The Baobab Collective brings soulful African style to Australia with a curated collection of throws and blankets. Made in South Africa, the new range is sustainably sourced and ethically crafted.
“Having grown up in South Africa, we always had beautiful throws at home – we wanted to introduce Australians to these incredible textiles that are filled with stories and cultural importance,” said Greg van Zyl, founder of The Baobab Collective.
“Now based in Australia’s Southern Highlands – we know what it’s like to need cosy layers. The Baobab Collective introduces the best pieces for adding texture and warmth to a home, and are made by the oldest and most revered blanket manufacturer in South Africa.”
One of their range, the Basotho blankets, are a distinctive woollen blanket worn by the Sotho people of Africa, and are steeped in history. Originally gifted in the late 19th century to the then ruler King Moshoeshoe by an English man known only as “Mr Howell”, these blankets quickly gained popularity, replacing the traditional animal skin cloaks.
Handmade furniture designer Jeremy Lee has built JDLee Furniture around the values of sustainable and high quality furniture. “Buying less is more when it comes to our impact on the environment,” he says. “Our focus has always been to produce beautiful furniture that is built to last.”
The brand’s new range, released this month, is an antidote to disposable mass market trends. “It feels really important to be giving life to any craft that is slowly becoming forgotten by way of larger automated workshops,” Jeremy adds.
Featuring intricate handwoven rattan and attractive joinery, each piece is designed with repairs in mind, so you won’t need to throw away your furniture if it ever becomes damaged.
JDLee Furniture are a small team of highly skilled craftspeople based in the Byron Bay Hinterland. Each piece they produce is designed and entirely handmade by the workshop. Their commitment to environmental sustainability extends from the sourcing of materials to the recycling of any wastage.
Earlier this week, we shared with you the winner of the Houses Awards 2020 Australian House of the Year and today we’re sharing the winner in the sustainability category, Waratah Secondary House by Anthrosite. We like a big flashy house as much as the next person, but we think this Newcastle home has a similarly modest and timeless feel to the overall winner and we love that.
A exercise in affordable housing, this simple, box-like form was conceived to expedite construction times and keep costs low. Located on an urban infill site, this 60sqm secondary dwelling embraces flood mitigation controls through a split level structure providing a spatial experience that maximises the small footprint.
The jury found the deliberation for this year’s Sustainability award to be a delightful challenge, given the breadth of mature and thoughtful shortlisted work that championed sustainability as inherent to good design. Waratah Secondary House by Anthrosite stood out to the jury, however, in part due to its modesty. It is a home designed and built with affordability, pragmatism and comfort in mind, while also delivering a resolved and thoughtful architectural outcome.
The jury said this home demonstrates something that we need more of – housing that doesn’t cost the earth, literally or figuratively. The jury was particularly impressed by its response to context as an infill dwelling created on a small, challenging site, along with the architect’s focus on creating a high performance envelope, and on utilising efficient and low-waste materials and construction methodologies, such as Structural Insulated Panel System (SIPS) and embracing raw, exposed finishes.
An integrated approach to sustainability isn’t simply about adding technology or satisfying a particular performance rating, the judges said. “Frankly, size does matter. Waratah Secondary House is a small, humble project that delivers something that we need to see more of in our cities and the jury commends all involved.”
Is this the best house in Australia? Houses Awards 2020 announced!
A humble beachside restoration in the Gold Coast suburbs has been awarded the 2020 Australian House of the Year. Chosen by a panel of industry experts, Cantala Avenue House by…
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Building a more sustainable and low maintenance home requires careful planning but the payoff can be huge. From style to cost-effectiveness, longevity to eco-sustainability, it can often be confusing and…
The sustainable home built in a Sydney flood zone
Sharon and Malcolm Auld may have bought land in their dream location – backing onto Manly Lagoon in Sydney’s Northern Beaches – but every rose has its thorn and in…
The 70s had it all – from boho chic to retro glam – and its influence on fashion and interiors has transcended generations like few eras, before or since. Australian interiors brands Art Hide and Amigos de Hoy have selected the best elements of the iconic decade and infused them throughout their decadent new homewares collections.
Offering a fresh take on 70s opulence, the newest ethically sourced leather rugs and accessories from Art Hide feature rich jewel tones, reminiscent of the colours seen in the era’s best five-star hotels and with a hint of rock-star glam. New styles Largo and Optico are inspired by bold wallpaper prints of the time in stunning teal and rich forest green hues. And some classic pieces get a modern update, such as the Estrella rug which boasts gold accents injected throughout its herringbone pattern in an ode to 70s glam.
Likewise, Amigos de Hoy brings elevated bohemian glamour to interiors with a new collection of small batch, handmade and traditional artisan crafted pieces. From vintage floral-inspired prints and patterns to Moroccan influences and other 70s references, the collection’s textile pieces deliver on both quality and style.
And of course no 70s-inspired collection would be complete without a scattering of gold. New Tom Tom drums pick up where the brand’s popular Joanie and Stevie tambourines left off, and are a continuation of musical references seen throughout the range.
Immerse yourself in relaxed opulence and evoke classic glamour with the stunning new pieces from these leading Australian interior brands.
Art Hide and Amigos de Hoy are creative collaborations between Australian sisters Kura Perkins and Bree Hay-Hendry. Both brands are inspired by the pair’s world travels and the talented artisans they encounter along the way. They are committed to creating unique homewares that are both fun and fabulous, while retaining a timeless style.
Sharon and Malcolm Auld may have bought land in their dream location – backing onto Manly Lagoon in Sydney’s Northern Beaches – but every rose has its thorn and in the case of the Aulds, well they had a very prickly problem… their block was a prevailing flood zone! So, what to do? Call in the experts!
Enlisting the help of builders Lawson and Lovell and architect Matt Elkan, they started digging. Deep! “The foundation is on loose sand and required 70 screw piles to be driven approximately 17 meters underground to reach stable foundation,” explains builder Phil Lovell. “It was much deeper than expected!” A tough job, but crisis averted.
With a brief to design a contemporary, sustainable home featuring timber and glass, it was important the home felt connected to the immediate environment. “We wanted the home to feel part of the local wetland environment and maximise the outlook onto the lagoon,” says owner Sharon. “We also wanted to maximise the benefits of sunlight and the prevailing north east winds through the use of louvres and breezeways.”
Other sustainable features (which saw it take home the HIA Greensmart 2017 Sustainable Home Award at the weekend) include two 2000-litre rainwater tanks, used for the laundry and irrigation; solar panels on the roof to supply power; as well as minimal air conditioning and heating throughout.
Designed over two levels, the home brings the outdoors in with open and integrated spaces. This is especially apparent on the ground floor, which features the kitchen, living and dining, home office, laundry, guest bedroom and covered back deck. “The downstairs space is my favourite,” explains Sharon. “I love the way the living space can be expanded to include the outdoors, just by using the sliding glass doors. It means we can cater for different occasions and weather.”
Upstairs there is a large sitting room and three generous bedrooms. The main bedroom has an ensuite and walk-in robe; while the children’s rooms and the master are separated via an internal deck that allows light from the windows above to filter through the home.
The end result is a beautiful family home that promises to last the distance. “The house is contemporary, sustainable and allows for easy entertaining and living,” explains Sharon. “It is also designed for our teenagers to live independently in their bedrooms as young adults, as we expect them to live in the home for quite a while. Given the costs of living in Sydney!”
I’m a big believer that you can’t go wrong when you use beautiful, solid timber in your home, whether it’s a tabletop, furniture, bathroom vanity or floor. When I see beautiful timber, I just want to run my hand over it! I love that this durable, good-looking material comes from nature and never fails to add warmth and texture, in the most modern or traditional homes.
The bathroom in my old apartment
One thing’s for sure, wood never goes out of fashion, but we do change the way we use it. Last year, I chose to make custom timber vanities the star of my own bathroom and WC. Faced with wanting something simple and timeless but not at all boring, it was the obvious choice. I kept the tiles and bathroomware white, chrome and very simple, with a few marble feature tiles. This let the timber do the talking, and there’s no doubt that when we sold the apartment at Christmas (I still miss that bathroom, sob!) the bathroom certainly helped us get a block record price.
I was absolutely in love with our bathroom. Recently featured in Grand Designs Australia magazine, I wasn’t the only one who thought it nailed the brief of simple, timeless, quality. I mean, just look at that wood grain! You just can’t recreate that artificially! And yes, I spent a lot of time in there, stroking the timber!
There are many misconceptions around using timber though. I was genuinely surprised how many people questioned whether timber was a practical choice for the bathroom. I’d done my research of course, but many people thought the vanities wouldn’t last with so much exposure to water (more on that later). People also think that using new timber is bad for the environment (in that it’s not sustainable to cut down trees) or much more expensive than other options. These are understandable and legitimate concerns and I hope I can shed a little light on these important considerations in this post too.
Wood + water can work!
Ben Purchase of Ingrain Design, who made my vanities, says: “Timber selection in the bathroom is important, and regardless of the timber you choose – new timber or recycled hardwoods – it’s the way you seal it and protect it that ensure its longevity. Sealing prevents moisture getting into the timber, and can reduce issues with warping, movement or water damage. We use Osmo Poly-x because it’s made with natural wax and oils, which absorbs deep into the timber without the use of any harsh chemicals.
A timber stool is another great way to add warmth to the bathroom; a too often cold and clinical space
“Floating timber vanities are a popular choice, and they create the illusion of space. The benefit of a custom vanity is you can completely customise for each individual space, your family’s needs and the amount of storage you require.” That’s something I really loved about the tiny vanity in my WC which could hold an impressive 12 toilet rolls!
Environmentally sound
Interior designer James Treble, star of The Living Room and an ambassador for Planet Ark, told us: “The fact that most timber these days comes certified from regrowth forests (which has a full chain of custody so you know it’s the real deal) means we can all use and enjoy the benefits that timber brings in our homes as one of only 10 materials which is both renewable and recyclable! (More on choosing the right wood here). As for the cost, well quality timber flooring, furniture and cabinetry are made to last, and unlike other finishes they can be sanded stained and refinished many times over, meaning their value outlives many other products.”
Make It Wood, a partnership between Planet Ark and Forest and Wood Products Australia, say when sourced responsibly, wood can play a big part in helping tackle climate change. This is because wood is a low carbon option for building; it sequesters carbon during the growth phase, it stores carbon for the long-term, it is renewable and it has a lower embodied energy than many other building materials such as concrete, steel or plastics. As a result, using wood allows us to live a low carbon lifestyle. Wood is unique among building materials because it is a natural carbon store – up to 50% of its dry weight is carbon. Responsibly sourced wood products store the carbon that the growing trees have removed from the air.
You get what you pay for
I certainly believe that a large portion of society is moving away from the cheap and disposable mass market furniture and homewares that flood the market, and are prepared to pay a little more for something quality which will last, or something custom made which is perfect for their home and their taste. I, for example, have quite a narrow dining room in my new house, and I’m considering having a table custom made to make the best use of the space. We’ll be there for at least 10 years, so it will absolutely be worth it. You also cant beat a timber table top. My previous table was veneer and my toddler soon scratched and marked it at meal times! Solid timber can always be sanded back or re-stained if the worse happens or you change your colour scheme for example, but I personally love the look of a slightly gnarly, dented, well-loved family table that tells a bit of a story about the people who’ve eaten and done their homework at it so I wouldn’t be too precious!
Ben adds: “We’ve found people assume a hefty price tag applies to custom made furniture, when in fact, commissioning your own handmade piece of furniture is more accessible than you think. By choosing custom made, you’re doing your bit for the environment and a piece you can share with generations to come.
“Custom made is more affordable in the long run and people are cottoning on to the longevity you get out of a custom piece. Instead of buying several pieces of furniture over a period of time, you can have that one custom piece in your home – completely customised to your style and specifications, using sustainable, reclaimed or recycled timber, that is built to last and will stand the test of time.”
Where and how to use it in your home
And how about some more unusual uses for timber in the home? While timber clad feature walls have been gaining popularity for a while now, James also suggests ceilings!
We love the timber ceiling in this award-winning project, Yasmine Ghoniem’s (Amber Road) ‘Deco House’, recently featured on Interiors Addict. Click image for more.
“It’s a stylish and unexpected place to see timber cladding! It’s great for alfresco, as a feature under the front portico, and can also work very well inside the home, like the foyer, to make a modern yet stylish entrance,” James says. “And don’t forget the humble timber screening, large recycled timber posts placed close together, are a great way to screen off the front entry into a living area, or to act as a room divider between the living and dining areas.”
A Colourcube Interiors project recently featured on Interiors Addict. Click image for more.
While recycled and upcycled timber furniture is an obviously environmentally friendly, you should know you can buy certified new timber pieces without the guilt too. Before buying furniture or planning renovations such as a new deck or flooring, follow this advice to help you avoid buying illegally logged imported wood or wood from forests of high conservation value.
James says: “Timber is the only product that provides shade and habitat for wildlife while it’s growing, it can then be responsibly harvested, with a new forest to take its place. Those responsibly harvested trees can be used for a huge range of uses, and at a later date can be recycled and reused again and again! While all of this is being done, timber also stores carbon, so it’s great for our planet and global warming, and just like a walk in the bush makes us feel recharged, it’s proven that timber finishes in the home actually lower blood pressure and increase wellbeing! ”
Ben adds: “We’ve seen a growing trend towards locally made, people are becoming more conscious of where their furniture is coming from, and they’re making smarter buying choices when it comes to the environment. By choosing custom made you’re reducing the amount of furniture going to landfill and supporting smaller makers in the process. Purchasing that one custom handmade piece will outlive any flatpack – you’ll not only have a piece with your unique design stamp on it, you’ll also have done your part for the environment. And that means one less flatpack on the street curb.”
Disclosure: this post is in collaboration with Planet Ark’s Make It Wood campaign which supports the use of sustainably sourced, certified wood based on the benefits to the environment and our health and wellbeing that it provides.
At the heart of sustainability is the mantra ‘reduce, reuse and recycle’. Here’s how to renovate with these sustainable practices in mind.
Image courtesy of Maxa Design
Reduce waste
Renovating rather than building from scratch can be seen as the ultimate way to reduce waste. You are using some or all of the existing fabric of the building, and this reduces the need for materials, cuts down landfill, and keeps the overall embodied energy in your home lower than if you started from scratch.
A good way to reduce waste is to aim for longevity and the best way to do this is to buy quality materials, fixtures, fittings and appliances, and then maintain them well. Don’t buy cheap materials as they will break before too long, which creates waste, not only when you remove the material but financially when you purchase a new item and hire a tradesperson to install it again.
For example, if a roof is looked after (e.g. regularly checking it and cleaning your gutters) it can last 20-25 years. We see a lot of hot water systems that last around half the length of time that they would if they were simply serviced. And a good bathroom will last 10-15 years if you invest in the best solutions and great tradespeople – but don’t forget you must look after it!
Image courtesy of Maxa Design
Reuse material
One man’s trash can absolutely be another man’s treasure when renovating. Advertise some of the items you don’t want any more on eBay, Gumtree or a local Facebook group. Even if you give them away for free, for example through networks like Freecycle, you don’t have to pay for removal, you reduce landfill, and your piece gets a new life elsewhere. Old bricks, hard wood timber floor boards, period features and quality 1950s light fittings are in great demand and can be quite pricey, so never throw them in the skip.
You can also mine these networks for materials and fittings that you may want to use in your renovation. When renovating you should absolutely work with your trades to salvage any interesting items or reusable materials before demolition.
Also, if you can remember when you last had something maintained, installed or repaired, you can then make an informed decision of whether some of your own existing items can be reused. For example, some problem fixtures should be replaced due to their age because even if repaired now they will cause new issues in the near future. But other issues can be repaired under warranty.
Your choice of material may dictate the aesthetic of your renovation or vice versa, but fortunately there’s a big enough range to fit into a lot of different themes. Reclaimed pieces can be used for retro chic, rustic or industrial looks, for example, or it can shake things up in a very modern home.
Image courtesy of Maxa Design
Recycle
If you can’t reuse something, consider how you might recycle it responsibly. Glass and metal are prime candidates for recycling and many recycling plants take some kinds of plastic as well. Items such as carpet can be turned into insulation materials so don’t think of it as landfill just yet.
By mindful of recyclability when you purchase new materials and fittings as well. Ask yourself: is it made of material that can be recycled? Once you use this as criteria it will help your renovation become more sustainable.
There are a number of ways in which you can make your renovation sustainable but in many cases it comes down to the three standard principles of reduce (usage and waste), reuse (material, fixtures and fittings), and recycle (both using recycled items and recycling your unwanted items). Good luck with your sustainable reno!
Laney Clancy is the Marketing and Finance Manager at Pipe Perfection Plumbers in Sydney. She gets to talk to plumbers about plumbing and home maintenance a lot, and loves a good bathroom makeover.
Lovers of European-inspired stained wood flooring can now get the look with home-grown Australian hardwood species. The new contemporary stained range from Boral is a first of its kind, featuring local (and certified sustainable) Blackbutt and Spotted Gum timbers.
High quality, and easy to install, the metallon boards are inspired by the aesthetics of precious metals, transforming the earthy beauty of Australian hardwoods into the colours of Copper, Tungsten, Pewter, Cobalt and Titanium.
“Stained engineered floors are extremely popular and when matched with the natural beauty of Australian species, prove to be a versatile and multi-dimensional timber flooring solution that aligns with evolving Australian architecture and design trends,” said Leon Travis, national sales and distribution manager at Boral Timber.
Using the click-lock installation system, the hard-wearing Blackbutt and Spotted Gum boards are pre-finished for minimal fuss and mess. The boards can be sanded back for a more natural finish or re-stained.
Prices start at $114.38 per m2 (not including installation). Click here for more info.
With a steadfast commitment to sustainable design, Melbourne’s Cantilever Interiors not only make beautiful kitchens but they’re timeless and built to last too.
In order to ensure your kitchen remains ageless, and less likely to end up in landfill, they recommend a pared-back colour palette that can easily adapt to future trends. Open shelving is also one of their design signatures, included in all their kitchens. This allows objects can be displayed and changed over the years as styles change. They combine these design features with robust materials which are also key to a kitchen’s longevity.
As for their environmental credentials, the company source sustainable materials within Australia, their board materials have zero emissions and all their timber is treated with low VOC water-based finishes. Their benchtops are sustainable and constructed from reconstituted stone (made from 75% recycled materials) or laminate that uses low levels of formaldehyde.
And their environmental commitment doesn’t end there – the whole company is run on green principles. Their kitchens are built using 100% carbon neutral electricity and they use the latest machinery that reduces waste and increases yield from panel products. The packaging, packing boards and packing crates are also recycled.
Green credentials aside, these are some seriously good-looking kitchens, don’t you think?
It was the words of author Anna Lappé, who said: “Every time you spend money, you’re casting a vote for the kind of world you want,” that inspired Don Garvan to start furniture brand Totem Road.
Committed to minimising the impact of our modern throwaway culture, Don began creating a range of timeless timber pieces that not only looked amazing but also made a difference socially, environmentally and ecologically. “If you want to encourage more conscious consumerism you have to create products and a community that people love and connect with,” explains Don. “There’s a lot of talk about sustainability at the moment but for us it goes beyond materials and environment. It extends to the communities and everyone that is involved in every part of the Totem Road process, it’s about giving and taking in equal measure.”
[contextly_sidebar id=”KuNyKFMb6XctsNKzESwbQTdMFQFEIfh4″]From initial idea to final product, careful consideration is taken at every step. On a tangible level it starts at the timber, which comes from sustainable sources with a fully traceable chain of custody, and ends at the packaging, which is made from recycled paper materials. However, for Don, sustainability goes far beyond that. “What really makes Totem Road environmentally friendly is creating pieces that are made to last a life time… or three! Classic simple designs made from high quality and solid sustainable natural materials are more likely to survive those style makeovers and less likely to end up in land fill. That’s really what it means to Totem Road to be environmentally friendly.”
Offering furniture for the bedroom, dining room and living room, the furniture is designed in Sydney and crafted in Vietnam, by a small team of furniture makers whom Don first worked with over 20 years ago! With a definite mid-century, Scandinavian influence, Totem Road use all solid natural materials, creating a connection with nature. “We focus on simple designs that are carefully considered, allowing the materials to speak for themselves and inform the overall construction. Our intention from the start is to create pieces that will enable you to evolve your own personal style and lay the foundation to a space.”
As a business that favours the beautiful and sustainable you would think it couldn’t get any better, but it does. With Totem Road donating 5% of all sales (that’s sales not profit) to a registered charity of your choice. “The charities we are involved with cover all the things that are important to us: people, community and environment. It’s a big part of who we are and part of a commitment to taking and giving back in equal measure. The plan is to eventually set up our own foundation that gives back to the communities involved in the making of our products.”
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.
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.
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.
One area within home furnishing that people often struggle with is lighting. Most people will only use general lighting to light their bedrooms and bathrooms, which can lead to these rooms lacking ambience and functionality.
So to ensure you create a beautiful, balanced room, make sure you have the correct lighting. It is important to remember there are three types of lighting functions: general, task and mood.
Follow my top tips for successful lighting:
Think of each activity you do, step back and evaluate the lighting levels. Can you really see well enough to perform that task? Adding extra light sources can really improve how you feel and interact within your space.
General lighting is just that; typically these lights have a wider pool of light and create an overall good lighting level. These are generally down lights or ceiling lights.
Task lighting is a concentrated light source that helps you see better when performing a specific task. Think adjustable floor lamps for reading, integrated wardrobe lighting to help you find the right shoes and vanity lighting to ensure your makeup is just right.
Mood lighting creates ambience; it doesn’t serve a functional purpose but it makes a space feel more harmonious.
Cable management is a big frustration in people’s homes. Using a cable management box is a great way to keep the cords and wires hidden and allows you to still charge your phone or iPad.
Make the switch to LED: LED is the biggest thing in light since electric light was invented. It shines for over 20 years, can be built into lamps for new designs, and uses a sliver of the energy of incandescent bulbs. LED lights are the sustainable choice, and the smart, functional choice.
— Tiffany Buckins is the head of interior design at IKEA Australia
Having always been passionate about sustainable design, the year 2001 saw Chris Knierim leave his life in Australia to learn about the techniques and practices that were being used overseas.
Forest Lodge Eco House
Many years later, he returned to his hometown, but this time armed with a clear vision of an ecological construction model he could tailor to Australian conditions. He dreamed big for his first project, designing his own home, the Forest Lodge Eco House.
Tiny in size (the home sits on land that is just 3.9 metres wide!) Chris has used every inch of the space, creating a comfortable home for four that features solar hot water, solar concrete slab heating, an underground water tank, vertical garden walls, a roof top garden, double glazed windows and many recycled components. “The home has performed beyond expectations,” explains Chris. “Generally, when you design and build for a client you are aware that the house is nice but only living there will tell you how the house truly performs.”
Chris, however isn’t the only one who loves the project, with the Sydney home winning many awards including the recent Master Builders’ Design & Construction Award and the Master Builders’ Environmental Management Award, as well as four international design awards.
Yet while Chris likes getting the personal recognition, he is most excited by the fact that sustainable design is getting the audience it deserves. “Sustainability is of the utmost importance when it comes to construction and design. It’s not a matter of installing four-star taps and thinking you are sustainable. It’s in the planning prior to design when you have to consider not only the aesthetics and the design but also how it will be built and how the building will be built sustainably.”
Chris and the Forest Lodge Eco House were also showcased on Grand Designs Australia. Watch the episode on The Lifestyle Channelhere. To find out more about Chris’ firm, Designer Construction, visit their website here.
With more than half of Australian homeowners planning to renovate in the next four years,it has never been more important to put energy efficient renovating on the map. Yet while installing energy efficiency measures in your home can improve year-round comfort, save you money and add value to your home, there is still very little practical information available to help renovators go beyond minimum building standards. Well, until now!
Sustainability Victoria’s new Smarter Renovations program is an online planning resource that provides home renovators with interactive tools, information and independent advice on how to improve and maximise the energy efficiency of any home or size of project.
Features include: the Smarter Renovations Planner that calculates accurate cost savings that can be achieved by making energy efficiency improvements; Your Guide to a Smarter Renovation, a consumer guide with practical advice on how to incorporate energy efficiency improvements during a home renovation; a series of Renovation Profiles, detailing the experiences of several individuals during their home renovation projects; and the latest evidence-based energy efficiency solutions, from efficient lighting to dressing the windows, draught-proofing and improving insulation.
The Smarter Renovations Planner in particular is a tool worth using. Accurately calculating the cost saving that can be achieved by making different energy efficiency improvements such as improving insulation, windows or lighting, draught-proofing and upgrading appliances. It works by assessing the type of house, current energy needs and use, together with the renovation work being planned.
To try these tools for yourself, visit Smarter Renovations here.
She may be the director of an award-winning architecture firm, but humble Mel Bright still sees herself as an emerging designer: “Building a practice and good reputation takes time – each project takes about two years so seven years go by very quickly. For me, I’m still very much an emerging designer, which is all about thinking big, finding a life balance and working hard.”
Photo credit: Martina Gemmola
The founder of MAKE Architecture, Mel and her team of four work primarily in residential. With more of an interest in process and approach rather than style, the outcome of all their projects is driven by the client’s brief and the site itself.
“A site-specific response is an important starting point for us,” says Mel. “This happens at the scale of the city and also at the smaller scale of the specific site context. Much of the work we do is renovations to existing residential buildings in Melbourne so the existing heritage of the house plays an important role in forming our design response.”
House Reduction. Photo credit: Peter Bennetts
Believers in quality not quantity, MAKE focus on the way buildings can make our lives better, an idea that is particularly evident in their award-winning project, House Reduction. The first project that saw them gain national recognition, House Reduction was a novel idea that saw the interior of the house actually be reduced in size. “The brief was to help this family remain living in the inner city but give them a larger garden,” explains Mel. “So we removed their 80s extension and rebuilt that part of the house in a much more efficient way. The idea being that maybe we can design smarter rather than larger.”
House Reduction. Photo credit: Peter Bennetts
The property also comprised another of their projects, Little Brick Studio; a studio garage at the rear of the site. MAKE didn’t stop there, also designing the landscape and the pool to create an integrated overall design concept, something which Mel believes is pivotal when creating a home.
“I always feel disappointed if the landscape’s not done at the same time as the rest of the project. I don’t understand how you can have a beautiful house but then look out onto a patch of dirt and broken fences. So we are really trying to push our clients to finish the project and that’s not just finishing the architecture and the interior but finishing the landscape as well.”
Little Brick Studio. Photo credit: Peter Bennetts
With many projects in the pipeline, Mel is particularly excited about a house and studio in St Kilda and house in Balaclava. Here they are exploring some new materials, as well as having to work within the tight parameters of a site that has two huge trees which are in the way of the planned extension. But it is this idea, of working with the site, rather than against it, that has always been MAKE’s approach, something they count as their niche.
“We believe good design shouldn’t just look good it should be useful and it should last,” she explains. “We also like the idea of process rather than style, of drawing on the materials and details in the existing house to inform our design response and reinterpreting and responding in a contemporary way.”
Balaclava Tree House
While MAKE have taken out the top prizes at the Houses Awards and the Think Brick Awards, Mel is most proud of the fact that she has done all of this while being a mother. “I am very proud that we have done all of this while I have juggled two small kids (now five and two) and that we manage to work sustainable working hours. I think it is so important in our industry that we strive to achieve excellence within sustainable working hours and with a work life balance!”
Style and sustainability: they can work together, right? Of course! With so many products available, it can be difficult to know which type of flooring will best suit the needs of your home, but it’s easier than ever to find an eco-friendly solution.
1. Reclaimed hardwood
Have you considered installing a floor with a story? Perhaps it was from a school, church or farmstead? Reclaimed hardwood floors come from a variety of buildings and locations across Australia and each board has its own history! Reclaimed hardwood flooring is suitable for most areas of your home and can be purchased in a wide range of styles, colours and varieties. Purchasing a darker coloured wood will add warmth to your home, while a lighter colour will brighten up your room. Depending on the textured finish, your floor could look smooth, wire-brushed, distressed or hand-scrapped, but why not keep its rustic beauty?
If you find hardwood floors are too cold or too hard on your feet, adding a floor rug can add warmth, softness and colour to your room, all the while protecting the wood underneath.
2. Bamboo
Homeowners who invest in bamboo flooring do so for its unique and eco-conscious properties. Bamboo is durable and looks great in modern or traditional spaces. The texture adds a very organic, natural and elegant feel. Bamboo flooring comes in a wide range of different shades and grains. Regardless of your existing furnishings, you will be sure to find a shade of bamboo that will match. Colours range from mellow light hues to warmer reds and browns. Complete the look with a high gloss, matte or semi-gloss finish.
Due to the speed of growth (approximately 60cm per day), bamboo is a highly sustainable flooring choice. Although it can take between 3-to-5 years to reach maturity, in comparison, trees can take up to 20 years.
3. Cork
Cork flooring is the ultimate in eco-chic. Made from the bark of the Cork Oak tree, this product is highly renewable. Cork can be made to mimic hardwood floors or made to look just like tiles. Think of cork as traditional and vintage to luxurious textures and shades, classic patterns and elegant finishes, artistic and modern. The options are endless.
Although cork is relatively new to the flooring market, this is a worthwhile option to consider.
4. Concrete
Concrete isn’t typically an eco-friendly product, however it has made the list for several reasons.
Pre-existing concrete
Concrete that already exists in your home has no additional environmental impact and it’s ready to go! Concrete floor slabs can be hidden under flooring materials such as carpet, hardwood or tiles. But why waste resources and money to add another layer of flooring when you can simply leave the concrete exposed? Decorative techniques such as colouring, staining, stamping, stencilling and polishing allow you to create floors that mimic more traditional materials.
Green Concrete
Green concrete uses industrial waste by-products. These products are sourced from power plants, steel mills and other manufacturing facilities and are commonly used as partial cement replacements. To make your floor look more decorative, why not consider materials such as recycled crushed glass or plastic, marble chips, metal shavings and seashells for a truly unique look?
5. Natural stone
Natural stone isn’t renewable like cork, however it can be considered eco-friendly due to its durability. Carpet will last anywhere up to 10 years, wooden floors approximately 50 years, while natural stone will last a lifetime. It will even withstand fire! Stone comes in an array of colours and textures including granite, limestone, marble and slate. No two stones are alike, which adds to its unique, elegant and timeless appeal.
Natural stone is strong and hardwearing which makes it perfect for areas that attract high foot traffic and is also beneficial for anyone who suffers from airborne allergies, as dust and allergens are unable to build up on its surface.
–Mark Hutchison is managing director of Bamboozle, Perth’s leading bamboo flooring provider.
Even in tough economic times, your home and office can still look great and be environmentally friendly with the use of recycled and upcycled materials. Melbourne property styling expert Brianna O’Neil says it’s not difficult to use recycled items to add personality and flair to your home whilst reducing your carbon footprint.
Wall hanging made from recycled wrapping paper, clock made from industrial letter P (formally Hoyts movie signage), telephone table and typewriter from eBay (secondhand), books from thrift shop, faux fur throw from Kmart.
“When styling a home, it may surprise you to hear that places like eBay and the Salvation Army are one of my first ports of call for artwork and decor,” she said. “Sometimes the most interesting items can be found where you least expect it and don’t cost an arm and a leg. Vintage items are not a new trend and many blogs and websites give ideas on how they can be best used.”
With the rise of the more conscious, sustainable consumer — think fair trade, organic and environmentally friendly — some talented interior designers have been busy turning their creative minds to designing products with this ethos in mind. There are some truly beautiful homeware products available today, created by designers who place sustainability and fabulous design on equal footing.
We decided to go shopping, and style an eco-friendly kids bedroom. By sourcing sustainable products, not only are you purchasing a beautiful and often unique piece, but you’re purchasing their story, and we love our products having good ones. So happy shopping, conscious shopper. Your kids’ bedroom will look amazing!
For the floor
Armadillo & Co are an Australian rug company who create wonderful floor coverings. Their artisan weavers are seen as integral part of their design process, using generations old, hand weaving techniques. As well as providing fair trade working conditions for their weavers, they also support education programs for the children in the villages. The Armadillo & Co Junior Collection comes in a range of bright, wonderful colours.
Junior Collection Carnival Stripe in Orange and Junior Collection Braid Weave in Pink
