Explore architectural aesthetics and functional planning with insights into design ideas, trends, and principles. Get inspired to create a home that reflects your vision and lifestyle.
Building in bushfire-prone areas? This guide explains BAL levels, what drives your property’s rating, and what changes in design, materials, approvals, and cost—especially windows, roofs, vents, and ember protection—so you can avoid late surprises.
A straight, practical guide to solar panels, home batteries, and Australian electricity tariffs. Learn how exports, time-of-use rates, and backup power affect payback—plus the questions to ask before you sign a quote.
Learn what U-value and SHGC mean, how window and door frame choices change your home performance, and how to match windows to your climate and orientation so you avoid drafts, overheating, and disappointment.
In this post we show how the plumbing system should be laid out, tested, and protected— from pre-pour inspections to the concrete pour—so you avoid blockages, leaks, and expensive slab leak repair later.
The 2025 Digital Design & Construction Report surveyed 2,000 AEC leaders. Here’s what it means for Australian homeowners: where projects go over time and budget, why tech helps (and sometimes doesn’t), and the smart questions to ask your builder and designer before you sign.
in this article we explain how materials like concrete and brick help absorb, store, and release heat, reducing heating and cooling costs while increasing comfort. Learn how to use thermal mass effectively through smart design, material selection with other passive energy strategies.
The orientation of your home plays an important role in comfort, energy efficiency, and cost-saving potential. In this post we explain how to position your home for maximum benefit, including design considerations, materials, systems, and climate-specific strategies.
Shading plays an important role in improving comfort and reducing energy costs in your new home. In this post we cover the best shading options, climate-specific strategies, and design considerations to enhance your home's liveability year-round.
