Sustainable Houses

Explore our collection of Sustainable Houses
featured on Lunchbox Architect.

Woah. Sustainable Houses is a broad statement and a word which is so often overused. All of the houses we feature on Lunchbox Architect incorporate some aspects of sustainability — a water tank, a shiny array of solar panels, or a passive solar design because everyone should be making an effort. But there are some homes which take it even further and these are the homes that we're happy to stamp as sustainable houses.

It's virtually impossible to be truly sustainable, but some of the homes we feature use only renewable energy, sustainable building materials and capture and treat all their water on-site, making them self-sufficient. If we see a home that goes above and beyond in the world of sustainability, we'll list it here so that you can be inspired by their ideas and strategies.

Check out some of the Sustainable Houses projects featured on Lunchbox Architect

The Nest: A Coastal Haven That’s as Functional as It Is Stunning

Is it a house or a resort? The Nest’s clever design lets nature take the lead while creating a cosy, multi-purpose family retreat.

Hidden in the High Country: This Alpine Escape is Every Skier's Dream Home

Imagine unwinding here after a day on the slopes—alpine living just got easier.

A Victorian Terrace Transformed: Surprising Light, Space, and Style

A heritage facade, a modern heart – discover the design that balances tradition with today’s comforts in a truly unexpected way.

The Secret to Coastal Living: No Fences and Flexible Spaces

Two separate boxes, open-air flow, and room for 14 guests – see the smart layout behind this coastal crib.

Vaulted Ceilings and Rural Views: A 1960s Bungalow Reimagined

This 1960s bungalow didn’t belong in the countryside… until it did. See the transformation!

This Victorian Villa’s secret? A contemporary, sustainable twist (literally)

Think Victorian homes are dark and outdated? Think again! Bryant Alsop’s addition is all about light, space, and sustainability.

A high-performance home that’s tough on bushfires, easy on the planet

How can a small home be energy-efficient, bushfire-resistant, and beautiful? Find out!

Clever joinery unit is the Swiss Army Knife for apartment living

You won't believe how this 8.2m joinery unit transforms a compact apartment into a creative haven for this retired couple...

Discover the clever renovation of this 19th Century heritage gem

What happens when four kids, elderly parents, and a heritage-listed home collide? Find out how this family made it all work...

Why this eco-friendly home is more than just a pretty face

A home that blends into its suburban surroundings while quietly championing passive solar design and low-carbon construction...

How one home seamlessly supports three generations

Wondering how two families can live together without stepping on toes? This design cracks the code for multigenerational homes.

A clever side-by-side development that is both luxurious and energy efficient

A side-by-side subdivision that blends luxury and eco-conscious design in a way that proves you can have the best of both worlds…

A Stunning New Family Home That Respects and Remembers Its Roots

A new build that honours its humble but much loved predecessor while embracing modern sustainability and style…

A 90s renovation had made one big mistake…

Now this home enjoys a modern upgrade, reconnecting the kitchen to the backyard and adding eco-friendly touches...

Imagine if more suburban homes looked and functioned like this…

A suburban home designed for the Australian landscape and climate. If our suburbs looked like this, imagine what we could create.

Sustainable renovation: From dark bungalow to light-filled haven

This renovation isn't just an update—it's a tribute to the original design, reimagined for today.

 (via Lunchbox Architect)
The Future of Urban Living: Sustainable Solutions for City Dwellers

Four ideas that will shape the future of our homes and cities for the greener…

Seamlessly blending the old with the new at this stylish addition

The sleek, all-white extension of Armadale Annex brings modern flair to a classic Edwardian home.

From Factory to Dunes: The Story of a Prefab Beach House

Built in Brisbane, assembled by the beach. This unique prefab design is where precision meets coastal charm…

Historic limestone stable transformed into a modern family home

A hidden piece of history reshapes a modern Fremantle home renovation thanks to some creative design solutions...

Reimagining Tradition: An Off-Grid Farmhouse in Carrickalinga

This modern farmhouse combines tradition with sustainability, offering stunning views and off-grid living in Carrickalinga.

 (via Lunchbox Architect)
Sustainable Home Design: Building a Greener Future

Discover the future of sustainable home design! Learn how to create eco-friendly, energy-efficient, and healthy living spaces.

 (via Lunchbox Architect)
Sustainable Home Design: Expert Insights from Nicola Dovey

Resident Expert, Nicola Dovey talks us through sustainable home design principles and how you can improve sustainability on any budget.

 (via Lunchbox Architect)
Discover Heather's Off-Grid House: A Model of Sustainable Rural Living

This off-grid sustainable house balances modern comforts with off-grid sustainable living on a 37-hectare property in Birregurra.

 (via Lunchbox Architect)
Simple Steps to Enhance Your Home's Efficiency

Creating an efficient home isn't just about the latest technology or materials; it's about thoughtful design and smart planning...

High Ceilings, Large Windows Make This Home Look and Feel Larger

It's amazing how high ceilings can offer your home an extra sense of space, just take a look at this light and bright example...

Transforming a Run-down Weatherboard Into a Bright, Sustainable Home

Want a sustainable home, but don't know where to start? An architect can help you create a comfortable, sustainable home...

Get the Basics Right to Make Your Home As Sustainable As Possible

If you focus on the basics first in sustainable house design, everything else becomes a bonus and your reduce greenwashing overwhelm.

Off-grid Retreat Takes in Views of a Stunning But Hostile Landscape

Sitting on an exposed hilltop, this off-grid retreat deals with a hostile landscape, but it's worth the effort for that view...

Unlike Pesky Coffee Cups, This House is Designed to be Recyclable

It's surprising how many everyday items can't be recycled. Being fully recyclable, this home is surprising for the opposite reason!

 (via Lunchbox Architect)
5 Innovative Designs That Will Make You Green With Green Roof Envy

Imagine if the satellite view of our towns and cities was a patchwork of lush greenery instead of miles of tile and tin...

New Solar Extension Designed to Power the Whole House

A rear extension takes advantage of a North-facing backyard to connect to the garden and generate electricity for the whole house.

A Home Inspired by the Feelings of Camping Under a Simple Tarpaulin

In a natural clearing of bushland, this home with simple detailing and an earthy palette captures the spirit and joy of camping.

Post War Sydney Home Updated for a Young Modern Family

A home previously owned by the client's Grandmother wasn't a good fit for a young family. An innovative extension changes all that.

An Off-the-Grid Home Appropriate to its Stunning Rainforest Location

This off-the-grid home is close to the beach in the Daintree Rainforest — an ancient ecosystem deserving a thoughtful approach to site.

Timber and Glass Combine to Create a Stylish Coastal Modernity

Timber's warmth and laid-back nature meets clean lines and expanses of glass to create a style that is sophisticated yet relaxed.

Mount Ninderry House: Low Budget Sustainable House in Picturesque Surrounds

Mount Ninderry House is a sustainable house that takes full advantage of its stunning natural setting without the extra cost. And check out that pool!

Brunswick House: A New Perspective in an Eclectic Neighborhood

Brunswick House is restrained and space-efficient, but surprising spaces like a rooftop terrace provide a new perspective on its eclectic neighborhood.

Eyrie Houses: Two Houses Each is Barely Larger Than Four Sheets of Plywood

Eyrie Houses demonstrate just how decadent the holiday home has become. And how rewarding returning back to basics can be…

Cubo House Uses Upcycled Materials to Celebrate Its History

Cubo House is a sustainable home which celebrates its history via restored existing elements and upcycled features using the surrealist technique 'Cubomania'.

Rusty Shipping Container Transformed into a Glamorous Guest House

For less than the price of a new car, a rusty old shipping container is transformed into a stunning guest house. What a bargain!

Port-a-Bach: A Portable Teeny Tiny Shipping Container Home

This 'Bach' - a New Zealand term for a small holiday shack - is built inside a shipping container. It's a self-contained, portable, and fun retreat for a family of four.

Clifton Hill House: Heritage Cottage Gets Sustainable Renovation

An inner city Victorian cottage of heritage significance is renovated with contemporary design and sustainable building practices.

Darlinghurst Terrace: Heritage House Renovated for Sustainability

Old terrace houses are not the most efficient beasts. But this Darlinghurst terrace renovation proves you can have a terrace and aim for sustainability too.

Snowy Mountains House: Living Off The Grid Never Looked This Good

Snowy Mountains House is designed for living off the grid in style. The home works with nature to resist extreme winds, collect rainwater and shed snow.

Model House: Home for a Set Designer Puts on a Show

At first glance it's a typical Victorian-era worker's cottage. Only on closer inspection you realize there's something unusual going on behind that facade...

Coromandel Bach: Beach House (Literally) Opens to the View

Coromandel Bach was conceived as a container sitting lightly on the land for habitation. A 'bach' is a New Zealand term for a simple holiday shack.

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