As part of building our 8-star energy-rated home in Wagga Wagga, one of the key decisions I made early on was to install double glazed windows. They’ve just gone in, and although we’re not living in the house yet, I can already see what a difference they’ll make. The comfort, the savings, the quality – …
There is something pretty special about seeing your new home take shape. Slab by slab. Frame by frame. And while there are a lot of moving parts behind the scenes, one of the biggest highlights so far has been the incredible team effort between Dahlsens and our builder JCC New Homes. As the homeowner, you …
Thinking of building an energy-efficient home in Australia?We’re in the process of building our 8-star energy-rated home and have already made some important choices that will help with comfort, sustainability, and lower energy bills. These steps focus on how the home performs year-round, not just quick fixes. Here are 3 energy-efficient building strategies we’ve implemented …
You know how I said no downlights in the new house? That bold little sentence has taken on a life of its own. Saying no to downlights means saying no to the easy route. No quick, click-in-and-go fittings. No default ceiling grid. What it does mean is a whole lot of thought going into every …
Most people think a high-performing home starts with solar panels or double glazing, but it actually begins much earlier than that. Before the paint goes on, before the floors are laid, and even before the cladding, there is something critical happening behind the scenes. That’s why I’m using Pro Clima Wrap in my new 8 …
I know, I know… a black and white roof combo sounds a little crazy when you first say it out loud. Trust me, I had the same moment of doubt - quickly followed by a thank goodness for Pinterest and 3D renders to help me visualise it all! But now that the roof is on… …
If you are about to start building a new home, chances are you have a list filled with things like tapware, benchtops, splashbacks, and feature lighting. While those details are exciting, they should not be the first things you decide on. If you want a home that is comfortable, affordable to run, and built to …
When it comes to building a home that performs well year-round, I could talk all day about insulation, double glazing, and clever orientation. But if I had to choose just one thing I’d never skip in an energy-efficient build? Thermal mass zones. (Yes, I’m looking at you, concrete slab!) What is thermal mass, and why …
When it comes to building a high-performance home, the frame is more than just the skeleton - it’s the foundation for everything that follows. From structural strength to energy efficiency, getting the framing right sets the tone for the entire project. For our new 8-star rated home, we opted for timber frames paired with LVLs …
If you’ve followed me for a while, you’ll know I absolutely love renovating. I’ve spent years transforming old spaces, bringing homes back to life, and getting creative with what’s already there. Renovating will always have a special place in my heart - but for this next chapter, I decided to do something different. I chose …
It’s official – the slab is down! After months of planning, designing, and working through all the details, I’m beyond excited to see this house taking shape. Seeing the concrete poured feels like the real beginning of the build, and I couldn’t be happier with the progress. The Slab and Recycled Void Pods A solid …
Gone are the days when concrete slabs were just a thick layer of poured concrete sitting directly on the ground. If you want a home that’s energy-efficient, comfortable, and built to last, under-slab insulation and a smarter foundation system are non-negotiable. The Importance of Under-Slab Insulation A well-insulated home doesn’t just mean batts in the …
