• Maximise energy and water efficiency and reducing utility expenses
• Improve physical and mental health
• Reduce energy consumption
• Increase the lifespan of a home
• Improve indoor air quality
• Contribute to the conservation of natural resources
• Reduce emissions that impact climate change
• Better long-term investment

Green living strategies for your home can include:

• Double glazing, thermally broken windows, and thermal cladding
• Suspended slabs and internal stone walls for thermal mass
• Solar systems and passive solar shades
• Slab, wall and ceiling insulation
• Thermostatic vented ceiling spaces
• Soil roof top gardens for improved thermal qualities
• Energy efficient lighting
• Water tanks and water recycling systems
• The use of recycled materials
• Energy efficient appliances
• Reverse brick veneer construction

A sustainable home can contribute to a healthier living environment in several ways, including:

1. Improved Indoor Air Quality: Sustainable homes are designed to use materials that emit fewer toxins, chemicals, and pollutants, which can help improve indoor air quality. Sustainable homes often include ventilation systems that bring in fresh outdoor air and filter out harmful pollutants.
   
   
2. Reduced Exposure to Chemicals: Sustainable homes also typically use paints, and other materials (low volatile organic compounds VOC) that are low in harmful chemicals. This can help reduce exposure to toxins and improve overall health.
   
   
3. Lower Energy Usage: Sustainable homes are designed to be energy-efficient, which means they use less energy to heat, cool, and power appliances. This can help reduce the amount of pollution generated by power plants, which can contribute to respiratory problems and other health issues.
   
   
4. Improved Mental Health: Sustainable homes often feature natural light, green spaces, and other elements that have been shown to improve mental health and well-being.

Building a sustainable home generally has more upfront costs than building a standard home, however it is important to consider the long-term benefits and savings.

The initial cost of sustainable materials, energy-efficient appliances, and high-performance systems or items, i.e., cooling systems, windows, and insulation, can be higher than their standard, cheaper counterparts. However, the investment in sustainable features will result in lower operating costs and greater long-term savings on utility expenses.

The demand for sustainable homes is growing at a rapid rate and are looked upon more desirably by the consumer/homeowner as they can have a higher resale value and can potentially offer a better return on investment in the long run.  Homes that do not contain sustainable features and construction methods will result in being discounted and reduced in value.

Ultimately, building a sustainable home can be a higher investment upfront, but the benefits of energy savings, increased comfort, and reduced environmental impact can make it a worthwhile investment in the long term.

At RoomFour, we promote early collaboration between an architect, designer and builder.  This way you will have a better chance of efficient cost management and creating a budget that works for you, avoiding project cost blowouts and time and money loss by possibly redoing the plans.  With this early collaboration you are setting the foundation for a smoother, more successful project that delivers the desired outcomes for everyone involved.

At RoomFour, we are bound by The Domestic Building Contracts Act 1995 (Vic) which is required by all Victorian Registered Building Practitioners and must supply a statutory warranty which lasts for 10 years from the date of practical completion.

At RoomFour we have a team of architects and designers along with a team of other consultants and professionals that can provide a complete range of building design and interior design to facilitate all manner of home extensions and renovations.  We manage every aspect of the process with the collaboration of our designers and consultants.