Green

Each issue of green (published six times a year) showcases the most interesting and creative sustainable designs from architects and landscapers around Australia and internationally. 

In the sample issue #30 you will find projects by some of the most innovative architects from Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane plus the story of a renovation on a tire factory in Montreal. We give you the lowdown on efficient heating options and we check out some inspirational garden projects.

In this issue we look at six kitchens that consider the bigger picture, blend into the architecture of the house and act as the beating heart of the home. Kitchens, on average, are replaced every 10 to 15 years. In terms of sustainability surely extending their lifespan should be our focus. Considering the life cycle and durability of surface materials and appliances should be at the top of our list at the design phase. Materials that can be repaired or refurbished and finally recycled are ideal, and appliances that carry a life cycle analysis and a warranty for repairs that is long and extensive is key. As we transition to renewable energy it is important to specify all-electric appliances, which will also ensure a healthier environment. Beyond this, a kitchen that functions well should be a priority. Elsewhere we explore four homes; one that breathes new life into a solid 1950s beauty, another whose motto is ‘live small but live well’, a decade-long labour of love and a product of ‘slow architecture’ and, finally, a passive house with strong commitments to sustainability. Our gardens include one on a sloping site that blends structure, materiality and texture and another that sits predominantly on the roof of a 45-square-metre home and within roadside garden boxes.