Design tips:


  • Face living areas towards the North. The extra light will make the space more enjoyable and increase thermal comfort in winter.
  • Whenever possible avoid putting garages or storage spaces on the North side of houses as it will reduce access to sunlight for other areas of the home.
  • 90 centimeter window & door overhangs will allow maximum penetration of sunlight in the winter and provide shade in the summer.
  • Have lower window sills in living areas to allow maximum penetration of sunlight in winter.
  • Do not put balconies off bedrooms. Balconies off bedrooms are rarely used.
  • Always design spaces in 60cm increments. Most building materials are made in some multiple of this length.
  • Decks, balconies and porches should never be less than 2 meters wide. They become unusable and non-ergonomic if their width is less than 2 meters.
  • Bedrooms should be a minimum of 3 metres by 3 meters - for ergonomic reasons.
  • Have an open plan (common space) area centered around the kitchen. Separate living, dining and cooking areas are a hold-over from a bygone era where wealthy homes had servants.
  • Have a spacious outdoor area accessible from the common (open plan) area.
  • Provide a private/quite area for individuals in the household where they can pursue there own activities and interests.

Construction tips:

  • Use our construction cost estimator to help determine a "ballpark" cost.
  • A concrete slab on ground with solid/thick walls internally and externally will give you a warmer house in winter and a cooler house in summer.
  • Build the house with a well insulated roof or concrete roof. This is best for energy efficiency.
  • Cost effective methods of construction utilise timber wall frames and simply designed timber trusses on brick piers.
  • Simply designed trussed roofs are the most economical.
  • Start collecting second-hand doors, windows and kitchen cupboards to reduce construction costs.
  • Auctions are a great place to source discounted construction materials and PC items such as basins, tubs, tiles, and taps.
  • For cost effective timber flooring lay yellow tongue floor sheeting in a stacked bond arrangement. Sand and polish with 3 coats of polyurethane and a maximum percentage of black tint.