Sanctuary Issue 61

House profiles

Human scale

Carolyn’s Brisbane house is designed to provide connections for her into the future: with breezes, sun and nature, and with community.

Easy and breezy

A hempcrete house with attention given to accessibility: perfect for the long term for a pair of Perth retirees.

Design for the ages

The evolution of Paul and Meg’s family home outside Hobart is a tale of creativity, adaptability and a commitment to joy.

Long story short

Built on a budget and designed to suit them as they get older, Rod and Bronwyn’s simple Bundaberg house is a triumph.

Family favourite

Aron and Jodie chose an ecovillage near Margaret River to put down roots and build their small, high-performing family home.

Tiny oasis

On the edge of Melbourne’s CBD, a 150-year-old terrace is updated for another new century.

Period Passive House

Hema and Josh prioritised thermal comfort over extra space for the renovation of their inner-Sydney terrace, with spectacular results.

Little by little

This character-filled 1970s home in Adelaide has been updated for comfort, performance and flow, without sacrificing any of its original charm.

Ideas & advice

Universal design: A plus for everyone

It’s more than just wheelchair access! Universal design expert Jane Bringolf explains what this hot topic is all about, and how easy it is to incorporate in your build.

Design Workshop: An accessible, adaptable upgrade

Architect and universal design specialist Mary Ann Jackson helps out with the updating of a 1970s outer Melbourne home for functionality, energy efficiency and long-term accessibility.

Upgrade your cooking: Making the move to induction

We think induction cooking is a no-brainer; here’s why, plus tips on how to do it, especially in an existing kitchen.

Facing fire

Architect Sarah Lebner explains how you can design your house for active bushfire defence.

The first one hundred days

Renew’s new CEO, Fiona Gray, dives in.

On the drawing board: Quick and easy life cycle assessment for carbon-zero homes

We bring you the story of a collaboration to develop an app for assessing a home’s lifetime carbon impact.

Outdoors: Plants that keep on giving

Herbaceous perennials: what they are, how to care for them and their role in organic gardens.

Climate Resilient Homes campaign update: Big win for energy-efficient homes

Finally, the hard work pays off and we have something to celebrate! Rob McLeod explains the win – and the next steps.