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Building Biology: What is it? (and why should I care?)
At Yarrow Build, we believe that homes should be more than just structures; they should be sanctuaries that contribute positively to the health of those within. Join us on a journey to unravel the essence of Building Biology, understand its history, and explore the vital connection between your home's health and its construction and design.
In the realm of home construction and design, the concept of Building Biology emerges as a beacon, guiding us toward spaces that not only shelter but also enhance our wellbeing.
At Yarrow Build, we believe our homes can be more than just structures; they can be sanctuaries that contribute positively to the health of those within.
Join us on a journey to unravel the essence of Building Biology, understand its history, and explore the vital connection between your home’s health and its construction and design.
1. The roots of building biology:
Originating in Germany in the 1960s, Building Biology, or Baubiologie, was a response to the growing awareness of the impact of the built environment on human health. Driven by a holistic approach, it sought to harmonize construction with nature, emphasizing principles that prioritize the well-being of occupants.
2. australian homes - beyond “glorified tents”:
While our climate is often deemed mild, the construction of Australian homes has traditionally been described as "glorified tents." With minimal evolution in construction techniques over the decades, many homes lack consideration for our unique climate needs. Rising energy efficiency standards, demanding increased air tightness and insulation, pose a potential risk to both the health of our buildings and those residing within.
3. the risk of uninformed construction:
Investing in homes is a significant endeavour, and it’s crucial to ensure that the impact is not just aesthetic but also beneficial to our health. Uninformed construction practices can lead to issues such as poor indoor air quality, inadequate ventilation, and compromised overall well-being.
4. building biology in action - a holistic approach:
Building Biology is not a rigid set of rules; it's a philosophy that aligns with the natural environment. By integrating principles that focus on proper ventilation, non-toxic materials, and a harmonious connection with nature, we can create homes that foster health and harmony.
5. the yarrow build commitment:
At Yarrow Build, we are committed to incorporating Building Biology principles into our designs and constructions. Our goal is to create spaces that not only meet aesthetic aspirations but also prioritise the health of the occupants. From proper ventilation to the use of non-toxic materials, every decision is made with the well-being of the inhabitants in mind.
6. nurturing homes - a beneficial impact:
Consider your home as more than a physical entity - it's an environment that can either nourish or detract from your health. With Building Biology at the forefront of our approach, we strive to ensure that the impact your home has is not just aesthetic but also a beneficial one.
As we embark on the journey of creating and renovating our homes, let’s pause to consider the profound impact these spaces have on our health. Building Biology offers a compass, guiding us toward designs and constructions that embrace the principles of nature, ensuring our homes become sanctuaries that nurture, protect, and elevate the wellbeing of those within.
If you are embarking on your sustainable renovation journey, we would love to hear from you. Have questions or want more info? Book a call and say hello.
Ways To Fund A Renovation With A Bank Australia Green Construction Loan
With all the talk and emphasis placed on the importance of conscious design and building homes which tread lightly on our planet, it’s great to see some forward thinking financial institutions are creating products to help homeowners bridge the gap between concept and reality.
Enter, the ‘Green Construction Loan’ from Bank Australia.
With all the talk and emphasis placed on the importance of conscious design and building homes which tread lightly on our planet, it’s great to see some forward thinking financial institutions are creating products to help homeowners bridge the gap between concept and reality.
Enter, the ‘Green Construction Loan’ from Bank Australia.
What is a Green Construction Loan?
Basically, a Green Loan rewards mortgage borrowers for building or renovating in an environmentally friendly way.
Buildings account for 23% of Australia's total emissions, and about half of that is from homes. Making homes clean and green is essential to addressing the climate crisis - Bank Australia.
Bank Australia's Clean Energy Home Loan is an excellent example of how you can access funds to renovate your home and be rewarded for taking a greener approach. Their Clean Energy Home Loan is about rewarding people who do the right thing for our planet.
There are three key ways you can access this loan which are largely dependent on the vision for your future home.
The Eco Loan
The Eco loan is for newer homes built after January 1 2020, that also achieve a 7+ star NatHERS rating. This rating system is applicable nationwide and provides an early insight into the overall energy consumption of the build.
For homes still under construction, the projected energy rating information and plans are considered when judging applicants.
If deemed eligible, this loan can get you a 0.20% p.a. discount on your home loan, meaning it can help you free up funds to invest in a more sustainable home, renovate your existing property to reduce its energy consumption further or build something new altogether.
The Eco Upgrade
Are you upgrading your home's efficiency? The Eco Upgrade was created to celebrate planet-conscious people!
You might be eligible for this funding without knowing it if you have completed three or more energy-efficient upgrades or improved your overall residential efficiency by one or more stars.
These energy-efficient upgrades can include solar panel installation, hot water heat pumps, window double glazing, underfloor installation or even an electric vehicle charging point.
If you are deemed eligible, then you too, could be rewarded with a 0.20p.a. discount on your home loan.
The Eco Plus.
The Eco Plus is aimed at those investing even further into their sustainable practices by holding a NatHERS rating of 7.5 stars or higher with solar panels or achieving a Green Star Homes certification.
This loan type can be used for either existing homes built after January 1 2020, or applied to constructions as long as the plans meet the eligibility requirements.
Unlike the other options available, this loan offers a potential 0.30%p.a. saving on your green home loan.
These are just three ways you can be rewarded for your sustainable efforts with Bank of Australia, and as green practices become more and more commonplace, we can only expect these benefits to grow.
If you are embarking on your sustainable renovation journey, we would love to hear from you. Have questions or want more info? Book a call and say hello.
Exploring Homes Designed to Passivhaus Standards
First created in Germany, Passivhaus standards have taken over the sustainable and energy-conscious world by creating a benchmark for builds.
These standards certify buildings' airtight and highly insulated nature, demonstrating low-energy output.
When exploring sustainable design principles, you're likely to encounter what is known as Passivhaus or Passive House standards.
These standards are a globally recognised set of principles that have been dominating energy-performance regulations since the 1990s. First created in Germany, this set of standards has taken over the sustainable and energy-conscious world by creating a benchmark for builds.
What is a Passive House or a Passivhaus?
The Passivhaus standard certifies buildings' airtight and highly insulated nature, demonstrating low-energy output.
Buildings that pass these standards tend to use more sustainable methods of maintaining a home's internal temperature, such as being designed to maximise airflow, installing solar panels, triple glazing or strategic ventilation systems.
While these principles sound complex, they are reasonably simple to include and execute in a sustainable build.
Below, we take a deep dive into some spectacular homes built within the Passivhaus standard.
TreeHaus, USA
by Chris Price
Photography by Cityhome Collective and Kerri Fukui
This treehouse-inspired home, nestled into the surrounding bedrock, creates a pocket of warmth, assisting in the home's natural heating.
The dark cedar planks pay an ode to the surrounding woodlands, creating striking angles along the multi-story home.
Blending into the landscape around it, TreeHaus insulates itself from the surrounding climate through the thick glazing required for the colder months.
The cladding further retains warmth through thermal insulation, making the home require only low-energy consumption.
Casa GG, Spain
by Alventosa Morell Arquitectes
Photography by Adrià Goula
Built in just four months, Casa GG was designed in six separate modules, each specifically positioned to adapt to the sun and existing trees.
Not only is this home environmentally conscious in design, but recycled spruce wood from the surrounding region was also used to construct each of the six modules.
The cosy nature of these modules means that only a simple heating system is required in the colder months. While in summer, the house transforms as the glass doors open to embrace the sunshine and offer incredible views across the Montseny mountains.
Old Water Tower, UK
by Gresford Architects
Photography by Quintin Lake
One of the most remarkable aspects of this home is the self-closing blinds across the east, south and west that prevent overheating in the warmer months.
While the structure's exterior could be mistaken for a standard timber-framed barn, a close look gives insight into the sustainable nature of its design.
The numerous windows and glass doors naturally light the home, while the triple glazing prevents heat loss. Each of these openings is strategically placed to limit heat loss and provide privacy from neighbours.
Aligning to the Passivhaus standards, this home runs with almost no cost.
Casa LLP, Spain
by Alventosa Morell Arquitectes
Photography Adrià Goula
Set overlooking a mountain range near Barcelona, this highly simulated home sinks into its surroundings.
A natural heating and cooling system was installed post a bioclimatic study of the site, informing the design, orientation and placement of the structure on the land.
The home was designed to strategically complement the surroundings and maximise the environmental benefits such as airflow and natural warming through sun exposure.
This project exceeds Passivhaus standards with its invisible low space heating requirement at only 9 kilowatt-hours per square metre.
Forest Lodge, UK
by Pad Studio
Photography by Nigel Rigden
One of the most challenging aspects of designing a Passivhaus-compliant build is meeting strict planning regulations unique to each area.
The goal of this build in the UK was to be a minimal energy dwelling that reflected the history of the owner's previous dwelling - a static caravan.
Big glazed windows welcome astounding views into the structure and naturally light the space without sacrificing warmth.
This build in New Forest is largely self-sufficient with solar panels, an individual sewerage system and an air-source heat pump.
Despite the variety of designs and sustainable practices used within this collection of homes, they all share a common trait; alignment with Passivhaus standards.
If you're inspired by any of these designs and want to embark on your next build using sustainable practices right for your geographic location, book a call and say hello; we'd love to hear from you!
Tips To Consider When Planning A Sustainable House Build
Sustainability can range from 100% eco-friendly materials, local manufacturing of products through to designs and practices to complete passive house certified builds. This is completely dependent on your own sustainability beliefs, available budget, geographical location of your build and the design and building team you join forces with.
There are so many benefits when it comes to building a sustainable home!
Whether your aim is reducing waste, improving your energy and water consumption or improving heating/cooling comforts indoors, designing your build with a sustainable long-term mindset can help to significantly increase the lifespan of your home.
However, starting your sustainable build journey can be tricky and overwhelming, so here are some tips.
Windbreak House, Tasmania. Architect: Cumulus Studio. Builder: Minchin Construction. Image via Green Magazine.
“We carefully take into consideration the materials we use throughout the design and build stages and their effect on our environment and the communities around us.”
WHAT IS a SUSTainable building?
1. Consider what sustainable building means to you and your project
When it comes to sustainable builds, there's a large grey area regarding what is truly defined as sustainable, especially regarding individual builds. This is why it's important to ask yourself:
What do I consider sustainable?; and
What is achievable to implement for my project?
Sustainability can range from 100% eco-friendly materials, local manufacturing of products through to designs and practices to passive design or complete passive house certified builds. This is completely dependent on your own sustainability beliefs, available budget, geographical location of your build and the design and building team you join forces with.
Having a game plan for your build will have a hugely positive impact as you can outline your sustainability values from the get-go.
does location impact a passive house design?
2. Take into consideration the location of your build
Considering the location of your build is also incredibly important during your project's design and build phases.
When designing a sustainable home, the right design team can utilise the surrounding landscape for your benefit.
This can include choosing a specific house position on the block to maximise light infiltration and minimise wind tunnels, or your architect might consider the design of your home to keep the warmth in during winter and encourage sun exposure during spring and summer.
The strategic design of a home can also allow for natural warming to occur, decreasing the reliance and use of gas and electricity for heating. Similarly, creating natural airflow and positioning the home to maximise cool breezes during summer will assist in naturally cooling the home.
Engaging an experienced and sustainably driven designer from day one is key to ensuring your home is sustainably considered and designed.
3. Find the right design and building team
Finding a designer who shares your vision for your home in both style and sustainability is important, as this process starts from the very beginning. Viewing their past projects either in person or via a portfolio will also help you understand their experience, expertise and quality of work.
A sustainable designer will design your home from the ground up, seeing how the exact position of the house on the block of land will impact the rest of the design.
Finding the right builder can significantly impact your home's sustainability as they're responsible for managing the sustainable practices of the build and sourcing the materials.
“At Yarrow Build, we focus on blending our design style and sustainability with our client’s wants and needs and future homes. And, our Director, Tim Yarrow is a GreenSmart Professional certified builder!”
what is a greensmart builder?
HIA GreenSmart was Australia's first sustainable building and design program tailored specifically for home building. aims to encourage a mainstream application of the benefits of environmentally responsible housing.
Some of the topics covered in the training include:
global and local context of sustainable development
thermal performance
passive solar design and natural ventilation
design and operational issues for water and energy efficiency
selection of water and energy-efficient ecologically friendly appliances
lighting
principles of sustainable building
environmental design
We believe that designing from the ground up to maximise the benefits of the home's location is key in establishing a truly sustainable home.
We work closely with our clients to ensure every project follows sustainable best practices, mindfully considers the materials used and sets them up for a sustainable future within the home.
Together, with our team, we can design and build you a beautiful home with sustainability at its heart.
Have questions or want more info? Book a call and say hello; we'd love to hear from you!
Yarrow Build ~ Proudly Supporting 1% for the Planet
We strongly believe that we should all be reinvesting in our planet and working towards a better future for people and the planet alike.
In partnership with our ‘sister brand’, Sarah Yarrow Interiors, we are proudly supporting 1% for the Planet, as we believe our sustainable thinking should extend outside of our business and personal lives to positively impact the planet and those around us.
“At the heart of our businesses is a dedication to helping foster a brighter future for individuals, communities and our planet.”
WHAT IS 1% FOR THE PLANET?
1% for the Planet is a non-for-profit company that businesses can become members of and pledge 1% of their sales to an environmental cause. They work to create partnerships between these environmental nonprofits and businesses that will have a lasting positive impact on the environment.
1% for the Planet advises businesses on nonprofits that align best with their values and brand to make the biggest impact possible.
We’re dedicated to reducing not just our own but our clients' negative environmental impacts throughout the design, build and lifestyle stages of a home.
However, we wanted to take this a step further and truly dedicate our business to the efforts being made to create a healthier planet for us all.
By partnering with 1% for the Planet, we know that our 1% is being best utilised for causes that truly align with our vision and values.
Rear landscaping of our 1950s Cottage project.
non profits we support
Through our partnership with this organisation, we support some incredible nonprofits, including WIRES, Fitted for Work: The Conscious Closest and separately, Greenfleet.
WIRES are dedicated to rehabilitating and preserving Australian wildlife while encouraging the everyday Australian to do the same. We strongly believe that it’s our job as Australians to preserve the unique wildlife of our country and strive for a better future for them.
Fitted for Work helps disadvantaged Australian women find, keep and thrive at work. We want to be a part of the reason Australian women from all backgrounds feel empowered and supported to find work.
Greenfleet protects the climate by continuously restoring native forests and capturing carbon emissions. Though we focus on providing a sustainable service for our clients and sourcing sustainable materials, we know that despite our best efforts, the transportation of materials and machinery isn’t always eco-friendly.
Together with Greenfleet, we are reducing our carbon footprint and offsetting any negative impacts through the restoration of forests.
“We find it incredibly important to align with these causes as they work towards a better future for our planet and the people on it. Our partnership with 1% for the Planet certifies that these nonprofits are receiving our full support and benefit from 1% of our sales.
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1% for the Planet isn’t limited to businesses; you can get involved as an individual too!
Whether you choose to donate 1% of your annual salary or prefer to donate your time to the cause, 1% for the Planet can advise on nonprofit partnerships that align with your core values and guide you to where you can make the biggest impact.
We strongly believe that we should all be reinvesting in our planet and working towards a better future for people and the planet alike.
Find out more about 1% for the Planet by visiting their website, or further understand our commitment to sustainability via our About Us page.
Things You Need to Know Before Working with a Builder
The traditional way of building involves designing a home which is then tendering out to quote by multiple builders. This is fraught with danger and often leads to disappointment…
Working collaboratively with a builder is essential to kicking your next project off with a bang! However, knowing how to best work with a builder or even finding the right one can be difficult.
Over our years in the industry, on both sides of the client-builder relationship, we've uncovered a few frequently asked questions that you should know the answers to before signing off on your next project.
Tim Yarrow, Yarrow Build.
“It’s important to know exactly where your money is going and that you feel you can trust your builder.”
How do I know when I need to engage a builder?
Every renovation journey is different; however, there are some general guidelines and indicators for finding the right time to engage a builder:
Regardless of the scale of the project, we recommend engaging a builder at the beginning of the process. Having them along for the journey from day one can help ease some of your stress and give them a more holistic overview of the project. This works particularly well when paired with your design professionals because as a team they can be on the same page and set realistic budgets, timelines and outcomes from the outset.
The traditional way of building involves designing a home with the designer or architect tendering it out to quote by multiple builders. This is fraught with danger and often leads to disappointment as the design (which the client is now emotionally invested in) is often significantly more expensive to build then expected and subsequently, design sacrifices need to be made to make the project viable.
This situation can be entirely avoided when the design and build team are working collaboratively from day one.
How do I find the right builder for my project?
The first step to finding the right builder is deciding on your non-negotiables.
This means identifying exactly what you need from your builder regarding:
- timelines;
- budget;
- communication;
- materials; and
- quality of finishes.
Having these details laid out and clearly defined will help you find a builder that's right for you.
It's also imperative to find a builder that aligns with your personal ethos and priorities. For instance, if you place importance on having a sustainable and eco-friendly home, you'll likely want a builder that aligns with this and follows sustainable building methods.
The next step is taking the time to meet and discuss your project with a variety of builders to understand how they work and to view their portfolios. It's also important to read testimonials from previous clients to provide a good understanding of their processes and relationships.
Gut feeling is everything! Trust it. You’ll be spending a large amount of your life with your build and design team so don’t overlook or underestimate the importance of actually getting along with and liking your team on the journey of the build. It's important that you feel comfortable talking to and asking your builder questions from the get-go and not afraid or worried you’ll be judged. As your main point of contact, they are there to help you and hold your hand through the overwhelm and unknowns. Make sure you vibe with their vibe!
will my builder also design my home?
How much influence your builder will have on the design of your home depends on what other contractors are involved in the process.
If you're already working with a designer or architect, your builder most likely won't be heavily involved in the design side, their role is execution of the craftsmanship. They can, however, often advise on the best method of construction for certain design ideas and give opinion on some materials used for the design.
If you are working solely with a builder, they will likely be more hands-on in assisting you in determining the best floor plan, materials and finishes for your project.
Unless you’ve engaged a design and building company, like Yarrow Build, it's unlikely that your builder will design your home (most builders don’t want to get involved in that area!)
But they can advise on any issues they see arising or best practices for materials. Be aware though, a builder is not a designer and will likely be recommending certain finishes and materials that they have worked with or been exposed to on past projects, meaning you’re not necessarily ending up with a custom designed home which works best for your specific needs.
Ultimately, the involvement level of the builder really depends on the client’s goals for the project (and available budget).
Yarrow Build ~ Architectural, Interior Design & Build. One Team. End to End.
Red flags to look out for
1. Vague Contracts
If a builder is attempting to have you sign a vague contract (or if there is no contract), they're not the builder for you!
Your building contract should clearly outline the project's scope, budget, timelines and agreed-upon practices. Your contract protects you and the builder in case something goes wrong. Master Builders Association provides the industry standard for contracts which your builder should be using. When a builder presents a client with this contract, they must also legally provide copies of their license details. We reckon everyone should be doing a background check on their builder. To found out more about the trades you engage, here’s a good place to start HERE
2. Bundled Budgets
If your builder provides a quote with prices bundled into packages or unclear line items, it could be because they're hiding fees. While your builder might not provide a line-by-line budget, it should have clear distinctions between each element of the build. For example, a kitchen renovation should provide a scope breakdown of each trade and what’s included rather than lump sum cost. Some of the costs involved in a kitchen would be joinery, electrical, plumbing painting, flooring. These should be clearly separated cost (either fixed or estimates) with any exclusions also noted e.g. appliance selection or specialised engineering contractors are common ones.
As an industry standard, builders will have either a Fixed Price contract or a Cost Plus contract. Cost Plus is generally used on projects where the scope of work is not entirely clear at time of quoting and/or the finishes selected have not been finalised or are of a custom bespoke nature. Cost Plus works by the builder passing on “trade price” of materials to the client with a mark up on top.
It's important to know exactly where your money is going and that you feel you can trust your builder.
3. No Fixed Timeline
Timelines can sometimes be challenging to manage during a build, particularly in these uncertain times, however it's up to your builder to project manager and provide you with a timeline from the outset and stick to it as much as possible. Plus, if there is a change in the timeline, they should notify you instantly and provide you with an update.
Above all else, the most important thing to look for in a builder is someone you can trust and communicate with clearly.
Our design and build model ensures you are across the project's budget, timeline and scope at every step.
“At Yarrow Build, we understand what clients need from us as the builder and how we can best work together. We know that clear and open communication from the very beginning is essential to a positive client/builder relationship. ”
We want you to be as involved in the project as you want to be; whether that's taking a back seat and enjoying the process or getting up in the nitty-gritty details with us, the choice is yours.
Have questions or want more info? Book a call and say hello; we'd love to hear from you!
Yarrow Build Inspired ~ Sustainable Build by Ashton Kutcher & Mila Kunis
This home has taken the sustainable building world by storm, with its architectural beauty and dedication to sustainable practices designed to complement its surroundings and make use of every asset the land provides from the ground up.
We believe that design inspiration can come from almost anywhere.
One project we're currently inspired by is Ashton Kutcher and Mila Kunis's home, which is situated on a glorious hilltop site perched above the storied Los Angeles enclave.
Images courtesy of Architectural Digest. Photography: Douglas Friedman.
This LA Farmhouse home has taken the sustainable building world by storm, with its architectural beauty and dedication to sustainable practices designed to complement its surroundings and make use of every asset the land provides from the ground up.
Ashton and Mila's attitude toward the project perfectly describes how many people can feel when embarking on a build - "This was either going to make us or break us" (Kunis via Architectural Digest, 2021).
THE HOME
The couple set out to build a home rather than simply a house or work of art. They wanted it to be functional and, most importantly, sustainably designed.
Created to look "like an old barn, something that had been here for decades, that was then converted into a house" (Kunis via Architectural Digest, 2021), the home equally balances a rustic aesthetic with vibrant, modern energy.
Centred around a high ceiling and open plan living, the home seamlessly flows from room to room. The structured look of the design is complimented perfectly by the organic feel of the materials used to construct it.
Large windows invite the outdoors in, while the outdoor spaces with the barbecue pavilion and pool draw you out. These work seamlessly to make the home flow between each area and nestle it naturally into the surrounding landscape.
Architect Howard Backen carefully designed each room to capture the nature surrounding the home and feed into the modern farmhouse feel of the build. It captures its surroundings beautifully, with each beam perfectly aligned to create a symmetrical pattern across each wall.
SUSTAINABLE ASPECTS:
From the beginning, Ashton and Mila sought to design and build an equally sustainable and functional home for their family. They also wanted to be as self-sustainable as possible and seek the highest quality and purity of food and water.
Key sustainable aspects include:
The home's sustainable features begin from the ground up, with a well being dug on the property to irrigate the land.
The couple planted and harvested corn, making the land their own miniature farm.
The home itself is entirely powered by photovoltaics, though this is cleverly hidden from view by the structure.
This solar system produces significantly more power than the property requires, and the couple hopes energy sharing will become possible to maximise its use.
Pieces within the home's interior were constructed from natural materials to give the inside an organic feel. The rugged materials are paired with pieces from their private collections to furnish the home, making the most of antique items and sustainably sourced goods to match their eco design.
The oversized windows throughout the home allow the natural light to bring the space alive and let the family fully experience everything from sunrise to sunset and a starry night sky.
WE THINK
This project illustrates how a new sustainable build can achieve a restored feel while still utilising the benefits of modern technology.
INTERESTED IN LEARNING MORE ABOUT SUSTAINABLE BUILDING PRACTICES?
At Yarrow Build, we believe in creating purposeful, conscious homes that consider environmental and functionality alike. We're passionate about building exceptional homes that stand the test of time and implement sustainable measures from the ground up.
With our clients, we carefully consider the materials used, design to the specifics of the land and surroundings, and create equally sustainable, functional, and beautiful homes.
“To feel tranquility in a space, everything needs to be in order,” Kutcher concludes. “If the world around you isn’t in order, it’s hard to get your brain in order. When we’re in our home, the world just makes sense.”
Interested in learning more about sustainable building practices or how we can help you build your future home?
Book a call and say hello; we'd love to hear from you!
Bamboo: An Alternative to Timber
Dubbed 'tomorrow's timber', suppliers note that anything made in timber can also be made more sustainably via bamboo.
Planning for a more sustainable and eco-friendly build but unsure of the materials to use to help you achieve your goals?
Many timber alternatives are often overlooked in the material planning process, including one of our favourites, bamboo.
Images courtesy of House of Bamboo
Known to be incredibly durable, sustainable and versatile, it is worth considering what this uncommon yet fascinating timber alternative can do for your next renovation.
Dubbed 'tomorrow's timber', suppliers note that anything made in timber can also be made more sustainably via bamboo.
WHY USE BAMBOO?
Bamboo is a fantastic alternative when looking at the strength and durability of timber and is one of the most sustainable materials on the planet, making it ideal for use in construction.
Bamboo, on average, produces 35% more oxygen than trees and, in turn, absorbs four times more carbon, providing us with higher amounts of clean air. Not only does bamboo help facilitate the purification of air, but it is also self-regenerating, meaning once harvested, it will continue to regrow from the base stalks rather than requiring replanting.
Another benefit of bamboo is its positive impact on biodiversity as it naturally fights soil erosion and helps maintain the health of surrounding plants. Along with assisting with the health of surrounding flora and fauna, bamboo is quite a low maintenance crop, requiring little support and, more importantly, low water levels.
KEY ADVANTAGES OF BUILDING WITH BAMBOO:
It's sustainable and durable, but it's also naturally lightweight.
It's remarkably flexible with high levels of elasticity, meaning it won't snap at the first signs of tension.
It's known to withstand natural disasters from rough storms to earthquakes where other materials could crumble.
The lightweight nature of bamboo means it's easier to transport and install. This can result in lower labour costs as less time is spent moving the material between supplier and build.
The fibres in bamboo run axially, giving it higher tensile strength than steel.
WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN BAMBOO AND TIMBER?
While bamboo offers you all of the advantages (and more) of traditional timber, it technically isn't classed as timber.
Bamboo is a form of grass, not wood; thus, it can't be labelled as such under a traditional definition of timber.
The range of different bamboo species falls from almost identical to timber to increasingly dissimilar, but this depends entirely on the type of bamboo in question. Harder, more durable bamboo species mimic timber qualities making them ideal for construction, while other more soft species don't share these same qualities and aren't suitable for construction, thus ruling bamboo as a whole out of the hardwood category.
Despite not being technically within the "timber family", bamboo performs at the level of traditional hardwoods. It passes timber tests with flying colours, making it an excellent choice of material for your next build.
Bamboo really does offer you the best of both worlds when it comes to strength & flexibility.
DID YOU KNOW?
When measured using the Janka Hardness Test, bamboo rates at 2-3 times harder than traditional timber! Bamboo flooring, in particular, utilises the hardness of the material incredibly well as it causes a dramatic reduction in wear and tear over time.
USING BAMBOO IN YOUR NEXT RENOVATION
The variety of uses of bamboo throughout your renovation is almost endless due to its incredibly durable and versatile nature.
Bamboo can be used to update a home with more sustainable accessories such as screens and furniture or be integrated into the design from the beginning in decks, blinds and flooring.
It can also be naturally dyed to compliment your interior design and colour palette. Bamboo flooring is also widely overlooked in homes but is highly regarded for its durability and is twice as hard as comparable timber.
Bamboo also allows for a design flow from indoors to outdoors with matching deck options. Offering the same durability as the indoor flooring, bamboo decking is also naturally termite resistant, unlikely to warp and can be coated in slip resistant finishes, making it ideal for outdoor use.
We recommend exploring the vicarious applications of bamboo for building with House of Bamboo - one of Australia's leading bamboo suppliers and the go to supplier for flooring, decking and rattan screens.
At Yarrow Build, we're dedicated to creating beautiful, sustainably conscious designs that help close the loop in a circular 'take-make-waste' economy.
Together we can design and build a home that suits your unique lifestyle needs without compromising the needs of the surrounding environment.
Interested in learning more about sustainable building practices or how we can help you build your future home?
Book a call and say hello; we'd love to hear from you!
The Importance of Building A Sustainable Home
Have you ever considered building a sustainable home?
From our experience, here are some ways you can build or renovate sustainably.
The Treehouse - Yarrow Build & Sarah Yarrow Interiors
Have you ever considered building a sustainable home?
As we seek new and innovative ways to reduce our environmental footprint, creating eco-friendly, sustainable houses is becoming increasingly important.
Building a sustainable home starts with intelligent design, strategic thinking and smart material choice - when building a sustainable home, you’re building with the future in mind.
Yarrow Build has been founded on a desire to positively contribute to our planet and our communities. This means designing and building structures that are timeless, functional, suited to the environment in which they exist and are built to last. And importantly, to be loved for generations to come.
From our experience, here are some ways you can build or renovate sustainably.
What is a sustainable home?
Living sustainably doesn't mean moving to the country and living off the grid! It's about everyone doing a little bit to help the greater good and having consideration for the building and design choices we make now and how they will impact the future.
Building a more sustainable home means helping to improve the environment; plus, a sustainable home design can also reduce the cost of running your home.
A sustainable home lowers the negative impact of the building (and in some cases is beneficial) on the environment. This means that the home's environmental impact has been considered, and actions have been taken to reduce it through several methods, including choosing sustainable materials, designing to minimise energy usage or the inclusion of eco-friendly technology.
Why build a sustainable home?
There is a range of rationales for wanting to go green. From aligning with your lifestyle choices to reducing utility bills, the benefits of building a sustainable home are ongoing and worthwhile if you aim to reduce waste and improve your energy and water consumption.
If you're building your own home, incorporating sustainable solutions isn't a costly challenge. In fact, eco-friendly buildings can benefit the environment whilst saving you money.
How can I integrate sustainability into my home?
Designing a sustainable home means the layout and positioning of the home play a big role as it can be strategically designed to take advantage of the environmental surroundings.
Depending on its surroundings, the home can be positioned to be cooled by natural breezes and warmed by the sun, minimising your reliance on internal heating and cooling systems.
The home can also be designed to maximise natural light to reduce electricity use and be positioned to maximise sun exposure for solar panels as a natural power alternative.
We are big advocates for renovating, restoring and adapting an existing structure to avoid knocking down an existing house.
However, sometimes (especially when there is no architectural significance to the home), it’s ideal to start from scratch and build a home designed to maximise efficiencies rather than trying to seal up an older home that can be challenging to retrofit.
Here are some other elements to consider:
Image: Design/Build/Interior: Leyer | Photography: Dylan James via SUSSEX
Recycle and reuse construction waste
Ensuring that the unused materials from your build are properly recycled or repurposed is a great way to minimise waste. Additional timber offcuts could be transformed into furniture for the home, used to create fencing or even flower beds; the opportunities to maximise the life of all of your building materials are endless.
Cross ventilation
This form of ventilation drives air from openings at one side of a building through to the other. Natural cross-ventilation reduces energy consumption for mechanical cooling during the warmer months; it's effectively free and will ensure a building is properly cooled.
Insulate your home properly
Insulation is the cornerstone of an energy-efficient home and is also the most cost-effective way to improve your home's energy efficiency and comfort. The benefits of going over and beyond can have far better results to the comfort of the home throughout the year as well as reduced energy costs.
Install a light coloured roof
Light coloured roofs reflect the sun's heat rather than absorb it, which can have a great cooling effect on your home interior.
Integrate sustainable features and technology
We're fortunate enough to live in a time of solar power and energy-efficient features such as LED lights and water tanks; reducing your reliance on traditional energy and water
Some of the suppliers leading the way with products are:
Weathertex; who only uses PEFC certified state forest or private hardwoods from controlled sources. The logs are chipped, pulped and pressed with 3% natural wax to make Australian eco-friendly, timber products that are completely natural with no chemical additives.
House of Bamboo; who promote the use of bamboo for timber work including decks, screens and furniture. Incredibly renewable, strong, and plentiful, engineered bamboo is guaranteed to become the timber of the future.
Life Panels; who manufacture premium quality systems for walls, roofs and floors from responsibly sourced wood fibre.
How does Yarrow Build do their bit?
When building a sustainable home, there are many things to consider; however, with the right advice and team behind you, you can create the home you've always dreamt of without sacrificing the environment.
At Yarrow Build, we are committed to playing our part in making sustainable choices where we can in all stages of our projects, as well as enhancing awareness around reducing the impact on the environment.
With an architect, interior designer and builder all on one team, we guide our clients from initial ideas through design, planning approval and construction.
With sustainability & conscious thinking at the forefront of all that we do, we prefer to bypass trends and instead create homes that are uniquely suited & perfectly aligned to each of our clients.
Interested in learning more about sustainable building practices or how we can help you build your future home? Book a call and say hello; we'd love to hear from you!
How to Avoid The Overwhelm of Renovation
Does the thought of embarking on a renovation journey have your stomach in knots? Does the whole process seem terrifying and overwhelming?
Fear not; a renovation doesn't have to feel like this, and with the right team behind you, it can be a thoroughly enjoyable experience.
Does the thought of embarking on a renovation journey have your stomach in knots? Does the whole process seem terrifying and overwhelming?
Maybe you're unsure where to begin or what questions to ask?
Fear not; a renovation doesn't have to feel like this, and with the right team behind you, it can be a thoroughly enjoyable experience.
From our experience, here are our top tips for navigating your way through a renovation.
All good renovations start with a team you can trust
Imagine if you knew the cost of your build as it was being designed. Game changer. That’s the beauty of having a designer & builder on the same team.
Hiring a holistic renovation team can take your renovation dreams and see them through from the first sketch to the final result: one team, end to end. Engaging one single team means you don't have to worry about outside contractors, organising schedules or re-explaining your vision. It's all handled by the one team responsible for bringing all of the moving parts together and creating harmony between them.
Not only does this approach save you from feeling overwhelmed, but it also allows the build phase of the renovation to be considered in the design phase to ensure that your vision is capable of coming to life.
Make a design plan and stick to it
We believe that homes are built for life, not around it. Your home is meant to enhance your life, not cause you stress from attempting to function in spaces that don't work for your lifestyle. It's easy to get caught up in the latest trends or what we 'think' we should have instead of focusing on what we need for our specific home, family and lifestyle.
To reduce the overwhelming nature of design decisions, it's important to uncover two key components: what style you ultimately desire and how this works for your lifestyle.
Discovering what design style you truly enjoy can be a lengthy but ultimately worthwhile process. We recommend deep-diving into Pinterest, Instagram, design books, magazines or wherever you find design inspiration and gathering all of the home and interior design elements that catch your eye.
The next step is to identify the common themes - paint colours, timber tones, door and window profiles?
Finding one guiding theme will help you uncover what you truly want your space to encapsulate.
Planning is the key to success
Planning is an essential part of the renovation process.
Having all design decisions made prior to "Day One" of building works commencing is key and will save a lot of stress and last-minute scrambling down the track. Ensure all fixtures, finishes, and fittings have been chosen ahead of time, ordered and will be on-site ready for your builder to install. This keeps the building program moving and on track. You do not want to be making pressured decisions about floorboards or bathroom tiles last minute simply because the ones you coveted are out of stock and won't arrive in time.
A little planning like this can go a long way to helping you feel less overwhelmed and the difference between a smooth building and a stressful one.
Success follows communication
Many people have never undergone a building project before and don't quite know what to expect or how they'll feel seeing their home transform.
The right team should be there to support you, answer any questions and clarify any details as required. At no point in your renovation journey should you feel alone or left questioning the next steps. Being up to date and informed on the project's status is a simple yet effective way to minimise feelings of being overwhelmed.
At Yarrow Build, we work closely with you to ensure you are comfortable and kept up to date every step of the way. Our team always has an open line of communication directly with you for you to reach out to check in on progress, ask questions or receive advice.
We're a half design and half build team, meaning we can provide you with start to finish support, skills and expertise: one team, end to end. Imagine if you knew the cost of your build as it was being designed? That's the beauty of having designers & builders on the same team. At Yarrow Build, we've flipped the traditional model and reverse-engineered the whole building process by quoting the build as we design it.
We're here to help you enjoy seeing your vision come to life and focus on creating homes that make our clients feel good and support their needs, from the beginning of the design process to long past the final build.
Have questions or want more info? Book a call and say hello; we'd love to hear from you!
How to Ensure Your Builder Sticks to Your Budget
Are you dreading your renovation because of the budget? Or perhaps you’re hesitant to invest your hard-earned income in the process? These shouldn’t stop you from your home restoration! Let us put your mind at ease, with some pearls of wisdom from our many years of combined experience.
Are you dreading your renovation because of the budget? Or perhaps you’re hesitant to invest your hard-earned income in the process? These shouldn’t stop you from your home restoration! Let us put your mind at ease, with some pearls of wisdom from our many years of combined experience.
A Budget Doesn’t Have to Feel Limiting
Everyone has a budget. Simple as that. Some have more zeros on the end than others but essentially, everyone has a figure they’re willing to invest or part with to see their vision come to life regardless of how big or small the project is, whether that be a home addition, reconstruction or building a house from scratch!
It’s very common to speak of a budget as a limitation or something hanging over your head and to be afraid of. This can sometimes create stress towards your project when in actual fact, it can be such an exciting and transformational time (it really can, if done right!)
So how do we handle client’s budgets?
Firstly, with great respect and humility. No matter the size of the project, we believe client finances are hard-earned and deserve great respect. We do not overlook the level of trust that goes into this value exchange.
We’ve been through this ourselves (actually, we are still amongst it!) We know first hand what it’s like to fund a renovation and have to work to that set budget. It means allocating sensibly to big ticket expenses and having to adjust accordingly when things don’t go to plan (there is always a contingency for unexpected things - hello, termite damage!)
Because we know how it feels to part with that hard earned money, we have great respect for our client’s budgets so we’re certainly not about spending it just for the sake of it. That serves no one. Instead, our approach starts with functionality and then emotion - what key changes are going to make your day to day lives easier and more enjoyable in this space?
For example, a mud room for shoes and school bags, more linen storage, a second bathroom, a kitchen with island seating for kids to do homework while you’re cooking, or an outdoor entertaining space to fit all the family. These are functional changes which positively impact the quality of your daily life in the home.
Secondly, how do you want to *feel* in this space?
Let’s start there. Then, together as a team, we establish a scope of work and decide how your interior design style and vision is going to align with the budget. That’s the power of designing and quoting your build at the same time (rather than finding out the design you have fallen in love with is way over your available budget - the traditional method of building).
We’re not magicians but...
While we are all about having good honest money talks upfront, that doesn’t always mean every single thing in the wishlist can fit into the budget, however, given we’re often quoting the build at the time of designing, we have much more control over that cost and can foresee the big cost. Sometimes it might mean staging out a project and moving a bathroom renovation to “stage 2”.
At Yarrow Build, we are half design (Sarah Yarrow Interiors) and half build. Together as a husband and wife team, we are removing our client’s fears associated with “blowing the budget” and having good honest conversations up front to find a way where vision and budget can align.
Have questions? Want more info? Book a call and say hello, we’d love to hear from you!
