Floor design
Floors - especially concrete slab floors which can absorb a lot of heat during the day - can be used to great effect when...
Wall design
The walls of your home can represent a significant amount of mass, and depending on how they're positioned can be used to either collect...
Roof design
A home's roof plays a huge role in how effectively it's heated and cooled. A roof that's designed with the house's position and climate...
Climate control and passive design
The main purpose of passive design is to reduce the need for artificial heating and cooling - which often requires a lot of energy....
Principles of passive design
Passive house design involves controlling the climate in a home - and there's a lot more to it than just making sure you have...
What’s a sustainable home?
Pinning down exactly what constitutes a ‘sustainable home’ isn't easy - but understanding the kinds of things that really matter will help you go...
Solar windows
Another option that's likely to appear in the not-too-distant future, solar windows involve solar panel technology embedded into a building's windows. Read about where...
Types of splashbacks
Splashbacks are one part of your kitchen where you'll have a fair amount of freedom in terms of design choices - and budget permitting,...
Splashback maintenance
Most splashbacks can be cleaned with a damp cloth and a bit of household cleaner, but different types of materials will require different levels...
Splashback regulations in Australian kitchens
When designing or renovating a kitchen, splashbacks aren't just a design feature, they play a key role in safety and compliance with Australian building regulations. This article explains the latest standards you need to follow for splashback installation, especially near cooktops.