What Is Sustainable Architecture

Architecture that has a minimal effect on the environment is what sustainable architecture is. It is homes or buildings designed to reduce humanity’s impact on the local environment.

Sustainable house design is not just about the visual image and building plans. It considers every part of the planning and construction process – from the materials used to the orientation of the home and the available water supply.

Principles of sustainable architecture

Sustainable architecture must follow specific design principles. We have unpacked each of these principles to help you plan your sustainable new build or to help understand how you can renovate an existing property or building to be more environmentally sustainable.

Site considerations

When selecting a site to build on, consider the environment surrounding it and the ecosystems your build may affect. Geographic factors can also offer sustainable advantages, such as the area’s natural resources. When planning the orientation of your home, be sure to maximise the use of natural energy provided by the sun.

Playoust Churcher - Non-renewable energy resources

Limit non-renewable energy resources

Non-renewable resources are also known as fossil fuels. As the latter name suggests, they come from the earth and originate from plant and animal matter combined with carbon and hydrogen that existed many years ago and cannot be replenished. The three primary non-renewable resources are coal, oil and gas. These resources release greenhouse gases which negatively contribute to global warming, damage the environment by the way they’re mined and cost countries more than money. Wars have erupted and continue to erupt because of disagreements over non-renewable resources.

Conscious materials

Environmentally friendly materials are essential for sustainable architecture. What makes a product environmentally friendly are products made with minimal effect on the environment throughout the production process and product lifecycle. Today, environmentally conscious products are available for everything from building materials to dishwashing liquid, so when discussing your house design with your architect, be sure to choose sustainable materials.

Water conservation

Rainwater harvesting was only standardised in Australia in the late 90s and early 2000s. Conserving water saves energy, so using harvested water for household use avoids needing to filter, heat or pump water throughout the home, reducing the carbon footprint. Using less water also helps maintain water levels in natural ecosystems too.

Interior environmental quality

Fortunately, with the advanced technology available today, installing sustainability tools in the home, especially as a new build, is not only a good idea but is also encouraged by the government with financial rebate benefits.

Installing devices or systems optimising energy saving even after purchasing your home has become more accessible and affordable. Lighting, thermal conditions and ergonomics within the home all define the interior environmental quality of a home. Air quality is also a significant component. According to the CSIRO and the Australian Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment (AWE), poor indoor air quality in Australia costs around A$12 billion per year.

Maintenance and self-sufficiency

Building or renovating a sustainable home will be deemed ineffective if not maintained with sustainable products and solutions on an ongoing basis. Regular system tests and proactive behavioural changes that reduce carbon emissions and improve a home’s sustainability score are vital in a home that’s considered ‘eco-friendly’.

To discuss your sustainable home build or renovation, contact us and find out more about what we do to help ensure your home is kind to the environment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is sustainable architecture?

Sustainable architecture minimizes environmental impact by focusing on energy and material efficiency, water management, building orientation, and the use of low-carbon or recycled materials. It involves a holistic approach across design and construction to create buildings aligned with ecological and human health goals Playoust Churcher -+8Playoust

Why is sustainable architecture important for Sydney homes?

Sydney’s climate and coastal context make environmental resilience essential. Well-designed homes reduce energy consumption, improve comfort, and enhance durability—while offering long-term value in line with local sustainability standards and planning controls.

How does Playoust Churcher incorporate sustainability into its designs?

Our 6‑stage process integrates sustainability from feasibility through to design and construction. This includes passive solar orientation, sustainable material selection, water efficiency, and collaboration with consultants to deliver energy-efficient and eco-conscious buildings

What sustainable features are typical in your residential projects?

Features may include natural ventilation strategies, high-performance glazing, recycled or certified timber, rainwater harvesting, solar power integration, and thermal mass handling. Each selection is tailored to site, planning guidelines, and client objectives.

Is sustainable architecture more expensive?

While upfront costs may increase slightly, sustainable design creates long-term value by reducing energy and water usage, improving comfort, and supporting future resale. Efficient and durable design often yields a return many times greater over a building’s lifecycle.

How do I start planning a sustainable architecture project?

Begin with a feasibility consultation. We’ll assess your site’s orientation, overlays (e.g. bushfire, coastal), and sustainability potential. We’ll then propose design concepts focused on performance, aesthetics, and compliance.

Key Takeaways

Coordinated by Design, Executed Through Teamwork

Well-designed sustainability relies on comprehensive collaboration—from architects to engineers to the client—ensuring features like energy systems, water sensitivity.

Site-First Sustainability

Design begins with understanding your site—its landscape, ecosystem, and solar access—to ensure the building is not just sustainable, but also contextually responsive and sensitive to its natural surroundings.

Material Matters

The sustainable approach leans toward materials with minimal environmental footprints: think responsibly sourced, low-impact, renewable, or recycled products. These decisions support both ecological responsibility and indoor health

Passive Design Leadership

Incorporating passive strategies—like optimizing natural light, solar gain, airflow, and shading—not only enhances occupant comfort but significantly cuts energy demands and operational costs.

Meet the Author

Brett Churcher

Managing Director & Nominated Architect 
NSW Architect Registration No. 5924

With over 30 years of architectural experience, Brett Churcher leads Playoust Churcher Architects with a rare combination of design expertise and commercial insight. As a registered architect and Managing Director, Brett has played a pivotal role in delivering high-end single residential homes and boutique medium-density developments across Sydney’s North Shore and beyond.

Brett’s unique strength lies in his deep understanding of both architectural design and the Sydney property market. His valuation background enables him to align creative vision with practical feasibility, ensuring each project achieves both aesthetic excellence and financial viability.

At Playoust Churcher, Brett drives the studio’s growth, strategy, and leadership, while remaining closely connected to what matters most: the client. His ability to see the bigger picture from a client’s perspective and to guide projects seamlessly through the design process is at the heart of his role and reputation.