Building a sustainable home can feel overwhelming at the start. There are so many decisions to make, products to choose from, and design details to consider. But here’s the thing – if you get the fundamentals right early on, the rest of the build becomes a whole lot easier. When I started my own 8-star …
Building a sustainable home can feel overwhelming at the start. There are so many decisions to make, products to choose from, and design details to consider. But here’s the thing – if you get the fundamentals right early on, the rest of the build becomes a whole lot easier.
When I started my own 8-star energy-efficient home, I quickly realised there were three things that make the biggest difference, without blowing the budget.
1. Start with Orientation
Before you even think about finishes, colours, or fittings, get your floor plan right for the sun and natural breezes. In Australia, that usually means placing your main living areas to face north (for maximum winter sun) and using eaves, awnings, or trees to shade them in summer.
Orientation is free to get right on paper, but it’s incredibly expensive – sometimes impossible – to fix later. Good orientation can make your home feel naturally warmer in winter, cooler in summer, and brighter all year round.
2. Budget for the “Boring” Bits
It’s tempting to put your budget towards the showy parts of a build, but the biggest impact on comfort and running costs comes from things you can’t see. Quality insulation, proper sealing, and high-performance windows might not look exciting, but they’re the backbone of an energy-efficient home.
Once your walls are closed, these features work quietly in the background for decades, keeping your home comfortable and slashing your energy bills.
3. Future-Proof Your Home
Technology moves fast, so think ahead. Even if you’re not ready to install solar panels, a battery, or an electric vehicle charger now, run the wiring and conduits for them during the build.
Adding these features later is much easier – and cheaper – if the infrastructure is already in place. You’ll thank yourself down the track when you decide to make those upgrades.
The Takeaway
Sustainable building isn’t about spending more, it’s about making smart choices early. If you focus on orientation, invest in the “invisible” essentials, and plan for the future, you’ll have a home that’s comfortable, affordable to run, and ready for whatever’s next.
Follow me on Instagram @katrinas_instagram for more behind the scenes of my new 8-star build.
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