Episode 49: Ross MacKinnon - Building a Sustainable Home

2020-12-17

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Covid-19 has made many people re-evaluate their family needs. It's shown us how to be flexible with work, how much we value spending time with family, and that the simple things like growing a veggie garden, enjoying the love of animals and helping each other is more important than an expensive home in the suburbs. The positive with Covid-19 is that there has been a lack of cars on the road and people choosing to live more self-sufficient lives with food and plant swap stands popping up. The planet is becoming a ...

Ross Mackinnon has over 30 years experience in custom house design and construction in modern and heritage homes throughout Regional Victoria and Metro Melbourne. His focus now is on sustainable housing that's one with the landscape. He is passionate about building and design that will endure, both in terms of aesthetics and environmental impact.

1. Adam from Frankston has recently fallen in love with the high country and wants to build a sustainable home, what is considered a sustainable home?

2. What's the difference between sustainable living and energy-efficient living?

3. What is the highest energy rating available, and how do we achieve it?

4. Why is it important to consider the design and construction of the home as being more sustainable than the additions we include like solar panels, water tanks, double glazing, insulation etc?

5. How cost effective is living off the grid?

a) Is it more that you're doing your duty for the environment, more so than your back pocket?

6. Do you have to be connected to city supplies (ie power, water or gas) if it's available, if you want to be completely self sufficient?

Contact Details

Ross Mackinnon can be contacted at Mackinnon Design on 0402 345 898 or

by email at: ross@mackinnondesign.com.au

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