Green Magazine – The Interiors Addict

Australia’s best architects design tiny six-by-ten-metre homes

City living is in hot demand. But what sacrifices would you be willing to make to get that prime location? Would you be prepared to max out your bank account? Buy a fixer-upper with none of the funds to actually fix it up!? Or how about live in a tiny house?

Celebrating sustainable, small-scale architecture, Melbourne’s upcoming design exhibition MINI LIVING – INVERT has challenged 14 architects to design a home fit for a family of four on a unique six-by-ten-metre site(!) at the rear of 200 Little Collins Street in central Melbourne.

Each architect will exhibit their designs as well as a 1:20 scale model on the CBD site from tomorrow until Sunday (4-to-8 October). Free talks will be held on Thursday and Friday October 5 and 6, where the architects will share the inspiration behind their designs. Videos of the talks will be posted after the event.

Held by Green Magazine in collaboration with MINI and the City of Melbourne, RMIT architecture students have also been asked to participate, one of whom will have their work shown at the MINI lIVING – INVERT exhibition.

Book your free tickets now | More design exhibitions

7 tips for a sustainable renovation

Green magazine’s editor Tamsin O’Neill gives her top tips for renovating and designing sustainably.

1. Look for finishes with low toxicity. There are many beautiful waxes and oils that enhance timber floors and panels that are also durable and non-toxic.

2. Look at the work of local designers for furniture, fixtures and fittings. There is an abundance of great local designs that are built to last, unlike replica furniture.

image 2IA — Connect Stool by Kin, made in Melbourne. From green magazine’s designbook.

3. Bring some green into the home or office, research has shown that indoor plants reduce indoor air pollution and stress.

image 3IA — Indoor plants in a home designed by Brave New Eco. Photo by Roma Samuel for green magazine.

4. Swap single glazed doors and windows for double glazed, they are the norm these days and by installing them your home will be more comfortable and your bills lower.

image 4IA — Double glazed doors by AWS. From green magazine’s designbook.

5. Install LED lights, they are super efficient and now come in an array of colour temperatures to suit every room. There are even LEDs that have been designed to look just like the old incandescent globe.

image 5IA — Megaman’s LED Filament bulb. From green magazine’s designbook.

6. Plant a veggie patch and not only reap the rewards but submerge yourself in the process. There are some great veggie box options for small spaces.

image 6IA — Glowpear’s Urban Garden. From green magazine’s designbook.

7. Invest in exterior blinds or shading, if automated they will adjust the amount of sun throughout the day for optimal comfort.