Sustainable Home Design Sydney
Passive solar design for custom homes, extensions and acreage projects
Passive Solar Design
Orientation, glazing and shading to maximise natural light and reduce heat gain.
Energy Efficiency
Design decisions that improve thermal performance and reduce energy use.
Comfortable Living
Better indoor comfort year round with natural ventilation and balanced temperatures.
Environmentally Responsive
Homes that work with the site and climate, not just added technology.
"Well Luke you did not just design an award winning house for the Medinah House you created a sustainable house - got home from work at 4pm, house all closed up, turned on fan and sitting comfortable in family room enjoying the view with a glass a wine and do not need air con, on very happy”
FEATURED PROJECTS
Sustainable Home Design Projects
Explore custom homes, acreage residences and extensions shaped by sustainable design, backed by 30+ years’ residential design experience and Luke Van Jour’s Master’s Degree in Sustainable Design from the University of Sydney.
OUR APPROACH TO SUSTAINABLE HOME DESIGN
Designing for Comfort, Energy Efficiency & Liveability
As an experienced residential building designer with a Master’s Degree in Sustainable Design, Luke Van Jour integrates passive solar principles, energy efficiency and thermal performance into the design from the outset.
A sustainable home should be comfortable, energy efficient and practical to build. The design should respond to the site, climate and orientation rather than rely solely on added technology.
From the outset, we consider solar access, passive solar design, glazing, shading, natural light, ventilation, cross-ventilation, insulation and thermal mass. These decisions can improve thermal performance and year-round comfort, while reducing unnecessary heating and cooling.
These principles are coordinated with the floor plan, architectural form, approval requirements and detailed plans, so sustainable design remains integrated from concept design through to approval and construction planning.
Sustainable design is considered from the beginning of the project rather than added later as a separate layer.
Integrated Design
Design decisions are coordinated across the layout, building form, materials, approvals and construction requirements.
Site-Specific Approach
Each home is developed around the individual property, project brief, constraints and budget rather than using a standard solution.
Environmental performance is balanced with buildability, construction requirements and everyday liveability.
Clear Fee Proposals
Our design fees are set out by stage and agreed scope, based on the project complexity and level of plans and documentation required. Any additional work is discussed before proceeding.
Learn More About Our Design Process →
Sustainable Home Design FAQs
Does sustainable design significantly increase construction costs?
Not necessarily. Many effective sustainable design measures, such as site orientation, window placement, shading and cross-ventilation, can be incorporated early without relying on expensive technology. The cost impact depends on the site, design, materials and level of performance required.
How do you address BASIX and energy-efficiency requirements?
We consider BASIX and NatHERS requirements from the concept design stage, including orientation, glazing, shading, insulation, ventilation and water efficiency. Addressing these matters early can reduce the risk of substantial design changes later in the approval process.
Can sustainable design be applied to heritage homes and renovations?
Yes. Sustainable improvements can be incorporated into older homes through careful planning, insulation, glazing, ventilation, material selection and construction detailing. For heritage properties, these improvements must also respond to the home’s significant fabric, character and applicable heritage controls.
Do you provide sustainable home design across Sydney and NSW?
Yes. From our Castle Hill studio, we provide sustainable residential design across Greater Sydney and selected regional NSW. Luke Van Jour has more than 30 years’ residential design experience and holds a Master of Design Science in Sustainable Design, with passive solar principles considered as part of the overall site, orientation and design response.