With sustainability a leading social issue, the pursuit of more environmentally building practices continues apace and can be seen in property developer Mirvac’s new ‘Future Ready Display Home’ in Melbourne’s Altona North. Nestled inside the developer’s $350 million community The Fabric, the display home explores how small choices in the home can have big impacts on the planet.
Mirvac’s Future Ready Display Home
Partnering with 16 Australian brands, Mirvac engaged interior designers Without Studio to curate and style the display home. Visitors to the home can learn more about sustainable furniture, appliances, cleaning, bedding and more with Mirvac’s sustainability collaborators that include Jardan, Koala, Harvey Norman, Smeg, The Plant Society and more.
“Our partnerships with this amazing group of Australia’s most innovative sustainable consumer brands will allow us to collectively connect with and educate our community on how sustainable products can positively impact their daily lives,” says Mirvac’s general manager of Residential Victoria, Elysa Anderson.
Kitchen
Like all homes at The Fabric, the 7-star NatHERS rated Future Ready Display Home is designed to use 27% less energy annually to heat and cool compared to a standard 6-star rated home. With the additional inclusions of energy efficient, fully electric appliances and rooftop solar panels, the home is estimated to deliver substantial savings to customers on energy bills with the opportunity to choose renewable grid power and have a fossil fuel free home.
Lounge room
Lounge and dining room
“Mirvac is at the forefront of driving change in housing sustainability initiatives, and we understand that home efficiency is more important than ever to homeowners. The Future Ready Display Home is part of our long-term goal to improve our residents’ lifestyle by reducing their energy bills and environmental impact,” says Elysa.
Bedroom
Currently over 60 residents across 30 homes live at The Fabric and, upon completion, the development will be home to around 1500 residents across town homes and mid-rise apartments. The development has a strong focus on creating green, landscaped public and private garden spaces set within an urban village. The newly opened 4,000 square metre Patchwork Park is a highlight and features a spiral slide, climbing structures, musical elements, herb garden, barbecues and picnic shelters for everyone to enjoy.
“They wanted a house that connected them to the regional bush block context, that was as sustainable as possible and that was suitable for them to grow old in. They also wanted to be knocked out by the view in every room,” says architect Daniel Moore of Open Creative Studio, who designed this beautiful Hobart home for his parents. There’s no denying that gorgeous bush block and river views are front and centre of this home.
Living and dining
The new build is located on a block that Daniel’s parents had owned for almost 40 years, near a farmhouse where his mother grew up. Situated about half an hour from the centre of Hobart, the land looks to the Derwent River towards Mount Wellington from a large living area with lofty ceilings. “The large windows in the living room are 1.8 metre high and 3.2 metres wide each. The living rooms and bedrooms feature box window seats too,” says Daniel.
Kitchen
Library
The mood, when you enter the home, is rather different to the main part of the house – the entry is lined with timber including reclaimed blue gum boards sourced from Daniel’s great-grandmother’s nearby barn. “The entry ceiling is painted in Porter’s Paints Squid Ink which makes the transition from outside to inside very intimate and cosy. Then when you walk into the rooms, which are bright and white with large windows framing the view, it really takes your breath away,” says Daniel.
Entry
Built with sustainability in mind, the home has many environmentally friendly facets. It is thermally efficient (the timber framing of the house is thicker than normal to allow for greater amounts of insulation in the walls) and the roof also features double the requisite insulation. “The house is all electric, all the lights are energy efficient LED, and we sourced the most energy efficient appliances that we could,” says Daniel.
Bedroom
Bathroom
The house doesn’t have any active cooling systems either – it relies on cross flow ventilation and is heated with solar gain and a hydronic heating system. There’s an 8kW solar panel on the roof and rainwater is sourced from the roof and passed through a seven-stage filtration system before emerging from the taps. “Black and grey water is also processed on site through the in-ground septic system. The carpet in the bedrooms is 100 percent natural wool with a recycled content foam underlay and the external timber is finished in a product that doesn’t require reapplication for over seven years and will naturally grey off.”
A passion for his mother, the home was designed with her front and centre. “It was mainly about giving her what she wanted and making sure she could see herself in every decision in the design. I can see their joy in the built outcome every week when they send me photos of the quality of light in the house or the magnificent sunsets that are different every day.”
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This stylish new home is located on a block in the small seaside town of Balnarring on the Mornington Peninsula. Incredibly, the block was purchased 45 years ago for just $9,600 and was vacant until very recently when Atlas Architects were employed to work their magic on the site. With their children now grown, the owners decided the time was ripe to relocate permanently from the city.
Reclaimed brick gives the living room a cosy feel
“Blending in with its bushy site, the home’s corrugated iron and timber cladding reference the Australian coastal vernacular,” says Atlas Architects’ Aaron Neighbour of the home’s aesthetic.
Modest in size but, large enough to accommodate visiting family (there are three bedrooms), the home is energy efficient and has excellent passive solar qualities and natural ventilation. “The owners were after a home that was environmentally and socially sustainable,” says Aaron.
Heavily involved in the design and construction of the project, the owners hand-picked every internal finish, fixture and fitting and even undertook several construction tasks themselves including the construction of retaining walls, landscaping and site drainage. “The outcome is a cherished home with a strong sense of place and an emotional connection to the owners,” says Aaron.
Dining room
Bathroom
The home is comprised of a semi-public front courtyard shielded from the street by greenery and a generous setback. The private central courtyard is where the family socialises as it has direct access to the living, dining, kitchen and workshop while the rear courtyard acts as a functional outdoor space with firewood, garden storage, services, fire pit and veggie gardens. “With the tall trees retained and new medium-size trees planted, the rear courtyard has a campground vibe, referencing the couple’s love for the outdoors,” says Aaron.
Front elevation
A prominent design feature, recycled clinker bricks were used for all of the internal brickwork and courtyard paving. “We love using recycled clinker brick for their sustainability, texture and tone. The mix of 70 per cent reds and 30 per cent blues create beautiful repetition and pattern that invigorates the interior space. The texture of these bricks is contrasted with the sharp lines of the white walls, further enhancing their presence,” says Aaron.
Bedroom
Living room
Another notable aspect of the home is its gorgeous timber bookshelf that was an impromptu feature created during the build. Constructed from offcuts of spotted gum timber that were used to clad some of the external walls, the builder created the shelves that are supported by round timber dowels. “By using the same cladding internally, we were able to bring some of the external warmth to the inside of the home,” says Aaron.
The gorgeous impromptu bookshelf
Selected by the client, the bathroom and kitchen finishes really complement the natural surrounds too. “Our client was inspired by the beautiful greens and greys that feature heavily in the Balnarring landscape and wanted to introduce this internally through tile selection and joinery finishes.”
Bathroom
Photographer: Tess Kelly | Stylist: Homely Addiction
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With the environment and energy use top of mind for many Australians, we’ve seen many sustainable design and building practices emerge; the latest of which is the ‘passive house.’ Originating in Germany in 1990, the Passive House standard is a leading international low-energy design standard that is a scientifically proven, cost-effective way to improve indoor comfort, air quality and lower your heating and cooling bills. But with only around 25 Australian houses officially certified, we spoke to Sydney-based German architect Knut Menden, who is passionate about the movement.
A gorgeous passive house in Sydney’s Balgowlah
“In the Sydney climate, a passive house will reduce your heating and cooling needs by 90 per cent while maintaining a comfortable 20-to-25 degree temperature all year round, with no heating and minimal cooling,” says Knut who recently designed one such house for a young family in the leafy Sydney suburb of Balgowlah.
Kitchen and dining
With a focus on sustainability, good air quality (asthma and dust mites were a concern), as well as general occupant health, this home leant itself to the passive house model, even though the owners didn’t originally ask for one.
“The mass-timber structure provides solid walls, slabs and roofs with an inherent thermal insulation property. The timber mass stores carbon, which is the opposite of traditional construction, where a large amount of CO2 is emitted in the production process,” says Knut who explains that exposed timber surfaces can store and release humidity depending on the relative humidity in the air. Again, impressive eco credentials.
Bedroom
Lounge room
An extension to the original home, the two-storey timber structure was prefabricated and, rather amazingly, installed in just 15 hours on site.
“Apart from the fast installation process, reduced building time, and reduced cost of labour on site, the works were all relatively quiet compared to traditional construction,” says Knut who explains that the home’s main construction material, cross-laminated timber (CLT), was key to the home’s passive status.
The pre-fabricated timber structure was installed on site in just 15 hours!
With biophilic design principles underpinning the home’s aesthetic, it’s not surprising that timber takes centre stage. “The design is based on a simple form and honest materiality expressed as the same material throughout,” says Knut. Also, the timber connects beautifully to the large gumtrees that were retained in the backyard.
As for the Aussie sustainability movement, Knut is excited that we are starting to catch up with many other parts of the world. “I believe that after the bushfire season last year, and with more and more awareness of climate change, people are starting to ask for sustainable construction much more now,” says Knut.
Kids’ bedroom
Environment aside, living in a sustainable house (particularly a passive one), should be a much more comfortable experience when it comes to the weather too. “People seem to accept that our houses are cold and draughty in winter and hot and stuffy in summer but it doesn’t need to be that way,” says Knut who, while acknowledging the significant start-up costs, believes that once you have lived in a truly sustainable and energy efficient building, it is difficult to go back.
“While some things can be more expensive when installed, overall if well planned, there is a short payback period with regard to energy use. And as for the health benefits, that is something that is hard to rate against a dollar figure anyway.”
The home is clad in Blackbutt timber which will eventually age to a silver grey colour
This home is part of the upcoming Sustainable House Day this Sunday 20 September. Due to COVID-19, this year’s event is completely virtual.
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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 overwhelming to consider the right materials.
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To help us navigate the road to sustainability, Brett Ward from Brickworks takes us through six simple ways you can build with sustainability in mind. Implementing passive solar design principles with the right materials can be all it takes.
Prioritise thermal performance
Thermal mass (the ability of a material to absorb, store and slowly release heat energy) is key to creating an energy efficient home. Building your home with heavy, dense materials such as brick helps to insulate it by absorbing and storing heat energy to slow down its transfer. The thermal mass of brick has the potential to keep a home cool in summer and warm in winter, minimising the need for artificial heating and cooling.
Brick acts like a thermal battery that can moderate internal temperatures, as well as averaging out day and night extremes to maintain a comfortable air temperature. By using less energy, this can help you save up to two tonnes of carbon pollution each year. By combining the thermal mass of bricks with insulation, you can lower the carbon footprint of your home, with the added benefit of reducing your heating and cooling bills by up to 40%.
2. Use concrete or terracotta roof tiles
Roof tiles boast an incredible amount of environmental benefits, from their thermal performance, to their low embodied energy and recyclable capabilities. The roof is one of the largest external facing surfaces of a home, and so the choice of roofing material plays a major role in determining the internal living temperatures, household energy usage and the overall energy efficiency of a home. According to the Australian Greenhouse Office, 39% of household energy costs come from heating and cooling the home, so by opting for roof tiles you can expect to save on your electricity bills, all while saving the environment!
3. Design for your climate
Designing your home to suit your climate is a great way to minimise energy use. This practice, known as Passive Solar Design, takes into account your local environmental conditions, including the building’s site, climate and materials, to create a home that optimises the sun’s natural energy. The orientation of your home plays a huge role in the way sunlight enters your home, thus impacting the internal temperature. North-facing windows will welcome light and warmth into your home, while overhanging eaves can create shade and provide relief from the harsh sun.
4. Install a solar system
Solar energy is a renewable source of energy that is clean, sustainable and does not emit any greenhouse gas when producing electricity. Installing a solar system allows you to capture energy from the sun and convert it into electricity, so you can reduce your reliance on the power grid and save hundreds on electricity costs.
5. Embrace products that last a lifetime
Choosing products with a long lifespan is a great way to decrease your impact on the environment and the energy used to maintain your home. Building your home with brick ensures it remains weatherproof, durable and attractive for years to come. Unlike less durable lightweight materials, which can be costly and time consuming to maintain, brick doesn’t need painting, rendering or any other coating to maintain its good looks. Choosing bricks is a smart one-off investment that pays dividends now, and in the future.
6. Use certified carbon neutral products where possible
Where possible, you should incorporate carbon neutral products into your home. You can now choose bricks knowing that their manufacture results in zero net emissions of greenhouse gases into our atmosphere. A product certified as carbon neutral has been assessed and approved against the Australian Government’s National Carbon Offset Standard.
Making sustainable decisions in the design process and material selections of your home allows you to make a big impact on the environment without thinking too much about it. With each of these steps you are investing into the future of the environment, with the added benefit of creating a cleaner, more comfortable and cost-efficient home for you and your family to enjoy.
-Brett Ward is the general manager of international marketing at Brickworks, a group of Australian companies that specialise in building products for residential and commercial markets.
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Designing an ideal kid’s bedroom can be a task many fear due to the risk of creating a space that needs constant updating to reflect your child’s age and likes. Whether you are starting from scratch or building on an existing space, it is important to remember that you want to design a room that will grow with your little one. British Paints’ Nick Walsh, has pulled together five top tips for designing a kid’s bedroom that will stand the test of time and show your child’s unique personality.
Keep your main paint colour simple
Creating a base that will stand the test of time is the easiest way to give your child’s newly decorated space longevity. Lighter colours like whites and greys are perfect building blocks for a great bedroom and won’t date over the years.
If your child wants to customise their space, then consider creating a feature wall to inject some fun and personality through colour. When possible, position your feature wall behind the bed to ensure it catches your eye the minute you walk into the room. If you have opted for a warm tone colour for the room’s base, use a complimenting warm tone for a feature wall to make the room feel balanced. Ideally, select a colour that you will be able to add touches of throughout the room in your accessorising.
Opt for multipurpose furniture pieces
When selecting pieces of furniture to add to your freshly painted room, pick pieces that have multiple purposes and will be well-used. For example, a bed with pull-out drawers will not only allow for greater storage space but will also provide a clutter free space where kids can play.
If you have an old piece of furniture that you want to upcycle and add to your kid’s room, give the piece of furniture a light sand before applying one easy coat of British Paint’s Prep 4in1 Water Based. Once your paint is dry, two coats of British Paint’s H2O Enamel Gloss is the best way to keep the piece looking fresh and protect it from its young owner.
Bring the space to life with some art
Wall stickers and murals may look stylish but they can be difficult to remove after a few years, often pulling off paint or causing cracks. Instead, bring the space to life with art and posters that you can easily switch in and out to match your child’s interests. Large poster frames are an ideal and cost-effective way to add a personal touch to your child’s room and will allow for you to effortlessly change the feel of the room by swapping out old artwork for new, more age appropriate pieces.
Be playful in your accessorising of the space
Now that your walls are looking great and you have your new furniture pieces in place, it’s time to make the room feel super homely with some accessories. Rugs, cushions and throws are a great way to add pops of colour to a room, while making it feel cosy. Don’t forget that little ones love texture, so why not incorporate a shaggy rug, fluffy cushion or silky blanket into their space. Aside from soft furnishings, inexpensive touches like battery-operated fairy lights or glow-in-the-dark stars are an easy way to bring a sense of magic to the room and are guaranteed to have them spending hours in their new space.
-Nick Walsh is a Product Manager at British Paints, an Australian paint company that has produced high quality products for more than 80 years.
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Like many parents, before I had kids I envisioned a toy area filled with lovely looking wooden toys but sadly, the reality is somewhat different! In fact, sometimes I feel like I’m literally wading in plastic which is why I was rather captivated by the story of the newish children’s furniture brand ecoBirdy whose stylish speckled wares are made from 100 per cent recycled plastic toys sourced from Italian kindergartens and schools. What a fabulous idea!
The lovely ecoBirdy collection
“We found ecoBirdy last year at the Milan fair because they stood out – they had something to say about sustainability but the narrative was so fun and creative,” says Erna Walsh of KFive, the Australian distributor for the Italian brand.
“The ecoBirdy founders Vanessa and Joris told us that the range is the result of two years of very intense research and studying on plastic, plastic toys and their recycling and upcycling. They found out that plastic toys are among the most intensive users of plastic of all consumer goods. Children grow fast and their abilities and interests shift even faster, therefore toys are abandoned,” says Erna of the collection that, while made from recycled plastic waste, can easily be recycled again too.
The gorgeous Charlie chair. Thanks to a speckled look, the pieces are both eye-catching as well as being recognisable products of recycling.
Comprised of four designs, the collection includes a chair, table, unique kiwi bird-shaped storage container and rhino shaped lamp. Taking inspiration from rhinos, the latter piece aims to raise awareness, not only of sustainability, but also of this species’ endangered status.
The manufacturing process includes sorting, cleaning and grinding of old toys to ensure that the end result is clean, safe and free from harmful chemicals. Rounded edges and a smooth surface make the pieces pleasant to touch and easy to clean too which is important for a kids’ brand.
Extending its eco-consciousness even further, the brand also produces an accompanying storybook and school programme that has been designed to introduce youngsters to the circular economy and sustainability.
Italian children recycling their toys for the brand
And unsurprisingly, the brand has collected a swag of awards since its inception. “It’s really made an impact on the international scene winning the Good Design Award, Australian German Design Award and the Henry van de Velde Award which is Belgium’s most important design prize. Its also been exhibited at incredible venues like the V&A Childhood Museum in London, who loved the pieces so much they kept them permanently,” says Erna.
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!”
What is sustainable renovation? Here is our guide to sourcing eco-friendly materials, selecting energy and water-saving products, and creating environmentally sustainable spaces.
Sustainability is more than a buzzword, it’s a way to be resourceful and create long-lasting changes for the better. Being aware of environmentally sustainable products and practices when you renovate can reduce your carbon footprint, help you decrease energy and water usage and give you long-term financial savings.
Image courtesy of Dezeen
What is sustainable renovation?
In this context, sustainability is reducing our impact on the environment. Sustainable renovation is the practice of using materials and products that maintain ecological balance through form and function.
Sustainable materials may include recycled surfaces such as reclaimed timber, secondhand fixtures and eco-friendly choices of certain products, such as paints and tiles. You may also choose to install products that will assist energy and water saving, such as LED lighting and appliances with good energy ratings, plus low-flow showerheads and water-saving toilets.
Image courtesy of Dezeen
1. Choose sustainable materials
Sustainable materials are those that come from a replenishable source or have been reused, repurposed or recycled.
Timber from old growth forests is not sustainable; compare this with plantation timber or reclaimed wood. The benefit of reclaimed or recycled wood is its beautiful weathered look and sense of history. Don’t forget you’ll need to treat the wood to protect it from rotting and this substance should also be eco-friendly.
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 modern home.
Consider also the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) content in the materials you select. VOCs are chemicals containing carbon that evaporate into the atmosphere and unfortunately little is known about the health hazards. Low or zero VOC paints, urethanes and particle boards are all available, albeit at a higher cost.
Other materials you might consider include recycled plastic and laminates as well as glass and ceramic, both of which can be recycled.
Image courtesy of Dezeen
2. Aim for efficiency
The bathroom, kitchen and laundry are the three areas where we tend to use the most energy and water so when you’re in the market to purchase fixtures, fittings and appliances for these rooms, make efficiency a key criterion. Not only will this reduce the resources you use, it will save you money in the longer term as well.
Energy star ratings and water ratings (WELS) are a good start but even before you buy items, think of how you can reduce or eliminate the need for them. Creating a temperate environment within the home through good insulation (including to insulate your water pipes) and ventilation will reduce the need for air conditioning and heating. Having a lot of natural light may reduce your reliance on lighting.
Efficiency in heating and cooling also applies to water. A continuous flow hot water system, for instance, will heat water when you need it, whereas a tank system uses energy all day by heating water in the tank whether or not you’re using it. Keep in mind that what a continuous flow system saves on energy it can waste in water as you wait for the water to heat up and reach the outlet. So choose a water wise unit or install a recirculating pump.
If you want to go a bit further, installing green spaces, such as vertical gardens or a green roof, can also support insulation as well as improve air quality.
Image courtesy of Architect Matt Elkan, photograph by Simon Whitbread
3. Future-proof your home
You can use your renovation to future-proof your home in two ways. The first is by preventing unnecessary repairs in the future, for example leak-proofing your house by checking gutters and the roof and undergoing proper waterproofing for wet areas such as bathrooms and the laundry to prevent damp.
Secondly, you can install sustainable features—or plan for them if you cannot afford to include them now. Some ideas include:
Rainwater tank to capture clean rainwater. Instead of going down the drain you can use rainwater on the garden or to flush your toilet.
Greywater recycling takes soapy water from washing machines and basins for use as above.
Solar panels and a set of home batteries like the Tesla Powerwall will store the sun’s energy. It’s possible to live ‘net zero’ (no more electricity bills!) but have the security of being connected to the grid if you ever need it.
Roof colour is often overlooked as a way to reduce energy usage. Dark colours can absorb up to 90% of the sun’s radiant heat—fantastic in a cold climate but uncomfortable if not. Studies show that a white, mid-grey, or steel roof can have approximately 30% lower heat gain than a dark roof.
Don’t forget to see what rebates, buy-backs and other incentives are available for sustainable practices.
Lastly, make sure the people you hire demonstrate sustainable practices too. There are certifications for professions such as plumbing that will help you discern practitioners. A certified Enviroplumber, for example, completes six years of training to become a qualified plumber, drainer and gasfitter and has additional training in sustainable plumbing practices such as installing rainwater tanks and fixing solar hot water systems, as well as abides by the Enviroplumber Code of Practice.
With these considerations in mind you’ll be well on your way to creating a sustainable home.
Laney Clancy is the marketing and finance Manager at Pipe Perfection Plumbers in Sydney. She is married to Darren, the owner of the business, which has a team that includes specialist enviroplumbers and more, servicing the Inner West and Eastern Suburbs of Sydney.
When interior designer Frances Cosway, of White Pebble Interiors, built her dream family home recently, both design and sustainability were top of mind. “Being environmentally conscious, it was important for us to design a beautiful, modern family home without compromising on design, whilst integrating sustainable design to maximise energy efficiency,” says Frances whose home went on to win the coveted ‘Best Ecological Sustainable Design for Bayside 2015’ award.
“The award acknowledges the passive solar scheme of the house, the materials used (exterior and interior) and how the whole site works together as an ecological and sustainable space – including recycling, composting, having a sustainable garden and natural pool,” says Frances.
The home’s natural focus extends to its aesthetics too – it boasts relaxed, resort-style design complemented by an abundance of light-filled open spaces, naturally landscaped front and rear gardens and, most interestingly, a natural billabong that is enjoyed by the whole family. What a talking point!
An urban oasis – we love the natural landscaping in the backyard and the natural Billabong!
The open-plan family home is extremely energy efficient (7.3 stars to be exact) and was no more expensive to build than a standard home yet features passive solar design, thermal mass and next-generation insulation, an airtight building envelope, heat-recovery ventilation, low environmental impact building materials and high efficiency glazing and shading.
“We are very proud to showcase our home for energy efficient products and technologies, proving that sustainable living need not cost more or compromise design and living space,” says Frances who worked as an interior designer in London and Amsterdam for 12 years.
The home is open as part of this year’s Sustainable House Open Day, held on Sunday September 11, 2016. Register here if you’d like to attend and go into the running to win a one-hour design consultation with Frances, valued at $280. Check out more of Frances’ work here.
Designed to last a lifetime, sustainable furniture brand Totem Road’s new range of white oak and Carrara marble tables have a timeless simplicity and more than a passing nod to Scandinavian and mid-century design principles. We think they’d complement just about any space which is no mean feat.
Totem Road coffee table
“I love Carrara for its pale grey veins which bring a rich and fluid humanity to this fiercely dense material. We chose marble because we thought it would make a great accent to the white oak. We also chose it for its pure white neutrality that blends well the natural fibres, animal hides, natural crystals and organic shapes,” says Totem Road designer Elaine Bellew.
Yet again marble proves the perfect complement to concrete, brass & wood.
Available in dining, coffee and side table sizes, the range is designed in Australia and manufactured in Vietnam and there is a clear intention behind its gorgeous, clean lines. “When we talk about visual sustainability, we are really talking about more than just the materiality of the product and the how long it lasts, we are talking about the overall design, the way it looks,” says Elaine who prides herself on creating enduring pieces – in both a design and durability sense.
Totem Road co-founder is at pains to point out the difference between ‘fast furniture’ (akin to ‘fast fashion’) and his ethically produced, high-quality wares. “Whilst the ticket price for this quality product might look high at first glance, both our marble topped dining tables, coffee table and side tables represent excellent value on a cost-per-wear or years-of-use basis,” says Totem Road co-founder Don Garvan.
Sydneysiders, you can check out the Totem Road range at the brand’s new Bondi Beach pop-up store on Gould Street for the next five months.
Standing on just 20 square metres in inner-city East Melbourne on a 5×4 metre block, the 5×4 Hayes Lane Project’s commitment to environmentally sound, sustainable design can be seen in the way it was designed, built and now functions. The home’s owner builder Ralph Alphonso built it on a site that used to house an old shed adjacent to his former home.
“The house is down a laneway that is adjacent to a property that I own. It was a remaining parcel of land that I subdivided and the old parcel of land dictated the size of the building,” says Ralph. Building to the boundary on three sides, with 900mm on the fourth, Grand Designs Australia referred to it as a ‘mini skyscraper’ when they featured it in their sixth series.
Plywood cabinetry chosen for its eco-credentials
“I wanted an efficient house that was built in a sustainable manner but was liveable too. I didn’t want to live in an eco-house that wasn’t functional for everyday use.” The home was built with products and materials that used minimal energy to produce, constructed from hardwood timber offcuts that would otherwise have ended up as woodchip. “The offcuts are glued together to form an even stronger material,” says Ralph of the home that operates entirely on renewable energy – most of which it produces itself.
“The solar panels on the exterior of the building generate about 19 kilowatt hours of energy per day in summer which is a substantial amount of electricity for such a small site. We’re going to have battery storage soon so we’ll be storing power on site and will probably generate more power than we use and put it back on the grid,” says Ralph.
The lounge that transforms into a dining table
For those of you wondering about any feelings of claustrophobia, floor to ceiling glass on one side and myriad windows on the others really work to reduce the feeling of enclosure. “Also, exposed ceilings increase the height above your head which makes the rooms feel larger too. These were subtle, design-driven choices made to help make the home feel larger internally,” says Ralph.
The geo-thermally heated outdoor spa
With small internal spaces, the rooms are designed to be multi-purpose with furniture created accordingly. “The sofa turns into a dining table and its foot rests become stools. There is also a TV that pops up and hides away which means it doesn’t obstruct the home’s city views when not in use,” says Ralph.
“We like to think of the building as an exemplar of what can be done. We wanted to show that sustainable design can be liveable and built on a small footprint. Sustainability is also about urban in-fill and using pieces of land that aren’t being used,” says Ralph.
The home is open as part of this year’s Open House Melbourne which is taking place on 30 and 31 July. The weekend puts a spotlight on the unique spaces and places that form the foundation of the city, providing an opportunity for you to consider what makes Melbourne unique. It showcases buildings of significance in a free and accessible format so everyone can experience the value of good design and architecture, and consider what makes a liveable city
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?
With annual running costs of only $500, an ultra-efficient display home on Victoria’s Bass Coast has set a new standard in housing design and sustainability.
The Cape display home
The first of 220 homes to be built at The Cape housing development, the home runs on just 15 percent of the power and water needs of the average Victorian home and actually creates more energy than it uses.
“The Cape home provides a glimpse into the future of sustainable housing in Australia and shows how innovative design, hard work and common sense by builders and developers can help residents avoid expensive bills, maximise comfort, and dramatically reduce carbon emissions in the housing sector,” says Damien Moyse, the Alternative Technology Association’s policy and research manager.
Bedroom
It’s the combination of thoughtful design, efficient appliances and solar energy that make the home so cost-effective. It’s fitted with industry-leading seven-star heating and cooling systems and also employs passive solar design, LED lighting and solar energy too.
But the most startling finding for us was that this type of home has the potential to save its owners $200,000 over a 25-year mortgage.
Lounge room
“We have developed a design hub of sustainable builders, designers and trades now forming around this project in Bass Coast and all future buyers here will have access to this expertise in developing super-efficient, high quality, affordable homes. Our project is one of the only places nationally where you can access housing built to these standards,” says project director Brendan Condon.
One of the most exciting aspects of the development is the opportunity for the design to be replicated across the country. “Today we throw out a friendly challenge to the large developers around Australia to get on board – if we can do this in Bass Coast it can be done anywhere. It is undoubtedly the way of the future,” Brendan added.
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.
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.
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!”
Exhibiting for the first time in Australia, the 12th annual Electrolux Design Lab will be showcased as part of VIVID Sydney.
A global design competition open to undergraduate and graduate design students, participants are each year asked to present innovative ideas for future households. Held in The Rocks, the Good Design Lounge presented by Electrolux, is on now until 9 June. The designs being showcased are the top ten from the 2011 competition, which was based on the theme ‘intelligent mobility’ and features unique and quirky appliances for the home.
However Sydneysiders will still get a chance to check out this year’s competitors, with visitors to the Electrolux Design Lab exhibition being able to vote for their 2014 favourite, through interactive touch screens.
With entries being attracted from more than 40 countries each year, the Electrolux Design Lab gives young designers a global platform to be recognised, with the winner receiving 5,000 Euros and six-month paid internship at an Electrolux global design centre. This year’s winner will be announced in November.
WHAT: Design Lab exhibition at the Good Design Lounge presented by Electrolux WHEN: Until 9 June 2014 from 3-9pm WHERE: 140 George Street, The Rocks, NSW
“We are very proud to showcase our home for energy efficient products and technologies, proving that sustainable living need not cost more or compromise design and living space,” says Frances who worked as an interior designer in London and Amsterdam for 12 years.
The Cape display home
Bedroom
Lounge room
