News
Sanctuary 65 out now: Tropical design special
In this issue, we look at sustainable design for the tropics: what to consider for a high-performing, energy-efficient and super comfortable home in warmer climate zones.
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Sanctuary: modern green homes is Australia's premier magazine dedicated to sustainable house design.
House profiles
Quiet achiever
Thick hempcrete walls contribute to the peace and warmth inside this lovely central Victorian home.
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House profiles
Gariwerd gem
At the foot of Gariwerd (the Grampians) in western Victoria, a young couple’s tiny-footprint handcrafted house is a delight.
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House profiles
Shadows and light
A Brisbane architect brings all his creativity to bear on the salvage and reimagining of a humble workers cottage into his own airy green oasis.
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House profiles
Mini masterpiece
Leith’s home on a modest block near Fremantle was designed to be ‘eco-affordable’ – both to build and to run.
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Advocacy
Historic 7-Star homes win will slash energy bills and emissions
After years of campaigning, Renew is celebrating a win with news of the decision that all new Australian homes will need to meet 7-Star energy standards.
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Advocacy
New research shows Australians want more efficient housing
A majority of Australians say the homes they live in are not performing well when it comes to energy efficiency, with most households favouring significant improvements to the nation’s housing stock as energy prices continue to rise.
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Research
Limiting energy bills by getting off gas
Electricity and gas tariffs are rising. New research from Renew shows that homes depending on gas for heating, cooking and hot water are set to be hit the hardest.
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Advocacy
Australia needs a National Energy Performance Strategy
Renew strongly backs the development of a National Energy Performance Strategy. Read our submission.
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Ideas and advice
Ideas & Advice
Energy efficiency front and centre: A renovation case study
Rather than starting again, this Melbourne couple opted for a comprehensive renovation of their well laid out but inefficient home, achieving huge energy savings and much improved comfort.
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Outdoors
Pocket forests: Urban microforests gaining ground
Often no bigger than a tennis court, microforests punch above their weight for establishing cool urban microclimates, providing wildlife habitat and focusing community connection. Mara Ripani goes exploring.
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On the drawing board
On the drawing board: Pathways to carbon zero
The team at Melbourne-based design and build operation Positive Footprints has developed Carbon Zero Homes, a series of energy-efficient houses designed to generate enough electricity to offset the carbon footprint of their creation as well as their operation. Jeremy Spencer and Chi Lu tell the story.
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Sustainable design events
Design workshop
Design workshop
Design workshop: Making a small space work harder
Young professional couple Jess and David love their diminutive Canberra apartment and the productive courtyard garden they have established, and would like to make changes to maximise natural light, make the most of the available space, and accommodate a future family. Small space expert Kate Shepherd of Rob Henry Architects is on hand to help.
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Design workshop
Design workshop: A higher-performing volume build
Kirsten and James are keen to make the project home they’re planning in Camberwell, Victoria, as energy-efficient and comfortable as possible, and have budgeted for some upgrades. Architect Penny Guild and ESD consultant Erika Bartak give the couple some advice on achievable tweaks to improve their home’s performance.
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Ideas & Advice
Design Workshop: Down by the river
Having lived in their beloved riverside suburb of Melbourne for ten years, Rowan Doyle and Fiona Cock are planning an updated, more flood-resilient home to accommodate changing family needs. They are interested in prefabrication and Passive House; Sven Maxa of Maxa Design is knowledgeable about both, and gives them some pointers.
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House profiles
An alternative vision
This new house in Perth’s inner suburbs puts forward a fresh model of integrated sustainable living for a young family.
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House profiles
Quiet achiever
Thick hempcrete walls contribute to the peace and warmth inside this lovely central Victorian home.
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House profiles
Pretty perfect pavilion
A self-contained prefabricated pod extends the living space without impacting the landscape on Mark and Julie’s NSW South Coast property.
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