Sanctuary 66 out now: Sustainable House Day special

In this issue we celebrate Sustainable House Day, this year featuring a return to in-person open homes for the first time since the pandemic.

It’s coming up on Sunday 21 April, and we can’t wait. The program also includes an enticing series of online extension sessions across the following weeks; check out the rundown on page 16 for the full details.

As usual, our collection of house profiles – including several homes that are opening their doors for the perennially popular event – brings you a wealth of considered design, energy saving measures, and materials ideas. There’s a family dwelling bucking the cookie-cutter project home trend in Tamworth, a Melbourne Passive House designed to deliver super fresh air inside, and a Perth architect’s own compact home that was a testing ground for his efficient, affordable designs for small blocks. For renovation inspiration, three carefully considered rear extensions bring greater liveability to homes in Adelaide, Sydney and the Sunshine Coast. And in Tasmania, we visit an established house: the story of how Wendy’s diminutive dwelling and productive garden have evolved over a decade is an inspiring one.

Take a look inside Sanctuary 66

Also in this issue: We revisit a Canberra apartment whose young owners made some small but impactful changes after being part of our Design Workshop program. Elizabeth Wheeler investigates alternatives to good old plasterboard for interior wall linings; we meet the founders of the Sustainable Builders Alliance; and the team behind the game-changer Powerhaus energy rating tool tell us what it’s all about. Jacqui Hagen contributes her gardening tips for renters – including relocating your garden – plus much more.

Sanctuary 66 is on its way to subscribers and on sale in newsagents now. If you haven’t already, subscribe to get every issue delivered. 

We welcome your feedback. Perhaps there’s something else you would you like to see in Sanctuary? Let us know on Facebook or Instagram, or by email.

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Sweet spot: Sustainable midrise for healthy, nature-positive communities

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An alternative to both highrise living and urban sprawl, well-designed medium density is the way to go for balancing the needs of people and nature, says ecologist Sarah Bekessy.

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