Sanctuary: Modern Green Homes

Build green, build beautiful, build affordable. Sanctuary is Australia's premier magazine for people looking to build and renovate sustainably. The magazine profiles the work of Australia’s leading environmental architects and designers and provides a wealth of ideas and advice on how to make your home more sustainable, no matter what your budget. Discover the latest design ideas and cutting-edge green technology, and tips and solutions to help you create a comfortable home for life. Each issue features lavish, full-colour spreads and floor plans for sustainable new homes and renovations. Regular topics include affordable housing ideas, design for climate, energy saving technology for the home, prefab and modular design and more. Sanctuary is published by Renew, a not-for-profit organisation that inspires, enables and advocates for people to live sustainably in their homes and communities.

Sanctuary: Modern Green Homes

Letter from the editor

FEATURE • Induction cooktops are getting smarter, just like other appliances in all-electric homes. For example, built-in extraction means no more bulky rangehoods and a more streamlined kitchen design. Here are just a few of the options.

REVIEWS

Sustainability unlocked • In suburban Perth, Amy and Wynand’s house is a masterclass in low-energy, high-liveability design on a small, subdivided block.

Getting better with age • Having built one of Canberra’s pioneering sustainable homes nearly 50 years ago, this couple have set a new benchmark for ageing in place with their latest project.

From dated to delightful • Reclaimed timber infuses character and warmth into a 1970s Canberra townhouse, and thoughtful design choices make it more functional for day-to-day living.

Green getaway • Simple and striking, this Brisbane family’s new backyard retreat is a triumph.

Pocket sized • A Sydney studio with excellent sustainability credentials, Pocket Passiv shows what great inner-city infill housing can look like.

On the money • With just $58,000, Rob retrofitted his 1970s Melbourne unit for far greater comfort and energy efficiency, learning a lot along the way.

Biophilic beauty • Step inside architect Marie Carrel’s Melbourne townhouse that’s “like living in an indoor garden”.

Two homes from one • In Canberra, Jenny Edwards and her team are becoming experts in conjuring comfortable dwellings for two or more groups of people from older homes that used to house just one.

Incorporating natural patterns, light and space • In this third article in our biophilic design series, we focus on natural patterns, processes, light and space: essential elements in creating a rich and nurturing home environment.

Canopy House

ON THE FRONTLINES • Australia’s Bushfire Building Conference celebrated its tenth year in 2024. Conference presenter and architect Carol Marra summarises the proceedings, and we pick the brains of a collection of bushfire-resilient design experts.

Design tips for rural homes • Compared with urban homes, rural builds come with particular design opportunities and challenges. A country girl with city experience, architect Sarah Lebner sheds some light.

SAME FOOTPRINT, GREAT NEW LAYOUT • Architect and energy efficiency expert Jeremy Wells is on board to give some advice to Melbourne couple Steph and Matt on improving their modest brick veneer home.

Sweet spot • Sustainable midrise for healthy, nature-positive communities

DESIGNERS IN PROFILE

renew. • News and events from Renew, the not-for-profit publisher of Sanctuary and Renew magazines. For more info: renew.org.au