Sustainable, urban design.

Many factors come into play in order to create sustainable development in urban areas. Those that focus on outcomes that use local, recycled or recyclable materials, are of a smaller scale and consume less energy are what we look for to publish in green magazine. Renovations that stay within the original footprint and reuse materials in creative ways, new builds that use less space within a block, thereby allowing vegetation to offset the hard surfaces and medium density developments that focus on ground-breaking, sustainable urban design is what you will find. We look for inspirational architecture with good  passive design that consumes little energy, houses that consider how to reduce the amount of new material, sourced locally when possible, introduce plants for heat control and consider community.

Industrial Strength

Issue 34

Nestled in a quiet street in South Yarra, Melbourne, this distinctive house with its warehouse-like exterior recently won the 2013 BDAV Building Design of the Year award and collected an impressive total of eight awards across various categories.

Sideways

Issue 26

This renovation of a classic Brisbane timber cottage was all about maximising, not necessarily increasing, space – and taking advantage of a precious side block.

Point of Reference

Issue 39

A Melbourne renovation adds cosy, family friendly spaces and lots of visible skyline to a weatherboard terrace by using thoughtful glazing and varied volumes pulled together visually and thematically by a “datum line” roof.

The New Weatherboard

Issue 41

This well-thought out addition to an old Melbourne weatherboard celebrates its two core materials while leaving space for unexpected moments of art and craft.

Silk Purse-ing It

Issue 41

A financial plan to renovate for sale turns into a design challenge as well as a personal rebuttal to the traditional development model.

Urban Pocket

Issue 41

This new family home on a tight subdivided block in Perth has its priorities right – people and garden over cars and expensive finishes.

Sweet Dreams

Issue 31

It took three essential ingredients to turn this old sweet factory into a spectacular family home: a brave client, a visionary architect, and a building with scrumptious, wholesome bones.

Embracing Imperfection

Issue 33

Working to a minimalist brief, Breathe Architecture’s strikingly raw home for two artists finds a beauty in the unfinished space.

Final Chapter

Issue 42

With fabulous views both within and without, a statement internal stairwell and refined use of recycled materials, this conversion on the Brisbane River is breathtakingly good.

Nesting with Style

Issue 40

With architect Ben Callery poised to start his own business, he knew the renovation of his own Northcote “nest” needed to do a lot more than simply meet the needs of his young family.