Jacinta Cleary

In Melbourne’s inner suburbs, fitting an extra room on a tight block prompted some innovative solutions.

A desire to support his adult kids and a passion for sustainable building inspired David’s backyard strawbale project.

On a sloping suburban block in north- west Sydney, architect Vanessa Wegner has designed a dual residence that allows three generations of one family to live together – independently, but closely connected.

In inner-suburban Melbourne, a small but clever addition connects two Edwardian homes – one occupied by a couple with young children, the other by one of their parents – to enable a shared multigenerational living arrangement.

With a modest extension and smart upgrades, this Canberra home is now far more comfortable and ready to evolve with the family’s needs.

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

Not sure where to start on the electrification journey? Working with a one-stop shop can help streamline the conversion from a gas to an electric home, as Marnie and Ryan discovered. Preoccupied by the slow-moving search for a bushland block for…

All-electric with heat pump hydronic heating, this inner-city Adelaide home is designed for low bills and comfort.

Smart design maximises functionality in this cosy Melbourne home, with plenty of natural warmth and light plus space for bikes and pets.

This innovative inner-Melbourne home not only addresses the growing need for compact yet comfortable living spaces, but also demonstrates the potential for creative solutions to urban housing challenges.

Inner-west Melbourne’s first Passive House was the result of one family’s desire for a healthy home that would stand the test of time.

Designed for Adelaide’s hot summers and cool winters, this updated heritage home supports biodiversity in the city with its native wetland courtyard.

A mid century gem on a steep Melbourne site becomes even cooler with a geometric deck and pergola and inspired garden design.

Clever spatial planning, high levels of insulation and a switch to all-electric make this stately Melbourne period home more liveable and efficient. At a glance Period home upgraded and gas supply removed Uninspired 1990s extension transformed for…

A pair of Melbourne retirees-turned-developers sets the standard for ‘empty nests’ of the future, building their ultimate sustainable home and a couple more for good measure. When Libby and Howard Elston won the auction of a 1960s weatherboard in…

With the first residents well settled in and more high-performing homes under construction, one of Australia’s most ambitious housing developments is setting a precedent for community living. While policymakers grapple with the idea of raising…

Designed to fit the slope of its block, this snug split-level house incorporates ribbon windows to maximise both views and thermal efficiency. Richard and Kate Keech are no strangers to high-performing homes, having recorded a 75 per cent reduction…

Part of the community at The Cape, this Passive House is simple, elegant and fit for ageing in place. Not far from the Keechs (see Strait views) is Joe and Joanne Spano’s house, another Passive House designed for its site at The Cape. “We were drawn…

Rather than starting again, this Melbourne couple opted for a comprehensive renovation of their well laid out but inefficient home, achieving huge energy savings and much improved comfort. Julie and Jim’s house in the Melbourne suburb of Canterbury…

Janet and Scott worked with what was left after the Black Saturday bushfires destroyed their home, making the most of a shed and concrete slab to start the rebuilding process. Left with just one shed standing after the Black Saturday bushfires…