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 ReadingSunshine Coast Design Book
28-Jan-2020
The Sunshine Coast Design book is the result of a collaborative process that included: residents design professionals planners professional associations and ...
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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