agriculture in Australia, and Sophie Weiner explores the humble ceiling fan as a low energy way to keep cool in style. Next in our new ‘On the drawing board’ series, architect Ben Callery describes what can be done to turn around ageing 1990s-era townhouses with a sensitive renovation. And Caroline Pidcock, a founding member of the Australian Architects Declare movement, explains why over 660 (and counting) local architects are taking a stand and declaring a climate emergency.
Sanctuary 49 is on its way to letterboxes and newsagents near you, full of advice and inspiration for sustainable living and building.
And as always we feature a wide range of innovative sustainable products and design tips for your home.
We welcome your feedback. Perhaps there’s something else you would you like to see in Sanctuary? Let us know on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or by email.
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