Tread Lightly upon this World

Freya Art & design

On a visit to the Yarra Valley a while ago I bought this card, not only because I like the design but the message resonates with me.

You may read something else into it but for me it is all about sustainability, something which we are trying to think about when it comes to our renovation, our garden and our everyday life.

With the house we are putting in high rating insulation, double glazed windows, getting a water tank, looking at solar panels, energy efficient lights and more.

For the garden I am currently learning about permaculture principles and how this can work in with the house as well.

With everyday life we try to remember to turn off things at the power point, dry our clothes on the line, put buckets under taps and more.


This design by Freya Art & Design I also bought for the colour, design and because I love the ideas it communicates. I especially love to travel, though haven't done much recently, but can't wait to with my children and explore with them. I also in accordance with the philosophy above, buy carbon credits every time we do to at least try an counteract the impact.

Windows and light

The morning light coming through our family room windows this morning was beautiful. We are lucky as this area faces North and so we get great sun all year around. The only issue is this means it gets a little hot in summer. Something we are looking at fixing with the renovation.


Unfortunately this beautiful sash window and these French doors will soon be removed. Where the French doors are we are extending out for more living space, off which will come a hall to lead to two new bedrooms, a family bathroom and laundry. At the end of this new living space we will be putting in wooden framed, double glazed, sliding doors. The window will also be replaced with sliding doors to lead out onto an alfresco deck.

We did think it would be great to reuse the French doors but we wanted better energy efficiency with double glazing. Now I am trying to think how I could reuse them elsewhere. Maybe in the garden?

Heating on these cold days

This Saturday is World Environment day so a perfect time to think about what we can do to make a difference to the environment.

On these cold Winter evenings I sit in our lounge room very warm and toasty thanks to our wonderful gas central heating system. However there are a few energy related issues with it. For one the system is old and can't be zoned so heating one room means heating the whole house when often this is not needed, not very efficient or sustainable. Secondly, though the living areas are warm, especially the North facing family room, the front bedroom is cold, due to obvious drafts and very poor window insulation. Thirdly once the heater is switched off it doesn't take long for the house to loose heat.

So in our renovation and house extension, we are looking at how we can improve our heating efficiency by buying a 5 star central heating system that can be zoned, plus use the heater as little as possible by putting in good insulation - double glazed windows with good window coverings, high ratings on wall and ceiling insulation (this is where you loose the most heat).

Proposed new weatherboard extension - old brick will be removed also

Insulation is key for us too as currently our house has a brick casing which helps but this casing is going and old weatherboard houses are notoriously bad for insulation - something we will need to fix.

Adelaide Zoo - sustainable design influence

I have just got back from visiting the Pandas at Adelaide Zoo. Well worth a visit they are absolutely gorgeous.
Now I am sure you are thinking well what does this have to do with a house renovation or house / garden design - well the visit to the Zoo highlighted the need for sustainable design and living.

At the Zoo I was reminded over and over again, how many animals are threatened by their habitat being destroyed. On top of which the Adelaide Zoo has an education / environmental centre which shows children the importance of managing water and discusses the effects of climate change.

Hubbie and I have been discussing how we can make our home as sustainable as possible. Currently the Building code in Victoria states that extensions have to meet 5 star standard but we are going to try and improve on this by putting in a higher level of insulation and double glazed windows. On top of this we will look at installing:

- a rain water tank
- grey water options
- solar panels
- low energy lighting (no or few down lights)
- high star rated fixtures and appliances
- good window coverage - blinds and shading.

Of course this is all well and good if we don't follow this through into the old part of the house so this will also be scrutinised for ways to improve.

We also need to consider the materials being used and ensure things like the wood for the deck is FSC accredited.

Along with this we will a look at options for the garden taking permaculture principles into account (more in a later post). Also I loved the butterfly garden at the Zoo, designed to attract local butterflies. Something worth looking into - I know the kids will love it.