After going through a full house build, you end up with a long list of lessons. Some things you would change, and some things you are so glad you did. Building is a huge process and there are hundreds of decisions along the way. But looking back, there are definitely a few things that made …
Building a new home is exciting, but it is also where a lot of small decisions add up to big consequences later. Over the years I have noticed that many of the same design mistakes keep appearing in new builds. Often they happen because people are focused on finishes and styling, while the underlying design …
You might have heard builders talk about a 6 star, 7 star, or even 8 star home, but a lot of people are not really sure what that actually means. It sounds impressive, but what does the number really represent, and does it actually make a difference to how your home feels to live in? …
When people talk about building an energy efficient home, the conversation usually jumps straight to solar panels, fancy glass, or expensive upgrades. But the truth is, the biggest gains in comfort and efficiency usually come from simple design decisions made right at the start. Things like how the house sits on the block, where the …
Getting to the end of my 8 star energy efficient build has been such a good feeling. All the big decisions matter, insulation, windows, orientation, but once those are locked in, it’s the smaller details that really make the house feel like home. I put a lot of thought into the areas around our doors, …
One of the most asked questions I get about our home is about the cladding. People love the exterior and want to know exactly what it is and how we achieved the look. We used Weathergroove Natural 150mm by Weathertex, finished with Intergrain Charred Black, and it’s honestly been one of my favourite design choices. …
From someone who has just built a super dooper energy efficient house Learn the ten most common energy efficiency mistakes in new builds and renovations. Discover practical solutions from someone who built an 8.3-star energy efficient home. Avoid costly regrets and create a home that stays comfortable year-round. When people think about energy efficiency in …
Ceiling fans are often treated as a finishing touch, but in an energy efficient home they are an essential part of keeping spaces comfortable. In a well insulated, airtight build, airflow helps regulate temperature and reduces reliance on heating and cooling. When chosen thoughtfully, ceiling fans quietly support lower energy use while making rooms feel …
Choosing carpet was one of those decisions that felt simple at first, until I started looking at it through the lens of an 8 star energy efficient home. When you are building or renovating with performance in mind, the little things stop being little. Every material choice matters, not just for how it looks, but …
When you are building or renovating, comfort and running costs can shape the way your home feels every single day. For our build, choosing Panasonic for our heating, cooling, and hot water meant we could create one complete system that works together. A whole house solution is one of the most effective ways to improve …
Warm timber and creamy tones have been showing up more in interiors, and there is a good reason. These elements create a calm and nurturing atmosphere, especially in homes where life moves quickly and every room needs to work hard without feeling chaotic. Warm Timber Brings A Sense Of Grounding Timber has a natural ability …
When I started planning our new build, I knew one thing for sure. I wanted this house to feel calm, structured, and healthy. Life gets busy and a home should support you, not drain you. That is what pushed me toward an 8 star energy rating. It is not just a number. It is comfort, …
