Better bones
A well-designed and sturdily built home is often said to have “good bones”, meaning its underlying structure is well planned and sound. These days, however, a bit more is required of architects and builders. With climate change pressing ever more firmly on our rooftops, future-proofing your home is becoming imperative. This process of anticipating future developments to minimise negative consequences is crucial as cities become overcrowded and housing is pushed to the limit.
GETTING THE DESIGN RIGHT
Melbourne-based Zen Architects specialises in ecologically sustainable design (ESD), architecture that does its best to protect biodiversity and the future of environmental resources. ESD consultant Erika Bartak says, “I like to think of sustainable design as good design and not necessarily about bolt-on technology. Being comfortable and healthier, not wasting lots of money on heating and cooling bills, is not revolutionary — it’s just part of good design.”
The mass market, on the other hand, is perhaps following a less-virtuous trend. Part of
