They've tried the Builders Assoc. - who were not interested. They were directed to Attorney Generals (Business & Consumer Affairs) which might be the next port of call.
It's really…

Hi Everyone
My sister in law is having difficulties with her builder. They are near the end of their build, the trades refuse to come back onto site, and…

Thanks very much for the information Yak_Chat
I understand what you mean and I probably wasn't too clear in my first post
We have looked…

Yak_Chat
Yes I understand the hot water bottle theory. However I am not clear how they are generating the cold air i.e. what type of pump.
I am not convinced they…

Hi Yak_Chat
No offence taken; although I'm not really sure what you mean

Our builder has completed the working drawings for our new house (monstrous time waster that it is) and we are just about to commence with the engineering. Hopefully the…

Ideally we prefer separate areas for kids and adults. Our new house has the adult areas (main bedroom, ensuite and retreat) downstairs at the front of the house, the…

Hi 3xb
No we hadn't considered timbercrete but will look into it. We can live with losing our wooden floors as long as the replacement increases the thermal mass and…

Thanks D&B
Lets hope everyone (builder, architect, draftsman, client) continues to play nicely.

supa007
ecoarchitect's name mentioned earlier - Energy Architecture and Yak_Chat has recommended Emilis.
I haven't heard of Zego sounds interesting.
Cheers

Hi Matt
I agree with your wife - it might be ecofriendly but it doesn't tick all the right boxes for me either.
Casa - ceramic tiles are probably ok, John kept…

Check out this site for polished concrete floors
http://www.concretenetwork.com/photo-ga ... -floors_1/

Casa
600 eaves on Northern side is probably ok but John recommended none for winter sun and definitely a pergola. We might look into retractable shades or just grow…

We put together a rough drawing based on a couple of designs that we liked, took it to a couple of builders and got the best quote (not cheapest). …

I have to agree with you on that one. We sometimes wonder who is running the show; the builder, the draftsman or the architect. The power trips are…

Casa
I'll get back to you with the other questions as we are strapped for time today.
You can contact our eco Architect (Energy Architecture) - John Maitland. I hope it…

casa you're making me blush
No doubt the build will be a compromise between ecofriendly and cost effective but so far these are the…

Hi Casa
Yes it sounds like a similar or the same system as 'earth tubes'. Apparently the cooling unit itself costs about the same as an evap aircon. and will…

Hi Casa2
The underfloor cooling system will release dry cool air from under the slab through pipes. The system won't be released until November 07 but we have been told…

Hi Casa
Have to agree with Yak_Chat.
We organized for an eco-architect to pass his eyes over our concept plan which was drawn up by a draftsman who works…

Thanks for the responses.
Casa2 - you have a good point about the passive solar heating which we would possibly reduce with the evergreen product.
Ed - again excellent advice - …

We are just about to sign off on the working drawings and wonder if anyone has heard of Fairview windows. We have agreed to semi-commercial aluminium, and wanted…

1. funky bathtub in the master ensuite, double sink and double shower
2. 2 pack kitchen
3. bigger pantry and linen cupboard
other items such as stone benchtops and…

You know you have a point there. If we can afford a really nice bath then I will want to be able to see it. Like a nice…

thanks again Michelle for the design options. I love the idea of flowing sheers but maybe shutters would prove to be a good idea if noise is an issue.
I…

thanks for the tip on the NSW spotted gum. The wood we have seen comes from WA mills but I'm not sure where it is grown so I will check…

I loved the replies and agree that you can't have too many doors between the bedroom and toilet.
However there is…

Yes that would be a problem. However my partner and I share the same work hours, drive together to work and use the ensuite at the same time. …

Hi stevec
We are also using timber floors (spotted gum or brushbox) in our new build with a white gloss kitchen, pale composite stone benchtop and greenish splashback. We have…

I love the lime green kitchen.
We used lime (Porters paints) as a feature wall in our daughter's room. It looked fantastic with white and blue and it is amazing…