light home - blogs

1960s reno overhaul for celebrity chef

Some love it, some hate it: the Wattle Avenue House, designed by MVS Architects for celebrity chef Stefano de Pieri, was awarded last year’s Australian Institute of Architects Award for Residential Alterations and Extensions.

Renovation success: from hated townhouse to lovely hill house

A run of the mill townhouse was unexpectedly transformed when architect Andrew Maynard came up with a practical and playful renovation.

Urban transformation: From dated brick to curvy chic

Working to a tight budget, a west facing orientation and a cramped site, one Melbourne architect turned a dark 1960s brick home into a bright and functional form marrying old school heritage with contemporary design.

From 1980s project home to contemporary award winner

By taking a contemporary approach to a second storey addition, Architect David Boyle has transformed a 1980s project home into an award-winning and sustainable coastal abode.

Reliving the past: Recycling a 1950s fibro cottage

Opting to restore his 1950s beachside cottage over a complete rebuild, owner architect Michael Dystart created an award-winning waterfront weekender for less than $180,000.

Award winning beach shack retreat for 20 people

The award-winning Swansea house by 1+2 Architecture captures Australian beach shack culture while accommodating sleeping and living areas for more than 20 people.

Home's footprint less than a quater of the Australian average

The occupants of Energy Architecture's Aldinga House have slashed their environmental footprint to less than a quarter of the Australian average.

Island home takes new approach to prefab

Site: an island. Budget: constrained. Solution: a new take on prefab creating a standout piece of architecture that is not only sustainable but also represents a challenge to the traditional Australian residential market.

Off-grid straw bale home represmnets technical achievement

Client: Zoologist. Brief: A sustainable home. Solution: Off the grid, straw bale walls – and a true connection between client and architect. Design Ambassadors Penni Sutton and Peter Jongen explain.

Calling all designers! The Prime Minister’s house needs a makeover

A new competition has been launched to encourage designers and architects throughout Australia to sketch out their plans for a more contemporary residence for the Prime Minister on the shores of Lake Burley Griffin in Canberra.

Australia’s first carbon neutral community – in Sydney?

An urban development on Sydney Harbour could become Australia’s first large-scale carbon neutral community after being accepted as a pilot project for the newly released Green Star – Communities PILOT rating tool.

Lightweight coastal development picks up HIA green award

A collection of light-weight, pre-engineered homes in the heart of Queensland's Sunshine Coast have taken out the Housing Industry Association’s (HIA) coveted GreenSmart Energy Efficiency Award.

Minimum impact

Working with a steep block and a client brief to minimise any impact on the surrounding site, architects Collaborative Design had their work cut out to create Holloway House, a sustainable holiday home in WA’s Margret River.

Casually coastal

Responding to a brief for a house on a beachfront lot that’s informal, comfortable and with plenty room for the client’s quiver of long boards – Base Architecture’s Shawn Godwin created a lightweight solution, aptly named ‘The Beach Shack’.

Keeping the character

A clever approach to an addition to an early 1900’s Queenslander cottage has culminated in a seamless transition between living, outdoor dining and garden areas, while maintaining the character of the streetscape.

Lightweight and carbon positive

Poor orientation, a minimum flood level and bush fire rating notwithstanding – one Queensland architect has used lightweight construction and attention to detail to create a home with an 8-star carbon positive rating.

Sustainable features enhance homes’ design

Two contemporary townhouses in Auckland are full of eco friendly features which do not compromise the quality of the design, in fact they enhance it says architect Frans Kamermans.

Lightweight designs pick up momentum in Sydney

The weatherboard look is coming back with a vengeance according to knock down rebuild specialist GJ Gardner Homes, who says a modern and sustainable take on the traditional weatherboard is taking North Sydney by storm.

Queensland builder keeps renovation small and sustainable

Queensland builder Sanctuary 28 has proved bigger isn’t always better by bringing a dark and dated worker’s cottage into the modern age.

Creek chic challenges the big block

Publicly serious yet privately light: that’s the philosophy of Creek Chic, an unusual South Australian home that represents a brave departure from the large family home on the big block.

Australian LCA tool recognised by world leader

An Australian Life Cycle Assessment tool has been recognised in an international study as being the best equipped to help residential designers and planners get to grips with the carbon impacts of urban development, and push sustainable buildings further into the mainstream.

A Lightweight winter warmer

Working to a brief citing contemporary design with significant practical benefits, Tasmanian builder Rainbow Building Solutions has delivered a three-bedroom 7.1 star home in Hobart, using exclusively lightweight materials.

TROPICAL HOUSE SERIES: Keeping cool a breeze

Working to a tight budget, and the needs of a young active family, Gordon Beath, director of Edge Architecture took a lightweight and innovative approach to this sustainable home in Cairns.

TROPICAL HOUSING SERIES 3: Rethinking Redlynch

After taking out two of Queensland’s most sought-after building design awards, designer Tony Lawson has proven it’s possible to create a sustainable and eye-catching home within a tight budget.

TROPICAL HOUSING SERIES: A new take on multi-residential

Cairns-based sustainable design firm Studio Mango has given new life to a dated Queenslander, reimagining a multi-residential development suited to the tropics.

TROPICAL HOUSE SERIES: HP Tree House

An award winning and sustainable tree house, designed by MMP Architects, kicks off the Light Home Tropical House Series.

Energy efficient homes: Vineyard Vista

Peter Sutton’s lakeside project in Victoria’s Goulburn Valley brings together the location’s stunning views with elegant and energy-efficient design.

Beach house series: Design Ambassador's Choice

The brief was simple: beach views and a cottage feel – but achieving this within a multi-residential development required an innovative and lightweight take on unit block construction. Design Ambassadors Penni Sutton and Peter Jongen explain.

BEACH HOUSE SERIES: weathering Stradbroke

A sustainable home suitable for a large dynamic family that responds to vicious weather patterns, all the while bonding with the natural surrounds, was no easy brief for this island abode – but architect Justin O’Neil was up to the challenge.

BEACH HOUSE SERIES: Double-up with prefab

A crumbling fibro beach house is now a light-filled home that’s twice the size – thanks to a prefab solution that dealt with the challenges of an awkwardly shaped block, tight timeframe and modest budget.

BEACH HOUSE SERIES: mastering the remote

Working with local tradespeople – and enjoying it in the process – is something Troppo Architects’ Phil Harris aims to achieve with most of his sustainable building projects. And with the Ballast Head Beach House, on South Australia’s Kangaroo Island, he scored on both fronts.

Sustainable building: a cost effective sea change

A Tasmanian-based owner-builder has created a lightweight home on a steeply sloped block in Hobart’s Geilston Bay. Light Home Design Ambassador Misho says the choice of materials was not only more sustainable than a heavyweight home, but was 50% cheaper to build.

BEACH HOUSE SERIES: A Whale of a Beach House

Number one: it’s a huge sustainable home. Number two: you can watch the annual whale migration from it. Number three – and most importantly: it’s a party house, designed for having a whale of a time.

Ingredients of a sustainable home: PART 2

What ingredients are needed to create a sustainable home? To answer this question LightHome has assessed the key products chosen to use on the green affordable home prototype, the Smarter Small Home.

Sustainable design: prefab sustainability star

Splice Projects in Western Australia has created a multi-award winning pre-fabricated home, which applies a holistic approach to energy efficiency that guarantees a significant cost saving over the long term.

Ingredients of a sustainable home: PART 1

What ingredients are needed to create a sustainable home?

Green guide: steel versus wood framing

While wooden framing has been the standard method used in Australian home construction for years, the use of lightweight steel to frame residential structures is on the rise according to a number of industry sources.

Energy efficient home: Springfield scores 9.5 stars

Queensland builders Integrity New Homes have catered to a growing demand for energy efficient homes by achieving a 9.5 star home energy rating in their latest display.

Affordable homes: housing affordability at its best in Qld

A Queensland-based collaboration has developed a sustainable and affordable home and land package, addressing the needs of first homebuyers and downsizing baby boomers.

Lightweight renovation bridges eras

Designing an additional living pavilion to the rear of a heritage-listed federation home produced a number of challenges for architect David Boyle. But with savvy design and lightweight materials, the outcome flawlessly merges two starkly different eras.

Green building materials: assessing embodied energy

While the energy used in operating a building can be readily measured, it is much more difficult to assess the embodied energy within a structure. Light Home provides insight on how to hone in on a building’s embodied energy – and what can be done to reduce it.

Sloping block: A swim in the trees

This luxury home in Brisbane’s south has been built on a steeply sloped block, and features a swimming pool perched 10 metres off the ground.

Lightweight design gives first homebuyers the edge in competitive market

WA-based Willcox Architects has provided first home buyers access to the competitive Margaret River property market with a lightweight, sustainable townhouse complex, priced some 40% below the market average.

Eco at home: Kids’ toys

If you’ve got kids, you’ve got toys. But if you’re eco-minded, wouldn’t it be great if those toys could be environmentally friendly?

A postcard from Canada

Neither Robert Herman nor Scott Mooney is a builder. Nor are they architects. But the Canadian duo took on the challenge of designing their own super-eco home – and won.

Sustainable reno: One house, a trio of gardens

Three gardens, total ‘seal-ability’, noise-proofing and heat insulation. This old-style terrace in the heart of Sydney’s inner west has been transformed into a modern gem – with a 7.5 star energy rating to boot.

Eco living: Green babies

When you’re turning your home into an eco example, don’t forget the little one!

Healthy home: Designing for good quality air

We all know it’s unpleasant to walk down a gridlocked street breathing in toxic traffic fumes. So why would you put up with bad air quality at home?

A sloping challenge: Eco family home

Building on a slope presents a number of challenges, but they are challenges in which Sean Leigh, owner of Outlook Homes Qld, revels.

DIY the green way

Knowing where to start with DIY is one thing. Knowing where to start with eco DIY is a whole other ball game.

Townsville trio: Nine-star eco cottages

A trio of heritage-style cottages in north Queensland are proving heritage can be state-of-the-art.

The perfect small lot: A home of contrasts

Purpose-built for a retired Queensland couple, Flinders is the perfect example of contemporary small lot living. And having just clinched a regional architecture award for this home, designers Base Architecture have proved they were on to a winner.

Eco living on a grand scale

It’s not just one light home that Boris Planinac is building – it’s 17.

Room to breathe

Rather than building to the boundaries of their block, this couple created a home with a whisper-small footprint, leaving them plenty of outdoor space.

A lightweight success: eco economical home

Queensland architect Jim Mullins faced a list of challenges with his Bilinga project – and it was to be his own home, so it had to be perfect for his family.

An Edwardian Makeover

Six people in an Edwardian cottage was becoming a little too close for comfort for one Melbourne family. The solution? A renovation marrying old-world charm with new-world flair.

A dream of going green

Renovate or rebuild? It’s a curly question for any homeowner but the family living in this Norah Head home took a bold step to create a house for the future.

Green flooring: Sustainable carpets

Did you know that corn can be turned into carpet? Or that a sheep’s wool is brilliant at absorbing and releasing moisture? And ever heard of llama and alpaca carpets?

Renovation ideas: from holiday rental to permanent home

Turning a holiday home and rental into a full-time family house was the challenge set for Queensland building designer Simon Scott.

Energy-efficient ski chalet design

A $200 quarterly electricity bill – in the snow? In designing an energy-efficient ski chalet, Cox Architecture turned to passive solar, lightweight materials and even an indoor sauna.

Energy efficient building: beachside star

Our latest Design Ambassador’s Choice demonstrates how a light home can overcome an orientation that’s not ideal – and still be comfortable all year round.

Green interiors: Finding beautiful sustainable lighting designs

Light up your life with sustainable lighting designs that are sure to brighten up the indoor and outdoor areas of any home.

Fire resistant building with eco friendly design

Eco friendly house built in a bushfire zone using sustainable architecture and fire resistant building materials.

Design challenges of island living

Building an eco friendly holiday house on an island can present multiple design challenges that can be overcome with careful planning.

Energy efficient homes: Dunsborough delight

A builder’s own home shows off the beauty of energy efficient, sustainable house design.

Beach house escape – Surf House 1

Design Ambassador Ed Ewers reveals why Surf House 1 ticks all the boxes as a beautiful beach escape – and simply constructed light home.

Son of a builder rises to the occasion

The Cape Rise project in Western Australia ticks all the boxes for sustainable passive solar building design.

Painting roof white saves energy and cools buildings

New research by a leading Australian university has revealed that painting your roof white can reduce heat by about 30°C.

Sea for yourself: The blueprint to beach house design

Here comes a set of five designers to get you amped about the modern day makings of the humble Aussie beach house.

Australian Design: Sustainable beach house

An award winning sustainable beach house design built in just eight weeks on the NSW mid north coast.

Australian architecture: Built around the Tuckeroo

Design Ambassador, Shane Denman, chose Fingal House as his Ambassador’s Choice this month for the way the design wraps around a 135-year old tree to really blur inside and out.

Design Everyday; Organic Textiles

Hi! Iím Joanna, a writer for Design Shuffle, an online portal to fabulous interior design and designers. I am crazy about design and spend my days writing guest posts such as this one on Light Home.

Universally appealing

A home designed for a wheelchair bound client suits him perfectly – and looks like any other house…

Green Undressed: Top Stories for 2011, see you in 2012!

Lighthome recaps the most interesting and most viewed stories and podcasts in our Green Undressed stories this year.

Dear Design Expert: Top stories for 2011, see you in 2012

Lighthome recaps the most interesting and most viewed stories and podcasts that you asked our Design Experts.

Green prefab walls

A reader asked: “Is there a company in Australia that manufacturers prefabricated wall systems in industrial hemp that could be used in conjunction with steel framing?”

Australian Design: Light Box

A contemporary cubic form constructed primarily with glass and concrete has become an adored family home brimming with light and style.

10 inexpensive, thoughtful gift ideas

It’s hard to find the perfect gift, especially an inexpensive, thoughtful one. Here are a few ideas to make it easier on you and your budget - most are well under $50.

Art House

Combining building design with art has created a house that is a living, breathing artwork to be enjoyed every day.

Design Ambassador: On prefabricated homes.

Design Ambassador Ed Ewers broke with tradition this month, and rather than discussing a particular project chose to talk about prefabricated homes including both the construction and the end results.

Australian design: Four-way Win

A contemporary beach house showcases how sustainability principles can be a win for client, designer, builder and the environment.

Australian Home Design: Multi-generation living

An innovative new display is designed for multi-generational living, allowing the one house to be used as four separate homes.

Shifting American design

Beyond the barcalounger

How Do I… protect from the western sun and storms?

A reader asked us: “How do you design to protect /insulate the Western side of your exposed build from Heat and South West Storms ?”

Renovation ideas: ‘Before and After’

When an existing house no longer provides the living solutions required but the location remains ideal, choices include bulldozing or renovating. Adding an extension onto an existing house can be a cost-effective and sustainable option.

The practical & aspirational

Nothing will make more of a statement in your home than lighting. It sets the mood, directs attention and expresses who you are, both practically and aesthetically. It’s so important from an energy-savings standpoint that you might want to enlist the help of an expert before you even change a light bulb. Designers can help narrow your needs and navigate the plethora of choices.

Australian Home Design: Shipping Container House

From shipping containers to country home – two readers share how they did it.

Design Ambassador's Choice - Currumbin Duplex

Design Ambassador Shane Denman chose Malcolm Cummings' beachside duplex as his Ambassador’s Choice largely because of the way Cummings ‘read’ the site.

Green design: new approach to retirement living.

When three older couples decided to have a home designed to suit all three of them, it really set the local town tongues wagging.

Green building: Cyclone-style

On this build in cyclone-prone Broome, lightweight materials were the solution.

Design Ambassador's Choice - Kurreki House

A beautifully designed courtyard home that uses a simple plan and palette of materials to create a modern beach house that's perfectly in touch with its older neighbours.

Renovation ideas: Going up in Bronte

When adding a second storey to this Bronte home, building on top of a brick structure needed a light touch.

Green building: Have you thought about the future?

If you’re taking a green approach to building your home, you won’t just be thinking about the environment, but also about the community, future generations and your quality of life.

Australian Home Design: Sunshine days

Building higher on a block means this Queensland home is now suitable for all seasons, come rain or shine.

Australian Home Design: Simply smart

Keeping it simple helped this Queensland builder create a castle for his wife in a build that was virtually stress free.

Design Ambassador's Choice - Christian Residence

This innovative inner-city renovation cleverly and efficiently combines old and new.

Australian Home Design: Brighter times

Going up has made all the difference to the owners of this inner city terrace.

Australian Home Design: The renovator

Take a peek inside a massive renovation by one of our readers.

Australian Home Design: Enchanting Escape

We take a look inside a Victorian escape by Australia's most famous architect.

Australian Home Design: Universal Success

Smart design and plenty of forethought, have made this universal-access home a haven for all seasons.

Australian Home Design: Seeing double

We take a look at how Melbourne architect Ed Ewers is progressing with his innovative dual occupancy project in Geelong.

Design Ambassador's Choice - Sunbrite Residence

The old style beach house gets a modern twist through cutting edge style and design.

Australian Home Design: Life on land

After years at sea, this Queensland home has ensured its owner remains a happy land lubber.

Australian Home Design: Look twice

The two faces of this Launceston renovation have left its owner/builder with room to spare and a style he loves.

Australian Home Design: Renovation Insider

We’re following one of our readers as they undertake one massive renovation. Here’s how she’s going.

Australian Home Design: Smart Style

Combining practical with luxury is easier than you’d imagine.

Australian Home Design: Mixing it up

An innovative dual occupancy project sets out to challenge design conventions in downtown Geelong.

Australian Home Design: From pew to wow

A successful church conversion leaves its owner/builder very satisfied.

Design Ambassador's Choice - Charlotte House

A home for all seasons.

Australian Home Design: Throw the plans out the window

Time and chance took care of this stunning cottage renovation.

Australian Home Design: Bouddi beach house

Everybody needs good neighbours.

Design Ambassador's Choice - Tree House

Design Ambassador Ed Ewers chose Jackson Clements Burrows’ Tree House as his first featured Light Home because it’s just “a stand out lightweight house”.

Australian Home Design: Wily Willett

Good design and a clever use of materials turned a 1920s timber shack into a peaceful but modern haven.

Australian Home Design: Light is right

Light was right to help this Queensland home capture the best of the views.

Australian Home Design: Renovator's reality

Over the next eight months we’ll be following one of our readers as they undertake one massive renovation.

China plans for world tallest prefab

Move over Burj Khalifa, a Chinese construction company has plans to build a skyscraper 10 meters higher than the famous Dubai tower, making it the tallest building in the world…and they plan to pull it off in just 90 days.

Designers upcycling for charity

A group of local designers are using their creativity for charity, upcycling worn timber furniture items into unique designer pieces to be sold at auction with all proceeds donated to Salvo Stores.

Light Home Hot Design Blog – Design Addicts Platform

Interiors, architecture, fashion and furniture: you name it, this blog covers it. The aptly named Design Addicts Platform is the go-to blog for the insatiable design fanatic.

Light Home Hot Design Blog – The Vogue Living Blog

Vogue Living Magazine is one of the world's leading authorities on the finer things in life - from architecture and design to art, culture and photography - and its blog is no exception.

Light Home Hot Design Blog – Yellowtrace

Publish great design from clever people: that’s the mantra of Dana Tomic Hughes, a self diagnosed “design tragic” and founder of an Australian blog boasting a reported 250,000 followers.

Light Home Hot Design Blog – Share Design Inspiration

“Design should never say, ‘Look at me.’ It should always say, ‘Look at this.’”

Light Home Hot Design Blog – Desire to Inspire

Two sides of the planet, two self-professed “design junkies”, and one fabulous design blog.

Light Home Hot Design Blog: Interiors Addict

Looking for some interior inspiration? Then you can’t go past the Interiors Addict – a blog authored by a former journalist and self-professed design fanatic that is dedicated to envelope-pushing interior design.

Light Home Hot Design Blog – The Cool Hunter

Jaw-dropping architecture, urban green spaces and sustainable design that's ahead of the trends: this is The Cool Hunter.

Light Home Hot Design Blog – The Design Files

When you combine amazing interior designs with eye-catching images and interviews with some of Australia’s highest profile architects, designers and creatives – you get just a taste of what The Design Files has to offer.

Light Home Hot Design Blog – State Of Green

An up-cycled wedding dress, timber lego and a short film on the fundamentals of sustainable design: just some of the gems to be found in the State Of Green design blog.

Light Home Hot Design Blog – Designhunter

This post begins a Light Home countdown of ten of the hottest design blogs out there. At number 10 we give it up for one “recovering lawyer” who covers nothing but beautiful architecture, and green home design.

Easiest bathroom makeover ever!

Tired of your bathroom and need a quick makeover. Rather than grabbing the paintbrush, try buying one of these quirky ideas instead.

The ultimate eco kitchen

“Kitchens sell homes.” So goes the old real estate mantra and, if you’re planning on selling at some stage, having an eco-friendly kitchen is one of the smartest moves you can make.

Colour my kitchen – in red!

It goes with white, it goes with steel, it goes with wood. It’s the colour red, the perfect little instant brightener to the everyday kitchen.

1 thing to improve any room

One colourful thing: that’s all it can take to turn an ordinary room into a memorable one.

Back to the future – in orange!

Kate Middleton caused a storm with it. Global catwalks are adoring it. And some have called it the new pink. It’s official: welcome back orange!

Red objects to adore

Start the year with a bang by investing in just one bold and beautiful piece of furniture – in look-at-me fire-engine red.

Real or fake: Which Xmas trees are greener?

Every December, it’s the ultimate green question: Is it more eco-friendly to buy a new Christmas tree each year or just buy one plastic tree and reuse it?

Eco Xmas eco gifts under $50!

In part 2 of our 12 days of eco Christmas giving, we take a look at six great gift ideas for under $50.

Eco Xmas eco gifts under $50!

Can you really get a decent Christmas present for under two dollars? You can! We detail the 12 days of eco gift giving. Who says you can’t have a sustainable lifestyle during the holidays?

Why green roofs rock

We all know about the rise of green roofs on large new sustainable building developments, but can the grassy rooftop be introduced to the ordinary Aussie home?

Aussie brands take note: new upcycling website

A new upcycling website has launched this week, claiming to be Australia’s first online retailer dedicated to upcycling fashion.

7 things to do with bamboo

Sustainable and super multi-functional, here are seven things you can do with bamboo in your home.

Is your lamp brewing coffee?

A Spanish designer has turned leftover coffee grounds into a series of everyday furniture pieces, including lights that actually smell like fresh coffee.

Where will all the books go?

A recent report by Fairfax detailed that, from next year, all Year 7 to Year 10 students at a private school in Sydney will need an iPad to access their text books online.

Eco beer: The best green options around

If it’s brown, bubbly and good for the environment, it’s what might be called an eco beer. We drill into four options for turning your amber nectar green.

Green design: water, art and sustainability

Water has long been touted as the ‘key to sustainability’ and, in an often arid climate like Australia this all too precious resource is said to be a key determinant of future social and environmental wellbeing. In short, it’s essential to be responsible with water … and with that being said, it’s also fun to be creative with it!

Green design: living jewellery

We’ve seen the humble plant move from ground to roof, wall and even furniture. Now sustainable designers believe we should pop living greenery right onto ourselves – as jewellery.

Green furniture that grows – literally

Plants breed happiness. Sitting down feels good. And great design is good for the soul. In a sustainable home, can the three ever be combined?

Australian invents world's smartest light bulb

It lasts for 25 years, can be turned on by a mobile phone and is up to 80% more energy efficient than ordinary light bulbs. Meet LIFX, the light bulb with smarts.

World’s first cardboard bicycle

The inventor of the world’s first cardboard bicycle believes his sustainable, super-strong and super-cheap design could change the developing world.

Can a dustpan and brush ever be art?

It’s in the laundry, under the sink or hidden somewhere out the back. The modest dustpan and its associated brush is all too often the poor cousin of the Australian home – but clever designers are turning this Cinderella object into an object d'art.

Sustainable kitchen: green benchtops

In many Australian homes the kitchen is an early target for renovation and a source of inexhaustible pride for homeowners. But what is the sustainability potential for this space’s centerpiece…the kitchen benchtop?

Ready to meet Kevin McCloud?

The long awaited Grand Designs Live Exhibition draws near.

Grand Designs: Bringing industry experts together

In the coming weeks Light Home's Dear Design Expert blog will focus on providing you with tips to ensure your designer, architect, builder and other contractors are as green as possible.

Eco living: Green laundry solutions

Laundry: it’s surely everyone’s bugbear? Never-ending mountains of dirty washing that just never seem to be conquered, no matter how organised you are.

Eco-friendly home: Clean, green bathrooms

Did you know our bathrooms account for almost half the water used in Australian homes?

DECORATION + DESIGN: Light Home give away

A high-profile line up of speakers will descend on Melbourne this month for the co-located FURNITEX and DECORATION + DESIGN.

Eco living: Keeping it green in the kitchen

If you enjoy cooking up a storm at home, why not go eco in the kitchen and cook with a clear conscience that you’re not impacting on the environment?

Eco living: Can computers really be green?

You might think there is very little that can be ‘eco’ about computers: they’re made of plastic and metal and they suck up electricity. But it is possible to go eco when it comes to your computer.

Eco living: Arty solutions

Sustainable living goes right down to the finer details. Whilst there are the big things like your home’s design, water recycling, solar panels and not wasting electricity, there are also the smaller things to consider – such as art.

Eco living: Wallpaper with a green edge

Eco wallpaper sounds simple: recycled paper, right? Correct, but there’s more to it that that – the ink printed on the paper comes into play, as does the paste used to stick it to the wall.

Eco living: Vintage is back in fashion

Vintage may be old – but it’s definitely not out of fashion.

Want a happy home? Invest in design

Cast aside practicality, function and pragmatism – and think happy. The secret of great design in the 21st century is its ability to make the consumer happy

Hot trend: Bring the outside in!

Extending the inside to the outdoors and vice versa is one of the big design trends of 2012, and clever designers are reinventing the way we look at internal and external space.

Eco interiors: A green home office

We’re in the process of tackling all sorts of options for ‘greening up’ your home – next up is your home office.

Green interiors: Green paint of all shades

Overwhelming paint fumes can be enough to put you off painting that second coat. And that’s without beginning to worry about what it’s doing to the environment. Green paint is the way to go if you want to get away from the toxic fumes that can be bad for you, and for the environment. There’s plenty of choice and advice on the eco market.

Green interiors: Finding an eco-friendly mattress

Chemical-free, organic wool, soy-based foam and even green latex – the future of the humble bedroom mattress is eco-friendly indeed.

Green Interiors: Finding sustainable chairs

Fancy sitting on a pile of tennis balls? Probably not – until you see the designs of some of the most sustainable chairs around.

Green interiors: Finding that perfect sustainable chair – for babies and kids

We’re on a green furniture trip at the moment but we’ve also a new baby in our midst here at the Light Home office. So following last week’s post on finding the perfect sustainable sofa we thought we’d do a quick round up of something not far removed: how to find that perfect sustainable chair for your baby or child.

Green interiors: Finding a sustainable sofa

If you’re about to turf your old, sagging sofa, what will you replace it with? Here are a couple of the sexiest sustainable sofas around – and a 9-point shopping checklist.

Bathroom interior design trends and makeover ideas

Bigger bathrooms, premium shower heads and high tech gadgets are steaming up bathroom interiors in 2012.

Interior Design: Kitchen design trends for 2012

Things are heating up in the kitchen with new open plan designs, modern finishes and stylish new doors.

Get soaking and start glowing

As with any great design, the best solutions often come in the simplest packages. It’s the same with beauty products like Epsom Salts. Who knew this oldie-but-goodie could bring relief to aching muscles, aging skin and the common cold?

Green healthy eating to-go

Is healthy eating high on your to-do list? Dress it up with these lovely, eco-friendly containers from To-Go Ware and make it less of a chore using these simple tips.

Top interior design trends for 2012

Lisa Ferguson shares trends (and her magic design formula)

Green Gifts

Eco-friendly made eco-charming

101 holiday handmade how-to’s

Even if you’re not the most crafty, you’re bound to find gift-giving, holiday decorating inspiration within these 101 Handmade Tutorials from Everything Etsy. I hope these crafty bloggers will inspire your own thoughtful, made-with-love projects.

Spending the holidays with stylist, Jason Grant

Mr. Jason Grant humbly describes himself as a stylist, writer, blogger and happy shopper. Yet, his expertise has graced the pages of Australian and international magazines such as Real Living, House and Garden and one of my faves, Elle Decoration UK.

Transforming trash to treasure

The Picker Sisters

Shopping trolleys with street-style

Rolser makes us want to walk

Green Interior Design: better world art

ethical gifts, sharing culture

Green Interior Design: Words to live by

And the art that captures them

Green Interior Design: From nurse to designer

Designing a home (and life) that feels great

Green interior Design: Preserving inspiration

Simplifying the process with Houzz, Modenus and Pinterest

Green Interior Design: Browsing bespoke with Balatro

Discovering Balatro - a Surry Hills Fine Arts Gallery in NSW

Green interior design: Running the wrong way.

There's much more to this Sydney store then must-have goods and gorgeous gifts.

Green interior design: Cycling with style.

Treadlie takes it to the streets.

Green interior design: Design tips from Sibella Court

Creating a home you love

Green interior design: Claiming ELLE's green-ness

ELLE DÉCOR seems pretty green to me

Green interior design: Insider insight from a sofa-selling veteran

Leather isn’t bullet (or kid) proof

Green interior design: Delicious, by design

Yulli’s goes beyond great food

Green Interior Design: Buy cheap, toss tomorrow?

Young designer resists the temptation.

Green interior design: Green furniture guidance

When it comes to buying furniture, designers suggest putting your biggest dollars into the big three - the sofa, dining room table and bed.

Green interior design: Designer whites

Finding the right white paint.

Green Interior Design: Bring your palette to life

Eco-friendly paint

Green interior design: Green shopping

What you find, when you ask

Green Interior Design: Colour me

Making the "right" colour choices

Green Interior Design: Boost Boxes

Energy saving made easy

Drift into gorgeous interior design

Here’s another beautiful way to stay on the trend toward “pretty, crafty, artsy, anything expressing individuality” . Designer and artist, Kerri Shipp of Driftwood Interiors has a new series of watercolors called “Interior Portraits” that celebrate gorgeous interiors. Some are based on rooms designed by today's most talented interior designers, while others were born from her imagination.

Green Interior Design: Tips for a happy home

Green design certainly has its serious, technical side. However, once the smart, clean lines have been established, it’s up to you to put some soul in the space. This can be intimidating... and wasteful if you’re not in tune with your style or understand what you really need.

Green Interior Design: Green glamour

Welcome to Light Home's Design Everyday blog where we’ll explore how good design makes us feel. I’m excited to share green interior design concepts, products, style, and chat with designers along the way.

Green Interior Design: 6 design trends

Design trends often signify the mood of the moment. According to ELLE Decoration (UK), we’re feeling “pretty, blue, crafty and natural” and we’re going to stay that way in the coming months.

Green interiors: Finding a sustainable dining table

It’s just a table, right? How green can it really get? Very, very, green, as Light Home found out when we went looking for dining tables with a sustainable edge.

How to futureproof your home: glazing

In both hot and cold climates, double-glazing can improve a home’s thermal performance by a third.

How to futureproof your home: sarking

When assessing the retrofit options to make your home more sustainable, comfortable and cost effect, sarking should be one of your first port of calls.

How to futureproof your home: reverse brick veneer

When it comes to renovating your home to be sustainable now and in the future, reverse brick veneer is a radical and practical solution.

How to create a realistic renovation budget

Renovation costs are notoriously difficult to calculate but with detailed planning and preliminary cost estimates, you can keep your budget under control.

How to renovate for profit

Renovating is a realistic and achievable way to build wealth quickly, according to Australia’s renovating queen Cherie Barber. Here’s how she does it.

How to manage your tradesperson

Deciding on a tradesperson? Insist on references and remember that the tradie with the least amount of marketing material is often the best, according to project manager Sarah Wood.

How do I plan my renovation?

Renovating is a long-term investment that can have some serious consequences for your future living costs and quality of life – so you want to make sure you get it right.

How to design and build for a hot climate?

Expert advice on building and designing in extreme heat. The importance of shading external walls with eaves, creating uninhibited cross ventilation and more.

How do I design for a fire-prone area?

How proper window seals save lives, and more. If you live near the bush, knowing how your new home should be designed for a fire-zone is essential.

How do I design for a cyclone?

Knowing how your home should be designed and build to withstand this extreme weather could be a lifesaver. Start by maximizing your anchor points.

How do I design for a flood?

Want to protect your house with good flood design? Start by eliminating the need for retaining walls and by building off the ground.

How do I create a sustainable kitchen?

This week hear from sustainable design and construction specialist Sharon Hamilton from Your Abode.

The key to a great kitchen space

The key to a great kitchen is creating a fit for purpose space, according to kitchen design expert Nadia Herskie, from Blue Tee Design.

Creating the kitchen of your dreams

Want the kitchen of your dreams? Gavin Hepper, owner of award winning kitchen design firm Concepts shares his expert advice.

Kitchen and bathroom trends

Two of the most important areas in any house: the kitchen and the bathroom. We tap the expertise of a number of experts to help you create a space in your own home that suits the way you love to live.

How colour evolves

Di Swinbourne, head of colour at Sydney Design School, explains how colour trends evolve, and where they are headed in the future.

Creating your own colour palette

Author, interior stylist, and colourist Sibella Court explains what it takes to create your own colour palette.

Creating the perfect colour scheme

Interior designer and colourist Rickki Stubbs, explains how to create the perfect colour scheme throughout your own home.

How to build your own deck

Horst Lueckl – director of GJ Gardner Homes North Sydney – explains the in’s and out’s of building a deck, and says new materials are giving the traditional wooden deck a run for its money.

How to save water in your home

Water expert Tony Robinson provides insightful and practical advice on how to save water throughout the home.

Green Building Show EP 14 – summer DIY

In the lead up to the long awaited summer holiday, the Light Home team will take a look art some DIY projects that homeowners can do in and around their own homes.

Green Building Show EP 13 – Can a sustainable renovation add value to your home?

This week we wrap up our series on Green Renovation. Carlos Martinez sits down with Jeff Perkins, a property valuer who explains how a sustainable renovation can have an impact on the value of a home.

Green Building Show EP 12 – ensuring your renovation is sustainable

This week on the Green Building Show we continue our investigation into green renovations.

Green Building Show EP 11 – the problem with greenwash

This week, Carlos Martinez speaks with David Baggs, CEO of material certifier Global Green Tag.

Green Building Show Episode 10: what is a green renovation?

This week on the Green Building Show we begin a brand new series on Green Renovation. We’re going to find out what a Green Renovation is, what you need to know in order to do one yourself, and how it can benefit your family, your bank balance and the environment.

The Green Building Show EP 9 - building an energy efficient home

In this episode we wrap up our series on the energy efficient home. Carlos Martinez speaks with Marc Emans, the co-owner of eco designer homes to get the builder's perspective on designing and constructing a sustainable, and energy efficient home.

The Green Building Show EP 8 – creating a 9.5 star rated home

In the show this week, Carlos Martinez speaks with Sophie Barrett, a building designer who describes the process she followed to created a lightweight home that’s achieved a 9.5 star rating, for under $250,000.

Energy ratings explained

Energy assessor Anthony Nolen to help us make sense of the plethora of rating schemes and tools throughout Australia.

Green Building Show Episode 6: Key drivers of an energy efficient home, tropical housing series, green jewellry, the business case for solar

This week on the Green Building Show we continue our investigation into the energy efficient home. Carlos Martinez sits down with Steve King, a senior lecturer of architecture at the University of New South Wales, to find out the key drivers of energy efficiency within a home.

Green Building Show Episode 5: What is an energy efficient home? Green furniture; Lightweight apartments; Weatherboarding vs extreme weather

This week on the Green Building Show we begin our series on the energy efficient home, to find out what energy efficiency is and why you should care. To kick off the series Carlos Martinez sits down with Richard Hyde, a professor of architecture at the University of Sydney.

Episode 4: The key to carbon neutral, light-weight in Currumbin, re-inventing the light bulb, advice from Kevin McCloud

This week on the Green Building Show we wrap up our series on the carbon neutral home. Carlos Martinez speaks with Craig Riddle on what it really takes to get a truly carbon neutral home.

Episode 3: Designing a carbon neutral home, sustainable Stradbroke, prefab electrical, lightweight flooring alternatives

This week on the Green Building Show we delve deeper in the carbon neutral home, we bring you the week’s hottest new product, we assess a lightweight and sustainable home on North Stradbroke Island, and we answer your questions.

Where is the carbon in my home? Fremantle’s sustainable gem, structural insulation panels vs traditional framing, the underside of eaves.

Episode 2: This week in the Green Building Show we continue our investigation into the carbon Neutral Home, bring you the week’s hottest design and building trends, assess one of WA’s most sustainable homes, and answer your questions.

The carbon neutral home - what is it and why you should care; You Asked Us, Ambassador's Choice, What's Hot and Steal that Idea.

Welcome to first episode of The Green Building Show, the weekly podcast about green design and building.

Sustainable flooring: concrete alternative

Even the DIY savvy among us can experience a sense of dread at the thought of pouring, leveling and polishing a concrete slab for an internal floor space. But what are the alternatives?

Green building materials: Axolotl launches ‘world first’ concrete door range

Architectural products supplier Axolotl has released a ‘world first’ door range that appears as though cast from solid concrete, but carries none of the associated risks or restrictions.

Sustainable building: creating a carbon neutral home

Offsetting the green house gas emissions created throughout the construction of a home is no easy task, but with sustainable building design and the use of natural products you can be well on your way to cutting your home’s environmental impact.

Rebates axed but solar still on the rise

The Queensland Government has axed its $1,000 solar hot water rebate for households, but solar providers say they won’t go down without a fight.

Green design: Sydney’s green policy push

The City of Sydney is on a green crusade: one policy in development will encourage roof gardens while another may see investment in sustainably-designed property become more profitable.

Sustainable design takes the lead in Canberra

A new development in Canberra's CBD - boasting Geothermal heating and cooling systems, and integrated wastewater systems - has become the pilot project for a new sustainability rating tool.

Sustainable design: where form meets green

Light Home rounds up the most inspiring eco-friendly design pieces from Sydney’s recent designEX show.

Sustainable living: Brisbane’s first ‘eco-village’

A group of like-minded Brisbane residents have set out to create the city's first sustainable community, where occupants will not only live with a low carbon footprint but embrace a co-operative lifestyle including shared facilities.

Affordable building: Sloping sites

Building on a slope is most builders’ worst nightmare. As well as the design challenges, there is the issue of earthwork and the ongoing problem of effective drainage to be solved.

Affordable building: Building with panels

Affordable building: Carpenters are key

It’s no secret that building a new home isn’t cheap. In fact, it’s possibly the single most expensive project you’ll undertake in your lifetime. However, there are ways and means of saving money to make the experience more affordable.

Healthy home: How to prevent mould

Mould: it may seem innocuous but this all-too-common household problem is in fact a silent health hazard. Here’s how to prevent it.

Healthy home: How much technology is too much?

It’s everywhere. No matter how hard you might try to avoid it, it’s all over your home, most likely it surrounds you all day at work, it’s in your car and it’s probably in your pocket 90% of the time, too.

Healthy homes: Plants are a lifeline

Plants could hold the secret to a simple, easy, cheap and fail-safe way to improve your home’s health.

Energy efficiency basics: building an eco home

Passive solar design, grey water recycling, solar panels, bio pools and light bulbs. Knowing where to start when you’re designing an energy-efficient home – or making eco changes to your property – can be tough.

Water recycling: How to recycle blackwater

It sounds nasty and it sounds out of the question, but it’s not. There are systems out there that make it possible to clean and re-use the sewage generated from your home.

Water recycling: the lowdown on greywater systems

Did you know you could save thousands of litres of water every year by getting to grips with greywater?

Green outdoors: Bio pools and how they work

We love our swimming pools in Australia. In the summer months, they’re pretty much an essential.

Green windows: What is WERS?

Choosing energy efficient windows for your home can mean the difference between sweating it out indoors or getting the right amount of heat in – and out.

Protect your home from bushfires: Part 2

To ensure your home is safe in a bushfire prone area, look at your building design, know your bushfire plan and commit yourself to ongoing maintenance!

Protect your home from bushfires: Part 1

Making a home safe in a bushfire prone area starts with the basics: creating a defendable space and removing excess vegetation.

Green Cities Conference 2012 – Rating Tool Revolution: Part 2

The future of energy and water efficiency ratings for green buildings will see current rating tools merge into one according to a leading panel of sustainability experts from the Green Cities 2012 conference.

Green renovating – an expert’s tips, part 5

Vertical ventilation is the key to cooling your home without having to use electricity argues solar consultant and architect, Derek Wrigley.

Green renovating – an expert’s tips, part 4

Locating building materials so that they absorb, store and release heat in all the right places is a aspect of designing an energy efficient home.

Green renovating – an expert’s tips, part 3

Free heat? Now that’s worth having. Here’s a simple tip on making the most of wasted sunshine to help make your home more energy efficient.

Green renovating – an expert’s tips, part 2

With a moving source of heat energy a seasonally adjustable sun shade device combined with small eaves, makes far more sense than fixed eaves, argues architect and solar consultant Derek Wrigley.

Green renovating – an expert’s tips, part 1

Do you want to sacrifice glamour for comfort? In a new six-part series we share the top tips from architect and solar consultant Derek Wrigley on putting comfort first.

Speed date a sustainable designer

Hundreds of homeowners will be hooking up with leading architects and building designers for the annual ‘Speed Date a Sustainable Designer’ event this weekend.

Green light: LED lighting more energy efficient

Commonly used to light up gadgets and everyday household appliances since the 1960s, LED lights are now outshining fluorescent and incandescent bulbs as the best alternative for energy-efficient lighting.

Green building: the zero carbon home

Building an affordable house with zero carbon emissions is now a reality for everyday Australian families thanks to the latest CSIRO project.

Sustainable Building - The Vertical Forest

Should we be expanding vertically in urban areas rather than spreading out in urban sprawl?

Green Undressed: Green Roofing - Steel vs Tiles

How do I choose between tiles or steel for my roof?

Green Undressed: Green Cement

Greening the concrete jungle just came a step closer with an eco-friendly alternative to traditional concrete.

Green flooring: How green is linoleum flooring?

In our search to find the greenest flooring material possible, we look at linoleum, a flooring choice making a comeback.

Green flooring: How green is hardwood flooring?

In our search to find the greenest flooring material possible, we check out hardwood’s credentials.

Green flooring: How green is bamboo flooring?

In our search to find the greenest flooring material possible, we see how bamboo stacks up.

Green flooring: How green is rubber flooring?

We’re looking at the most sustainable flooring options on the market. This week we’re checking out rubber’s green credentials.

Green products reviewed: green flooring

In our search to find the greenest flooring material possible, we’re looking at the most sustainable flooring options on the market.

Green building explained: Are you in hot water?

Hot water is one of the biggest energy guzzlers in the home. Here are two ways to use hot water smarter

Green building explained: How green is your roof?

Green roofs vs rooftop garden: While typical rooftop gardens are primarily an aesthetic feature of a buildings ‘roofscape’ the green roof embodies proven sustainable concepts.

Green lighting: Make the switch to LEDs.

Save money and the environment by making the switch to a more efficient type of lighting: LEDs.

Green lighting: Make the switch to CFL.

We take a look at how you can save money and the environment by making the switch to more efficient types of lighting.

Green lighting: Why you need to make the switch.

We take a look at energy efficient lighting and why all households should make the switch.

Green building: The science behind solar panels.

We take a look at the science behind one of the most talked-about alternative energy sources in the world today.

Green building explained: Building with reconstituted limestone blocks.

We delve into R-values in response to a reader’s question about using reconstituted lime blocks.

Sustainable Building: The 10 Star Challenge

Designers are stepping up to the challenge of designing a 10 star home.

Green kitchens: How green is stainless steel?

In our last green kitchen post, we take a look at just how green stainless steel is to use to deck out a sustainable kitchen, and find out what materials Sydney couple Vanessa and Dan Winter have selected to use in their green kitchen.

Green kitchen: How green is bamboo?

Want to get the most sustainable kitchen possible but don’t know what products to use? Over the past two weeks we’ve followed Sydney couple Vanessa and Dan Winter on their search for the greenest possible kitchen. This week, we take a look at how well bamboo stacks up.

Green kitchens: How green is plywood?

Last week we introduced you to Vanessa and Dan Winter, a Sydney couple on a search to find the most sustainable materials for their new kitchen. This week, we’re taking a look at how well plywood stacks up.

Sustainable Building: How to get a green kitchen

“How do I design a kitchen that uses sustainable materials?” From plywood to bamboo to stainless steel, we’ll research just how green these materials are to help you can create a green kitchen of your own.

Sustainable Building: What’s green about pre-fabricated huts?

When you’re thinking green, smaller is often better.

Sustainable Building: What makes an 8 star home?

While a 6 star energy rating is good, we look at what it took to build this 8 star home.

Sustainable Building: Why double brick is nuts in Perth

Challenging convention in the double-brick market of Perth.

Sustainable Building: How to fix the weakest link

Glazing has a very big impact on the energy efficiency of a home. But what do you do if you've got too much facing the wrong way?

Sustainable Building: Design demo

How a design duo is using their own urban infill project to explore green building and an urban farm.

Is your builder sustainable? 7 questions to ask

Whether you’re planning a minor renovation or an all out rebuild, there’s a few questions you can ask your building to ensure your project is easy on the environment – as well as your budget.

How do I... make my lighting more energy efficient

With the introduction of the carbon tax predicted to inflate electricity bills, now’s the time to make your lighting more energy efficient.

Affordable homes: How do I design to prevent waste?

Designing and building a house to building material sizes not only earns the home builder sustainability points by slashing the amount of waste heading to landfill, it gives them access to significant construction savings.

Dear designer: How do I make eaves more interesting?

With al fresco living the norm and wide eaves making a comeback, why settle for plain Jane when subtle style is possible?

How do I recycle and re-use on site?

The ‘reduce, re-use and recycle’ methodology is gaining momentum in Australian construction, as industry stakeholders recognise its environmental and economic benefits, according to a report by the Victorian Government.

Interior flooring: Finding the right lightweight option

If you want a lightweight, eco home, every single aspect of it needs to be taken into account, right down to the interior flooring.

How do I… Choose the right insulation for my home?

How do I… Stay warm (and green!) in bed this winter?

Winter is setting in, which means cold, dark evenings – and the need for the right doonas and blankets to keep warm.

Green living: Choosing an efficient hot water system

Getting it right when you’re selecting a hot water system is important – not least because water heating accounts for around a quarter of a typical household’s energy use.

How do I… Cut my power bills?

With winter just around the corner, one thing is almost inevitable: the bills are about to go up.

How to heat your home… without burning through cash

Electric or gas? Oil-filled or convection? Knowing which is the best option for keeping your home warm over the coming months can be tricky.

Shipping goods? Beware condensation

Shipping into and out of Australia is big news. With emigration, immigration and international business shipping, protecting worldly goods along the way is also big business.

How do I… Start composting at home?

To fully embrace eco living, be prepared to get a little dirty. We’re talking composting, worm farms and the new word on the street: Bokashi.

How do I… Keep chickens and keep my neighbours happy?

Keeping chickens is a fantastic way of embracing green, sustainable living. But how do you strike the balance between eco living and happy neighbours?

How do I: Create a secret room?

Secret rooms, moving bookcases, panic rooms – and high-end spiral wine cellars to die for. The humble hideaway is making a comeback.

How do I… regulate the temperature of my solar hot water system?

There is a simple solution to maintaining a constant hot water temperature on your solar-powered system year round.

How do I make my home safe for my epileptic son?

This week’s question is from Ivonne, a Light Home reader who wants to ensure her home is renovated to be safe for her epileptic son.

Building a green 10 Star home

How to build a green, energy efficient house with a 10-star energy rating.

How do I learn more about NABERS green building ratings?

This week’s question comes from Light Home reader, Jon Wong, who asked us about the NABERS rating tool and how it will affect building ratings in future.

Kitchen makeovers – Benchtop, splashback and flooring choices!

Stone bench or Laminex? Glass splashback or Lamipanel? Uber glamour or faux glamour? This is a dilemma faced by many about to undertake a kitchen makeover.

What is a spandrel?

This week’s question is from Jan, a Light Home reader who lives in a high-rise apartment building overlooking Sydney Harbour near Circular Quay.

Green homes: working with west-facing windows

While having north-facing orientation is something many of us would like, sometimes you have to work with what you have. We share a few tips for those with west-facing windows.

How do I add a curved bench top to my kitchen?

Renovating your kitchen with a modern rounded countertop is easy with the new Laminex Freestyle Curve.

Interior Design: Colour trends for 2012

Citrus colours, grey neutral tones and retro furnishings are making a huge comeback this year to liven up our homes with a vengeance.

How do I build a duplex on a sloping site?

Two leading building designers from Perth talk about the top things to consider before building on a sloping site.

How do I build green on a budget?

An award-winning builder asks about the key green building must-haves that don’t blow the budget.

How do I protect my roof from the harsh Australian sun?

Insulating your roof from sun damage is possible with a double roof system.

How do I... get the light in? Part two

A revolutionairy project is underway, lighting up the homes of the poor.

How do I... get the light in? Part one

We look at various ways of redirecting natural sunlight indoors.

How do I... Add another level to my home

A reader recently wrote to us with the following question: “How do I add a second floor to a house in Maitland NSW that will be light weight while keeping the costs down?”

How do I... Plan my solar system? Part Two

In part two of this focus on planning and setting up a solar system, we look at how to optimize your solar system.

How do I... Plan my solar system? Part One

We look into important factors to consider when planning a solar power setup for your home.

How do I make my home pet friendly for animals?

Sharing your home with your fur, finned and feather kids just became a lot more fun.

How do I make my home pet friendly for dogs?

This week we look at some tips for stylishly accommodating dogs in your home. But as backyards shrink and lifestyles change designers are increasingly being asked to factor pets’ needs into houses. Installing a dog flap is only the beginning.

How do I...get the right orientation?

A reader asked us: "How many degrees off north can you place a house before you lose the benefit of the northern aspect?"

How do I...build a house without it looking ike a bomb site afterwards?

A reader asked us: Is it possible to build a house without the site looking like a bomb site afterwards? We asked Design Ambassador Ed Ewers for the answer.

How do I … make my home friendly to cats

Sharing your home with your fur kids just became a lot more stylish.

How do I …build green on a slope?

We ask one of our Design Ambassadors to answer this reader’s question.

How Do I...Watch Out For Building Problems

Rather than talking about what design actually looks like, we take a look behind the scenes and check out some of the things that can cause building defects.

How do I …recycle smarter?

Composting organic waste can not only reduce landfill, it can also help make your garden grow.

How do I…build a modular, prefabricated, solar powered home?

The New Zealand First Light entry into the Solar Decathlon 2011 demonstrates that you really can have it all.

How do I…get that Australian look?

A travelling green architecture exhibition, Built for the Bush, explores some of the energy efficient features of Australia’s 19th century country homes and their reappearance in contemporary green architecture.

How do I... get the wow factor in my bathroom?

Reader question: I am interested in the feature using Scyon™ products on internal shower/bathroom walls. Can you please provide me with more information about this product?

How do I... stop a leaky bathroom?

Reader question: I am interested in the feature using Scyon™ products on internal/shower bathroom walls. Can you please provide me with more information about this product?

How do I... build a vertical garden?

"We have an ugly back fence that we would like to disguise with a vertical garden but don't know where to start. Any suggestions?"

How do I... get a chunky window trim that won't deteriorate?

You asked, and we've answered. Here's how to get a window trim that won't deteriorate.

How do I... design using passive solar design principles?

I have a post war timber frame, plastic clad home which I would like to make passive solar by renovating. How could I do this?

How do I... get maximum insulation?

You asked: What type of cladding would provide maximum insulation for a long wall of a house that faces west? We've answered.

How do I... build a fire and storm resistant home?

This home is built to last.

How do I... get a stylish, eco-friendly home?

All the elements you need to consider if you want to design a stylish, eco-friendly home.

How do I.. work with the natural landscape?

Working with the natural landscape was the highest priority when designing this holiday retreat on the NSW mid-north coast.

How do I... build faster?

When it comes to building your home, it really is a case of the early bird getting the worm. Find out how you can build faster to save both time and money.

How do I... get a coastal look?

This beachside stunner is a great example of how you can achieve a coastal look in your own home.

How do I... renovate in heritage character?

This gorgeous Queensland renovation easily and stylishly blends old and new.

How do I.. build in a bushfire zone?

Bushfires are an everyday threat for the dry Australian landscape. Here’s what you need to know before building in a bushfire zone.

How do I... re-clad my home?

Beautifully proportioned but desperately in need of some tender, loving care and an urgent facelift, this 1890s home in South Fremantle, Western Australia was given a new life with an extensive renovation and re-clad. We take a look at how home-owner Deanne Neilson reclad her home and gave it a totally new look.

How do I... build a pool shed?

Looking for a quick and easy building project to do around the house? Take a long weekend and build your own pool shed or cute cubbyhouse by following these nine simple steps.

How do I... articulate walls?

If you don’t want the outside of your home to look bland and boring, what can you do to easily add a bit of ‘zing’?

Discover Australian, sustainable design & building in action