By Lorraine and Daniel Offermann We decided to build a low-maintenance, energy efficient home using standard construction techniques on a modest budget. We are currently in the construction phase and hope to be completed early next year. A couple of years ago, we set a goal to move out of our 1970’s west end house

By Jason and Danielle 1. Brief outline of your situation: Family of 3. First purchased home together upon settling in Australia. 2. Description of home/project: Renovation and retrofit of suburban house on ¼ acre block. Typical weatherboard kit home – 3 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, approx 80m2 living area. Facing east/west. Purchased in 2019. Came with

By Pam Having lived for 30 years in the comfort of a passive solar home out of town, I could not contemplate not having the same comforts and low living costs when moving into town. But, where I plan to live in my retiring years, is an old red brick house in Wangaratta which I

By Helen and Adrian From the outset, we wanted a house that was comfortable to live in, light and airy, and one where the garden could be part of the house. That meant big sliding floor to ceiling windows and glass doors, making it easy to open up to the outside, creating living spaces indoors

By Russell  Our home in Wangaratta South was built as we moved from Melbourne after finishing full time paid work. It was designed to blend into the landscape and be disabled accessible so we could age in place. It was also designed to be low maintenance, solar passive, and energy efficient with low running costs,