We killed so many trees when we first moved to Bungendore. Citrus after citrus fell victim to frost, no matter what we tried. But in the process of failing, we discovered what actually loves this climate. Raspberries took over. Garlic became incredible. Our kids now hunt for berries every evening. This is our journey from warm climate confidence to cold climate reality, and how we learned to grow 60% of our family's food by working with Bungendore's conditions instead of fighting them.

I've been doing spring energy assessments all week across the region, and there's one thing that stands out in every comfortable home I visit - they've been designed to work with our climate, not against it. Spring in Australia isn't just about flowers and warmer days. It's your home's annual performance review. After nine months of assessments and energy bill reviews, I've identified five things every home needs attention on right now, before summer energy bills hit.

Australia's construction industry faces unprecedented cost increases, with building prices rising 40% since 2020 and steel costs jumping 42% in just one year. Despite these challenges, strategic architectural planning can transform budget constraints into design opportunities.

This comprehensive guide reveals three proven strategies for Australian homeowners: clever renovation approaches that maximize existing spaces, strategic scope reduction that prioritizes functionality over size, and right-sized new builds that deliver maximum impact within tighter budgets.

Key insights include navigating timber shortages affecting 250,000 house frames nationwide, understanding why architectural guidance becomes more valuable during cost surges, and practical solutions for projects ranging from $550,000 to $900,000.

Whether you're planning a renovation, addition, or new construction, learn how professional architectural services can help you achieve your vision while respecting financial realities in Australia's challenging 2025 construction market.

Wondering what an architect actually does — and why it matters for your project? Learn how working with a registered architect can simplify the process, reduce risk, and result in a more efficient, resilient home.

Planning to build or renovate in Canberra, Bungendore, New South Wales, or Victoria? Discover why choosing the right design professional architect, draftsperson, or builder from the start can future-proof your home, budget, and energy efficiency.

A retrofit transforms an existing home into a more energy-efficient, comfortable, and cost-effective space—without the need for demolition. By upgrading insulation, sealing drafts, improving windows, and transitioning away from gas, a home can stay comfortable year-round while cutting energy bills and emissions. Retrofitting isn’t just about efficiency; it’s about future-proofing your home for a smarter, all-electric future.

Building a home that stands the test of time means designing for climate resilience. With extreme weather on the rise, energy-efficient homes that withstand bushfires, high winds, and heatwaves are more important than ever. At Conscious, we create durable, high-performance homes with smart passive design, fire-resistant materials, and integrated energy solutions. Future-proof your home with sustainable architecture that keeps you comfortable year-round. Learn how to design a climate-resilient home today.

When we first moved into our log cabin, we knew it had potential – but also plenty of room for improvement. From poor insulation to inefficient energy systems, we faced many of the challenges homeowners experience in older homes. But we saw this as an opportunity to retrofit the space for modern living without sacrificing its charm.

In this article, we share our step-by-step retrofit journey, highlighting how we’re tackling these challenges with a focus on energy efficiency and comfort. We’ll cover everything from selecting recycled timber cladding, like the sustainable material we used from Thor's Hammer in Canberra, to ensuring optimal heating and cooling strategies for year-round comfort.

Whether you're planning a full-scale renovation or simply want to make your home more energy-efficient, our experiences can offer valuable insights. Join us as we transform our log cabin into a high-performance, energy-efficient haven.

Australia is taking bold steps towards a greener future with suburb-wide electrification trials designed to transition away from gas. This initiative, highlighted in The Guardian’s recent article, represents an exciting opportunity to reduce emissions and embrace renewable energy. But what does this mean for our homes, and why is electrification so important?

The price of a home is more than just the upfront cost. Energy bills, maintenance, and repairs all contribute to ongoing expenses. Energy-efficient homes address these hidden costs by reducing energy use, cutting bills, and creating spaces that stay comfortable all year round.