Design workshop
Design workshop: A higher-performing volume build
Kirsten and James are keen to make the project home they’re planning in Camberwell, Victoria, as energy-efficient and comfortable as possible, and have budgeted for some upgrades. Architect Penny Guild and ESD consultant Erika Bartak give the couple some advice on achievable tweaks to improve their home’s performance.
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Ideas & Advice
On the drawing board: Testing out 10 Stars
What does it look like to aim for the top of the Star rating scale, and can it be done without costing an arm and a leg? Builder Craig Riddle set out to design and build a very high-performing house using iterative energy rating assessments, careful construction and standard, readily available materials.
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Ideas & Advice
Volume-built wins: Steps to a more sustainable project home
Many people look to volume builders as an affordable option for their new home – but how do you achieve your sustainability goals with this mass-market product? ESD consultant and housing researcher Erika Bartak explains the easy wins, the pitfalls to avoid, and the important questions to ask.
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Ideas & Advice
Closing the performance gap: Passive House for schools
Australian schools are underperforming in terms of energy efficiency and indoor environment quality. We talk to some architects who believe that the rigorous Passive House standard could help turn that around.
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Ideas & Advice
Climate resilient homes
For the past year, Sanctuary’s publisher Renew has been spearheading a campaign for climate resilient homes, focusing on pushing for much-needed changes to minimum energy standards. Our sustainable housing advocate Anne Martinelli looks at why this is important, what’s been achieved so far and what’s next.
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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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