Building
Discover the latest in sustainable building and renovation trends. Find useful tips and tricks to inspire your next DIY project.
5 features to look for when buying a new home
16-Apr-2018
You probably have a list of the features you’re looking for in your new home – the number of bedrooms, size of the garden, whether it needs renovations or if it’s...
Continue ReadingBiophilic cities: where all living things flourish
26-Jun-2019
The inaugural National Clean Technologies Conference was held on the Sunshine Coast in May 2019 bringing together clean technology innovators, entrepreneurs and thought-leaders from around the world. The Living Smart team was there to capture...
Continue ReadingCould a co-housing development help you find your tribe?
15-Nov-2019
Unsatisfied with the housing options served up by mainstream developers, a Sunshine Coast couple is exploring alternative responses to housing and whether there is sufficient interest in our community to explore...
Continue ReadingGreen granny flats and studios: 10 of the best
02-May-2017
As cities sprawl and become less affordable for many residents, the suburbs are seeing the rise of self-contained studios and granny flats. We look at the changing regulations controlling these small ‘secondary...
Continue ReadingHave your say by this Thursday 15 August – Sunshine Coast Design
02-Aug-2019
Council is developing a Design Strategy for the Sunshine Coast Council area to INSPIRE and ENCOURAGE GOOD DESIGN of new communities, buildings, streets and spaces. Have your say before Thursday August 15, 2019https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/XGNJ2PD...
Continue ReadingHivve – A smart, clean power solution for schools
18-Apr-2019
The impact of changes in Australian electricity markets and a growing community desire to embrace environmentally sustainable practices is leading schools to consider how they meet their future energy needs. School budgets...
Continue ReadingThe benefits and outcomes of good design for schools
15-Oct-2018
There are many factors which contribute to positive education outcomes in a school environment. Purposeful design of campuses, buildings, social spaces and classrooms can facilitate deeper learning, greater social connectivity and a more discernible connection...
Continue ReadingThe questions you should ask your project builder
19-Apr-2018
Project homes can be an ideal way of achieving a more affordable home, as they are designed and built to a formula that reduces risk and allows for economies of scale for the tradespeople, construction...
Continue ReadingWhat is good design and how can it be applied in a school environment?
15-Oct-2018
There are many factors which contribute to positive education outcomes in a school environment. Purposeful design of campuses, buildings, social spaces and classrooms can facilitate deeper learning, greater social connectivity and a more discernible connection...
Continue ReadingWhite roofs – the best idea you’ve probably never heard of
16-Apr-2018
Have you ever noticed how much hotter the black asphalt on a road is, compared to the white lines painted on it - or a light coloured concrete path ...
Continue ReadingYour Home. Australia's guide to sustainable homes
02-May-2017
Your Home is Australia’s most comprehensive guide to environmentally sustainable homes. Your Home continues a long-standing effort by the Australian Government, in partnership with the building and design industry, to give comprehensive, expert and independent...
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