CARAWAH can help you create a home and landscaping which will enable you to make the most of the following design principles.

ENERGY EFFICIENCY: Decisions on insulation, heating/cooling, lighting, hot water and appliances all contribute to the eco-impact of your home. The right choices can reduce energy consumption by 20%-80% of a standard dwelling.

WATER EFFICIENCY: Saving water is a vital issue for most of Australia. Depending on locality, various strategies can be used to collect water, reduce consumption and reuse water in the house and garden.

SITE: Reuse a site if possible to minimise impact on existing ecosystems. Use sustainable landscape practices including selecting plants local to the area and to compliment passive heating & cooling systems.

CLIMATE ANALYSIS: Orient dwellings for maximum solar gain to living areas. Use thermal mass to stabilise indoor temperatures in both winter and summer. A house designed for Sydney is not really appropriate in Tasmania’s cool temperature climate.

MATERIALS: Consider the materials to be used in the making and finishing of your home. Are they synthetic or natural? Many modern building products contain chemicals that add to common health problems as well as environmental degradation. Choose materials that have a low eco-impact or are even reused/recycled.

DESIGN FOR NEED: Reduce your building costs by having a design that suits your needs. Make spaces functional & flexible, rooms that aren’t used often are surplus to your needs. Houses have become bigger as families have become smaller at the environment’s expense.

DESIGN FOR THE FUTURE: Durability, longevity and minimal maintenance of your home should be considered along with the overall style. Individuality and good design allows a house to transcend current fashion and become an investment for the future.

‘the house shelters daydreaming…..protects the dreamer…..allows one to dream in peace’
Bachelard, 1969