What If The Biggest Health Risk Isn’t Outside — But Inside Our Homes?
What If The Biggest Health Risk Isn’t Outside — But Inside Our Homes? If We Spend 90% of Our Lives Indoors, Why Aren’t We Talking More About Indoor Air Quality? Indoor air quality in homes is becoming an increasingly important issue as Australians spend more time indoors. We recently read an ABC article about the […]
Affordable Housing Starts with the Envelope: Why Windows Matter More Than You Think
Affordable Housing Starts with the Envelope: Why Windows Matter More Than You Think When people talk about affordable housing, the conversation usually focuses on land prices, construction costs or planning approvals. All important topics. But there is another factor that quietly shapes how affordable a home truly is — not just on the day it’s […]
Why “Building to Passive House Principles” Isn’t Enough
Why “Building to Passive House Principles” Isn’t Enough We often hear the phrase: “We built it to Passive House principles.” And while that sounds reassuring, here’s the honest truth: Simply applying the five Passive House building principles does not guarantee good performance. You can add more insulation. You can specify triple glazing. You can tape […]
Is Privacy Overrated? What Germany Taught Me About Community and Belonging
Is Privacy Overrated? What Germany Taught Me About Community and Belonging Written by Simone Schenkel I’ve had the privilege of spending time in Germany twice in recent years — first in 2019, and again in 2023. Both trips were deeply memorable. Of course, it was wonderful to visit family and friends and to immerse myself […]
Why Australian Homes Are So Cold, Hot, and Expensive to Run It
Why Australia’s Homes Are Still Failing Us — and What We Can Do About It Insights from a conversation with Jo Taranto and reimagined habitat founder Michael Drage Why are so many Australian homes freezing in winter, overheating in summer, and expensive to run year-round? It’s a question more homeowners are starting to ask as […]
When Climate Research Becomes Personal: Heat, Health and Rental Housing in Australia
When Climate Research Becomes Personal: Lessons on Heat, Health and Housing Written by Simone Schenkel Australia’s Heatwave Reality Heat, health and rental housing in Australia are becoming increasingly connected as our climate changes and more homes struggle to remain safe, comfortable and liveable during extreme weather. In a recent blog post, we shared research and […]
Extreme Heat Is No Longer an Exception — It’s a Design Reality
Extreme Heat Is No Longer an Exception — It’s a Design Reality Published: January 2026 Extreme heat is no longer a “once-in-a-generation” event. It’s becoming a regular feature of life in Australia — and one our homes are increasingly struggling to cope with. Across the country, heatwaves are lasting longer, nights are staying hotter, and […]
Sustainability Trends for 2026
Sustainability Trends for 2026 What’s shaping healthier, smarter homes next year (and beyond) Sustainability isn’t something we’re waiting for anymore — 2026 is already here, and the shift is well underway. What we’re seeing right now is a move away from surface-level “green” gestures and towards decisions that genuinely improve how homes perform, feel, and […]
How to Keep a House Cool in Summer | Healthy Home Design for Australia
How to Keep a House Cool in Summer | Healthy Home Design for Australia Knowing how to keep a house cool in summer is becoming increasingly important as Australia faces longer heatwaves, rising temperatures, and growing energy costs. Many homes across the country struggle with overheating, poor insulation, inadequate shading, and uncomfortable indoor temperatures, leaving […]
End-of-Year Wrap-Up: 2025 -What a Year It Has Been!
End-of-Year Wrap-Up: 2025 -What a Year It Has Been! As We Reach the Final Days of 2025 It’s hard not to pause, breathe, and reflect on just how much has happened in the world of reimagined habitat — and what an incredible community we are lucky to share it with. This year has been packed […]