Resources
Renovate on any Budget -Sanctuary Magazine Issue 46
Wanting to improve your home but don’t know where to start or how far your money will stretch? Our experienced designer Simone Schenkel shares her tips for sustainable renovations with a starting budget of $10,000 through to$350,000-plus in the latest issue of the...
read moreThe importance of shading, even when building a passive house.
I had the pleasure to volunteer for the Passive House Australia Association and help out with the Ice Box Challenge. An Australian-first. The idea is a physical demonstration of the benefits of Passive House construction. Two boxes are placed in the elements for 12...
read moreWork with us: Contractor required: Experienced Revit Draftsperson
Contractor required: Experienced Revit Draftsperson This is a great opportunity for an experienced building designer / draftsperson who is as passionate about sustainable design as we are to join our Gruen Eco Design family. We need help on a range of diverse...
read more10 Ways to Make Your Office More Eco-Friendly > Guest Blog Isaac Church
Even with environmental consciousness at an all-time high, modern offices are rarely eco-friendly. Reams of paper are used each day, and huge amounts of energy are expended to keep the lights on and maintain a comfortable temperature. But making your office...
read moreHow does your house cope with fluctuating temperatures?
The weather over the last few weeks has been quite unusual and unpredictable. I think since arriving to Australia in 2007 I haven’t experienced such a cold February. Don’t get me wrong, this is much better than the high 40 degrees days. But it makes me a bit sad,...
read moreHow building a certified passive house can be cheaper than building a regular energy efficient home
I had an interesting meeting with potential clients, who wanted to build a new home. They are currently looking at a potential vacant site to buy and we had been discussing the pros and cons. But also, the difference between a home that is designed according to...
read moreNew additions to our Gruen Eco Design Family
Thanks to everyone who has applied for the position of our new lead designer / architect. The position has now been filled. In fact, we had such great applicants that we have decided to welcome 2 new members into our Gruen Eco Design family. We are very excited to...
read moreWhy I can’t wait to move out of my 8.4 star house into my own passive house
Don’t get me wrong. I really do like our current house and I definitely don’t want to sound snotty. As some of you might know, we had renovated our brick veneer unit a few years ago and had turned the cold and draughty 0.8 star house into a comfortable 8.4 star home....
read moreWe are hiring: LEAD DESIGNER / ARCHITECT with Excellent REVIT skills
LEAD DESIGNER / ARCHITECT with Excellent REVIT skills This is a great opportunity for a creative lead designer/ architect who is as passionate about sustainable design as we are to join our Gruen Eco Design family. This role is for someone who is committed to their...
read moreHOW TO GET THE BEST DEAL FOR YOUR ELECTRICITY
Just listened to the radio on the way to work this morning. And what I heard made my pretty sad but also a bit mad. Apparently one of the biggest most pressing issues the political parties are dealing with leading up to the election here in Australia is the rising...
read moreThe 3 top tips to increase the energy efficiency of your home
We at Gruen Eco Design are passionate about sustainable design; because we believe sustainable design can and must be affordable for everyone. Even small changes can have a huge impact on your energy bills and how comfortable your home feels. 1 Draught Sealing 1...
read moreWhat makes a home exceptional? What are the most important features your dream home must have?
What are the things you are looking out for when buying or building a home? And for what elements are you willing to pay extra? Have you ever considered the health impacts your home could have on you and your family? What are the common things everyone is looking...
read moreHOW CAN A FEASIBILITY DESIGN REVIEW HELP YOU WITH YOUR RENOVATION/ EXTENSION OR NEW BUILD?
Are you thinking about building a new home but don’t know if you can afford what you want to do? Or are you thinking about renovating or extending your existing home and don’t know where to start? Are you too scared to sign up a designer or builder because you don’t...
read moreThe 20/20 House Part 15 – Other Little Challenges
The Gruen Eco Design blog about how to convert your dream from an energy efficient home into a reality. Other Little Challenges It has almost been 3 months since I last posted an update on our own passive house and lots of people have been asking me what’s going...
read moreSancutary Magazine Case Study – Renovation: Retrofitting a 0.8 Star brick veneer unit to achieve an 8.4 Star rating proved to be a savvy investment in energy efficiency and better health.
If you want to know more about our own personal story and how we turned a freezing and cold 0.8 star brick veneer unit into a comfortable 8.4 star family home read the full story...
read moreWalls on Boundaries and why they can pose a Problem
Today I want to talk a bit about a different subject. Walls on boundaries. I know, this has nothing to do with building a sustainable home. But regardless, it is something to keep in mind. And when building your sustainable home, you might need to build against a...
read moreWe are seeking a drafts person with Excellent REVIT skills to support our team
We at Gruen Eco Design are specialising in energy efficient and sustainable homes, covering renovations, energy efficiency upgrades, extensions, single residences and townhouses and certified passive homes. ROLE OVERVIEWThe role encompasses all aspects of concept...
read moreShould I recycle materials from my existing home?
The main question here is. Why do you want to recycle or reuse certain materials? If there are certain things in the house that you really love and therefore you want to keep them. Yes, go for it. Or if your main drive is that certain elements or items are too nice to...
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