A balancing act Windows have so many jobs to perform that their importance cannot be understated. They contribute to the house external aesthetic, bring daylight, view and passive solar gains to the…

The lightweight pine wall frame Pine wall frames are nowadays factory-made and erected in a day or two on a building site. They are inexpensive, made of plantation timber, a renewable, bio-degradable…

Tip 1 – Build in passive ventilation There are three reasons you want ventilation in your home: cooling, drying and stale air flushing. We are all aware that a good breeze inside…

The pros and cons of timber Timber is a traditional and well-loved material which is aesthetically pleasing too. Indeed, whether it is used in exposed or concealed applications, timber has many advantages.…

Note: This article appeared originally in Green Magazine as in the image above. The text below may differ slightly from the original. Thermal mass is a critical component of passive solar design,…

Looking for North It is no rocket science that the sun rises in the east, moves towards the north in the southern hemisphere and sets in the west. Yet, a surprising number…

Tip 1 – Why collect rainwater? Although the drought has broken, we all know that Australia is a most arid continent and we remain uncertain about the impact of climate change on…

Optimize your kitchen layout Unless the kitchen is small, the best layout for ease of traffic is the L-shaped kitchen. Teamed with an island, this makes bottlenecks a thing of the past.…

Tip 1 – The rationale for a naturally cool house Clients in my Melbourne practice are often more worried about heat than cold, in spite of living in a so-called heating climate,…

As we move into the colder months, now is the time to consider your heating options and their pros and cons. Tip 1 – Consider the climate you live in If you…