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The Road to Sustainable Home Design for Amateurs

The Road to Sustainable Home Design for Amateurs

Here are 7 simple things that will get you started on the road to a sustainable house

They are all worth thinking about before you call an architect or appoint a builder:


  1. Orientation

    The orientation of your house will influence the amount of sun and breeze. This will ultimately influence your cooling and heating systems.
  2. Shade

    Shade requirements differ house to house, but having the right shading also influences your cooling and heating systems.
  3. Insulate everything

    Invest in insulation - roof, walls and floor. The more you insulate, the lower your energy bills.
  4. Build with a dense material

    Building your house out of dense materials such as concrete and bricks are useful in absorbing, and storing thermal energy. 
  5. Glazed windows

    Window insulation will affect the heat and lighting in your home.
  6. Cover your pool to avoid evaporation. In some places, pool covers and while effective, they are generally not attractive.
  7. Landscaping

    Landscaping decisions, coupled with home orientation have an enormous impact on the climate of your home



Something incorrect here? Suggest an update below:
Michael S
Rescue Animal Adopter

Having been through the same process as you I know of two - Skyring Architects in Bardon and Sustainable in Karana Downs both good options from the word of mouth recommendations I received. (We ended up moving and I didn't end up needing them - but I found them through Across the Fence). Tuesday, 3 November 2015

Jake G
Tech Wiz

Could anyone tell me a architect with a sustainable focus in the Brisbane area? We are thinking of renovating.... Monday, 2 November 2015

Science Notes

A passively designed home, is one which takes advantage of the natural climate.

Passive designs use the most of the surrounding nature to limit the need for mechanical systems, such as cooling and heating systems.  

Related Tip

Do lots of research and find an architect and builder who have a proven history in sustainable design.

Go see their work as much as you can. It will both validate your choice of supplier and give you other great ideas.