Ten tips to incorporate sustainability into your home design

Building green may not be at the top of your priority list, but let it be known that when you build with sustainability in mind, it benefits you a lot more than just leaving a greener footprint.

We commit to sustainability that doesn’t sabotage the impressive design of your new home. You can really have both. The best way you can build a sustainable home is by creating a living space that holds long-term comfort and value. The less work you do overall, the better footprint you leave behind. I’m not saying live with your original build at the expense of your happiness, what I am saying is that if you’re thinking about rebuilding or even renovating your space, going through the process and doing it right the first time is crucial if you value your impact on the environment. In this blog I share my ten tips to incorporate sustainability into your home design.

Orientate your home correctly

You get the most bang-for-buck out of your design by orientating your living areas to the north, taking advantage of free heat and light from the sun.

Clever design that minimises waste

Minimise the size. The bigger your home, the more energy and materials it will consume. Globally, buildings and construction account for nearly 40% of energy-related carbon dioxide emissions. Australian Architects Declare. Clever design minimises waste in terms of space and materials. Spaces should feel comfortable, well proportioned, and human scale. Not too big, not too small. The aim is to design for adaptability to create houses that are just big enough.

Carefully consider glazing

Position windows to take full advantage of natural light, reducing the need for artificial lighting during the day. Windows should invite winter light but be shaded from hot summer sun. Walls of glass, even if double-glazed, will transfer heat much faster than an insulated wall so carefully design windows for views and connection to landscape. For some spaces, you might also consider light shelves to bounce light deeper into the room, which can help light a space more effectively without additional energy costs.

Renovate rather than knock down and rebuild

Older housing from the 50s, 60s and 70s is often solidly built with great orientation to the north. The energy used to make the materials and products in our houses is huge, as is the transportation to get the products to site. Adapting and extending older homes is a much better result for the environment than rebuilding.

Improve energy efficiency

Enhance insulation in walls, floors and roofs to reduce heating and cooling needs, significantly lowering energy consumption. Consider energy-efficient heating and cooling systems, LED lighting, and Energy Star-rated appliances that use less energy and decrease utility bills.You might also consider using thermal mass to create stable indoor temperatures, absorbing warmth from direct sunlight and releasing it at night.

Choose sustainable materials

Use durable, sustainable and ethically sourced materials wherever possible. Focusing on natural, sustainable materials results in a timeless outcome. Use materials like bamboo, cork, and reclaimed wood, which are sustainable and reduce the environmental impact of your build. Paints, sealants, and adhesives that contain low volatile organic compounds (VOCs) improve indoor air quality and are better for health and the environment.

Landscape with sustainability in mind

Views and connection to landscape provide a healthier environment and improve our wellbeing. Design gardens with native plants that require less water, fertiliser, and maintenance, reducing both cost and labour. Plan your outdoor space according to your climate. For example, use shading or wind-blocking elements strategically to aid in the natural heating and cooling of your home.

Go electric

It’s not a coincidence that many organisations are heading into the electric wave. When you eliminate reliance on gas appliances (a nonrenewable resource) and incorporate solar power you will organically cut down on your carbon footprint.

Implement water-saving fixtures

These tips are probably starting to sound like one of your children's Reduce, Reuse, Recycle Projects. But the education system is on the right track and we can learn a thing or two. Implement water-saving fixtures by using low-flow toilets, showers and taps to reduce water usage. These fixtures can significantly lower monthly water bills and conserve a vital resource. Another helpful way to do this is by collecting rainwater for use in gardening or as grey water for flushing toilets, further reducing your freshwater footprint.

Build well to last the long term

Many houses in Australia are designed for just a 30-year lifespan but a sustainable house is one that is used for over 50 years. Design to make the most of natural light and processes such as natural ventilation and passive heating and cooling. We encourage design for flexibility. People’s needs change over time and a well-designed house should be able to adapt to these changing needs without needing to go through multiple renovations. It may not be knocking on your door right now, however future-proofing your house is the smart way to go. I also encourage my clients to design for accessibility and aging.

If you take anything out of this blog it really comes down to simplicity in design. The simpler the system the easier it is to repair. The easier it is to repair, the more likely we will keep the house just as it is. Durability isn’t fancy,  but it's conducive to sustainability because you’re not constantly changing the home, buying new materials etc.

Incorporating these sustainability tips into your home design not only contributes positively to the environment but also promotes healthier living spaces and can offer significant savings on utility costs over time. We know this may not be for everyone, and that is why we find it important to work with families who share our values. However, if this is you, we cannot wait to work with you!