Freshwater
Concept: Creating a light, airy, character-filled three-level Hampton-style beach home on a small corner site
As Australians grapple with the challenges of climate change and rising energy costs, we’ve noticed that many of our clients are choosing energy-efficient home designs.
For those considering home alterations or new builds, you’ll have a lot of decisions to make, with the energy efficiencies of your home being one of them.
Understanding the features of energy-efficient homes and their benefits is a great place to start!
What is an energy-efficient home design?
An energy-efficient home design, also referred to as a green home or a sustainable home, is designed with a larger focus on including features and designs that will not only look great, but will reduce the energy consumption homeowners will require once they’ve moved in.
Here in Australia, we use a scheme known as the Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme (NatHERS) to assess homes and builds, rating the energy efficiency based on the design, construction materials and overall elements of the house.
Key features of an energy-efficient home design
As architects, we certainly love the challenge of incorporating energy-efficient elements into a modern style of home that looks like a dream and saves like a dream. They’re also a fantastic way to future proof your home.
When we’re designing an energy-efficient home, there are a number of sustainable architecture elements we will explore and recommend to our clients.
Insulation
Insulation is one of the key elements that will improve a home’s energy efficiency. So we’ll ensure the design of the home starts off with effective insulation in the roof and the walls and double-glazed windows.
Insulation will help regulate the temperature indoors, reduce the transfer of heat and also minimise the need for internal heating and cooling, which costs our clients both money and carbon footprint.
Solar panels
Australian weather is perfect for solar panels, especially in North Shore designs. So if it fits the brief, we like to suggest solar panels to reduce the customer’s reliance on the grid, lower their electricity bills and also generate clean, renewable energy.
Increased water efficiency
Including features like rainwater harvesting systems and grey water recycling can help you reduce the consumption of water and incorporate better management practices within the home.
What other factors should you consider before you build?
We also consider several additional factors when planning a sustainable, energy-efficient home design that goes beyond what architects do.
This includes factors such as:
- The orientation of your home; does it allow us to design your space in a way that makes use of natural sunlight for warmth in winter, while also providing adequate shade during the summer months as well as capturing prevailing breezes and maximising cross ventilation?
- Location of the property; is it close to local infrastructure like public transport, to reduce the need for you to drive?
- Construction materials; are your builders buying and sourcing local materials from sustainable providers where possible?
Energy-efficient home designs have major benefits
By far, one of the most appealing benefits of an energy-efficient home design is the cost benefits and potential for saving money, both during design and afterwards. These cost savings come from a range of places, such as:
- Energy-efficient homes designed with insulation, double-glazed windows and efficient heating and cooling systems help maintain a comfortable indoor temperature and encourage beautiful indoor/outdoor living while minimising excessive heating or cooling, which leads to lower energy bills.
- Government incentives, grants and rebates also encourage energy efficiency, such as the Small-Scale Renewable Energy Scheme that provides financial incentives for solar panel installation to reduce upfront costs.
- Solar panels can generate clean, renewable electricity and earn credits or cash from excess power fed back into the grid through feed-in tariffs, which can offset your electricity costs.
- Some of our clients are now looking at hydronic or geothermal underfloor heating as more cost-efficient and comfortable heating options.
- Finally, choosing energy-efficient appliances like refrigerators, air conditioners, washing machines and LED lighting can also significantly reduce your electricity consumption, resulting in lower monthly bills.
Are you ready to go green?
When you consider the benefits and style that come with an energy-efficient home design, it’s no wonder we’re seeing more and more clients exploring and incorporating these features.
So if you’re curious about how sustainability and energy-efficient can feature in your build, whether you’re master planning your dream home or looking to maximise your land value, we can help.
Contact us today to get the conversation started.
Frequently Asked Questions
What defines an energy-efficient home?
Also known as a green or sustainable home, it’s designed to reduce energy consumption while ensuring comfort and aesthetic appeal. In Australia, the Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme (NatHERS) assesses homes based on design, materials, and energy performance.
Which features are essential in sustainable architecture?
Key design elements include:
- Insulation — in roofs and walls, plus double-glazed windows to minimise heat loss and cooling needs.
- Solar panels — to reduce grid reliance, lower bills, and generate renewable energy.
- Water efficiency — like rainwater harvesting and greywater recycling to reduce consumption.
- Site-specific design — optimising home orientation for sunlight, shade, cross‑ventilation, and passive solar gain.
What are the main benefits of energy-efficient homes?
- Lower utility bills — effective insulation and efficient systems reduce heating/cooling costs.
- Financial incentives — such as rebates under the Small-Scale Renewable Energy Scheme for solar installations.
- Feed-in tariffs — allowing solar panel owners to earn credits by exporting excess energy back to the grid.
- Advanced technology options — including hydronic or geothermal underfloor heating and energy-efficient appliances (e.g., LED lighting, efficient fridges) for long-term savings.
How does energy efficiency fit into broader, future-ready design?
It’s part of a holistic philosophy. An energy-efficient home is also future-proof when paired with passive design, flexibility in layout, and adaptive systems. This ensures lower running costs, improved comfort, and long-term adaptability.
Key Takeaways
Higher Borrowing Costs Dampen Renovation Demand
Inflation-driven interest rate hikes increase the cost of finance, making it more challenging and expensive for homeowners to proceed with renovations or additions.
Rising Material and Labour Expenses Inflate Project Budgets
As inflation pushes up the price of building materials and labour, renovation project costs escalate, complicating budgeting and cost control for homeowners.
Delays in Activity Highlight Industry Slowdown
Playoust Churcher recommends prioritising renovation goals early—whether that’s resale, lifestyle enhancement, or flexibility—and making conscious decisions that maximise value while managing limited resources.
Strategic Prioritisation Enables Value-Focused Renovations
Playoust Churcher recommends prioritising renovation goals early—whether that’s resale, lifestyle enhancement, or flexibility—and making conscious decisions that maximise value while managing limited resources.
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.
Have a vision for your next project?
Reach out to Brett to explore how Playoust Churcher can bring it to life—with clarity, creativity and confidence.
Recent projects
Killara Heritage
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East Lindfield
Concept: Designing a new family home that maximises the views and introduces a sense of open space
Lindfield Heritage Home
Concept: A complex yet successful renovation of this stunning heritage home in a conservation area
Castlecrag
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Chilton Parade, Warrawee
Concept: A complete rebuild of half the property over two levels, whilst also incorporating the property next door
Palm Beach Renovation
Concept: A majestic holiday home that pushes the design envelop, blending sustainable materials and natural light
Arnold Street Killara
Concept: A major ground floor renovation of a large estate with a new three-car garage and 14 metre pool
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We live and work on the lands of the Gadigal people of the Eora nation. We acknowledge their traditional custodianship of the land and pay respects to their Elders past, present and emerging.