Ideas & Advice
Are we aiming for the stars?
Two decades after the introduction of the Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme, an analysis looks at how we’re building, the Star ratings we’re achieving and what needs to change to deliver climate resilient homes.
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Ideas & Advice
Green builders: How to choose the right person to construct your home
To turn a great design into a high-performing sustainable house, you need the right builder. Jenny Edwards explains where to look and what to ask.
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Building materials
Thin skin: getting cladding right
Cladding has become controversial, but every building needs a skin. What should you consider when choosing cladding material?
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Sustainable Design
Adaptable design and why you’ll keep hearing about it
Houses should be designed to match the way we live, which in the 21st century means being adaptable for ageing, climate, working from home and variable household sizes. Kirsty Volz explains how to ensure your home is flexible and fit for purpose.
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Ideas & Advice
Renovate on any budget
Wanting to improve your home but don’t know where to start or how far your money will stretch? Experienced designer Simone Schenkel shares her tips for sustainable renovations with a starting budget of $10,000 through to $350,000-plus.
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Ideas & Advice
Energy upgrade: From 1 to 7 Star
Danielle King and her partner were keen to find a way to measure the impact of their renovation, and she explains what they did to improve their 1 Star home into one with a 7 Star energy rating.
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Sustainable Design
On the verge
Public meets private in that space between front fences and the road, which makes verge gardens a contested but exciting frontier for sustainable landscape design.
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Sustainable Design
Natural connectors: Biophilic design takes root
Bringing nature into our homes and building designs is shown to improve our health and wellbeing – so it’s little wonder leading sustainable designers are integrating natural systems into residential architecture and landscaping in Australia.
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Sustainable Design
Mind the gaps: Passive House from the inside
Certified Passive House is gaining traction in Australia, especially with sustainable designers and builders. But why are people embracing a voluntary building standard, and what does it offer that passive solar design does not?
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Sustainable Design
Window of opportunity: Costing the benefits of bushfire design
Almost a decade since Black Saturday and the subsequent introduction of Bushfire Attack Level (BAL) ratings, many people are still grappling with this aspect of the building regulations. Building designer Dick Clarke unpacks his experiences with the standard, and suggests ways to improve its workability.
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Sustainable Design
Choosing an architect
How a good architect can work with you to create a great design that is inspiring, meets your needs and is mindful of your budget.
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