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30 September 2022
True cost of building: current building costs 2022
Spooked by the rising cost of building? Perhaps you don't need to be...
10 June 2022
Zen and the art of trimming your house like a yacht with Stonehouse + Irons Architecture
For Lunch with an Architect, we enjoy some local shellfish with Brett from Stonehouse + Irons Architecture on the surf coast.
8 April 2022
The debate is over: form AND function!
A tongue-in-cheek take on Donald Judd's famous wall sculpture of the 1960s, now the art is functional! This beautifully crafted wall art (and fully-functional drawers) is the brainchild of architect and researcher, Dr Mathieu Gallois. Plus, it could be yours with all proceeds going to a very exciting cause...
8 April 2022
Planning a bathroom renovation? Read this first...
Bathroom renovations are popular. They're also expensive and risky. Here are the tips and trends you need to know before you start...
10 December 2021
A much better alternative to your average duplex development
A powerhouse team of women, the BuildHer8, took a meh townhouse development and turned it into something quite exceptional...
30 July 2021
MoVida, Wearing Black and Regretting the First Album You Bought
Over a virtual spread of MoVida tapas, we're lunching with Adam Dettrick and feeling inspired by Canberra brutalist architecture.
19 July 2021
Last-minute Cheese Sandwiches and Duran Duran with Alex Ansari
Why Christmas is better in summer and why tackling a massive renovation without the help of an architect is a recipe for disaster.
9 July 2021
Why Working With an Architect Isn't the Ordeal Some Make It Out to Be
Wesley Spencer from RARA Architecture was shocked at a recent auction. Find out why...
9 July 2021
Chicken Wraps and Upside Down Barrel Vaults with Wesley Spencer
A chat with Wesley from RARA Architecture, plus why your height and handedness can help an architect design the perfect home for you...
2 July 2021
Poke Bowl and a Big Ol' Yarn with Melonie Bayl-Smith
We had the absolute pleasure of taking a peek behind the curtains of Bijl Architecture and the industry in general with Melonie Bayl-Smith.
25 June 2021
A Long, Relaxed Lunch in the City with Nicola Dovey
We chat about Nicola's alternate route to architecture and why it helps as a designer, plus a recent project she's proud of and why...
18 June 2021
Soup, a Lunchtime Quiz Session and a Lovely Chat With Amanda Calvert
The reason there's not a good book about building and renovating (and where to look instead), 90s hip-hop and so much more...
10 May 2021
Five reno ‘must haves’ this winter
Before the temperature really drops, now is a great time to start to transform your home with these reno ‘must-haves’ for winter entertaining.
18 January 2021
How to put an offer on a property to suit different selling methods
Purchasing a property can be a daunting undertaking. But putting in an offer doesn't need to be. Here's how to put in an offer once you've found the home you want...
27 November 2020
Introducing Architopia: beautiful house designs you can purchase for a simple flat fee
Not everyone needs a completely custom-designed home. Now you can access high-quality architectural house designs for a flat fee.
21 October 2020
Four tips for choosing a builder for your home renovation
Your builder is the most crucial component of any home renovation project. Here's how to choose a builder for your renovation...
2 October 2020
2 scenarios where a bridging loan will help you in your home loan journey
Buying a new home and selling your current property can be tricky, that's where a bridging loan might be able to help...
23 July 2020
15 Architects Share Their Favourite Three Projects
Architects show us some of their proudest moments and explain what they love so much about what they do.
23 July 2020
Top 15 Building and Renovating Books Recommended by Architects
Planning to build or renovate? Get your hands on some of these brilliant architect-recommended books to help you on your journey.
22 May 2020
Be A Better Seller: Expert Tips in Selling Your House
3 April 2020
How Coronavirus Amplifies Your Home's (Good and) Bad Qualities
When you #stayhome, small frustrations can turn into colossal ones but, on the flip side, pay attention to what you love about your home...
6 October 2019
4 Ideas for Upgrading Your Bachelor Pad
Your home is your home, and you should enjoy it. Here are some ideas for upgrading your bachelor pad...
30 August 2019
The Thing You Might Forget When Planning Your New Home or Reno
When you're building or renovating, you spend a lot of time picking the perfect tiles and paint colours, but don't forget about this...
29 August 2019
DIY Security System Versus Professional
When installing a security system, the question is: professional installation or do it yourself?
22 August 2019
Foam Bed-in-a-Box: Tulo Mattress Review
Tulo mattress is a foam bed-in-a-box mattress offering from Mattress Firm.
2 May 2019
5 Ways to Increase the Value of Your Home
When it comes to selling, you want to maximise the value of your home. Here are 5 tips to help you nail it.
23 December 2018
8 Home Improvement Projects to Consider in 2019
Growing tired of the layout and design of your most home? Here are 8 home improvement ideas for 2019...
23 December 2018
6 Tools Every Contractor Needs
As a professional contractor, your tools are just as important as any other part of your business.
7 December 2018
Narrow Wins: 5 Ways to Deal with a Narrow Block
Dealing with a narrow block can be a challenge. But, as with any challenge, creative thinking can produce incredible results.
29 November 2018
Don't Do It!
So many decision when building or renovating. Architect Wesley Spencer tells us what not to do so we don't make a design faux pas...
23 November 2018
Democracy Sausage Day: Who Gets Your Vote?
For Victorians, Democracy Sausage Day is just around the corner. But this is not just an article for Victorians...
16 November 2018
What Role Can Our Homes Play in Improving Our Mental Health?
We might turn to psychologists or drugs to improve our mental health, but are we missing a solution that's closer to home?
9 November 2018
Approximately 7 Benefits of Built-in Furniture
Sure, you could duck down to IKEA and grab yourself a hot dog and a flatpack of umlauts OR you could support a local and go built-in.
2 November 2018
We Need to Talk About the Suburbs...
We can build better houses in the suburbs, the houses we featured this week show us how.
26 October 2018
When I Looked at the Floor Plan, I Freaked Out...
Once the excitement wore off, the fear started to set in. I pored over the floor plan, convinced there wasn't enough space...
12 October 2018
How to Improve Rental Profits
Having greater rental profits comes down to a very simple equation: more rent and fewer complications. Here are a few tips...
12 October 2018
Building Budgets: How Much Does it Cost to Build a House?
So how much does it cost to build a house? Unfortunately, there's no easy answer, but here are a few tricks to get a good estimate...
1 October 2018
Take Your Bedroom from Drab to Fab This Fall
The most wonderful time of the year is upon us: fall! Let's transform your bedroom from drab to fab in time for the cooler weather.
27 September 2018
6 Benefits of a Courtyard Design
When you're dealing with a tight site, a courtyard could be your answer to let in light, breezes and create a usable outdoor space.
7 September 2018
Fibre Cement Houses: 5 Homes That Celebrate that Old Beach Shack Vibe
We take a step back in time to find five homes which celebrate the beach shacks of the past by cladding themselves in fibre cement.
27 July 2018
Tiny Homes With a Conscience: Profits Help Prevent Youth Homelessness
If you think tiny homes are fabs (and of course you do), you'll love these tiny homes where all profits go directly to charity.
20 July 2018
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...
13 July 2018
Gas vs Electric? Is Gas Still the Cheapest, Most Efficient Choice?
Australians have long been told natural gas is the cheapest and cleanest energy choice for their homes. Is that still true?
6 July 2018
5 Fireplace Ideas to Light a Spark in Your Imagination
Although there are more convenient ways to heat your home, there's nothing quite like sitting around a roaring fire, is there?
7 June 2018
Double-height Spaces Double the Drama (and Make Your Home Feel Larger)
'Does my lounge look big in this [double-height space]' you ask your partner, but for once you hope they reply, 'kinda, yeah'...
25 May 2018
Small House Plans: 18 Home Designs Under 100m2
Living large in a small house is what we're all about. Here are 18 house plans under 100 square metres to give you some ideas.
11 May 2018
5 Sun-loving Extensions to Get You Through the Polar Vortex
If you're dealing with the polar vortex, you're probably feeling a little numb. Feel vicariously warmed by these 5 sunny extensions.
4 May 2018
Houses Awards Shortlist 2018. Will You Pick a Winner?
Houses Awards 2018 shortlist was announced recently, will you pick a winner? Also a story about what a sad child I was...
20 April 2018
Dark and Dingy to Big and Bright: 7 Terrific Terrace Renovation Ideas
Terrace renovations are a challenge. How do you get light and a sense of space into a narrow block with neighbours all around?
6 April 2018
Concrete, the Silver Fox of Building Materials, Never Looked So Good
We see you there, concrete. All cool, 'thic' and sexy. These 8 homes show us that concrete has never looked so good.
16 March 2018
WINTER IS COMING: How Not to Become a SAD, Translucent Shell of a Human
Some tips to help you survive winter for when you're designing your new home or renovation. Because SAD is not becoming on anyone.
9 March 2018
This Week on the (Lunchbox) Bachelor: NZ's 10 Hottest Baches
You're standing there in a stunning, Nicole-at-the-Oscars-esque azure gown, rose in hand. Who are you going to choose to be your Bach?
2 March 2018
Granny Flat Designs that Won't Make You Feel Like a Granny
Granny flats can be more than a glorified caravan with lace curtains and a stale smell lingering in the air. Get a designer granny flat.
2 March 2018
Planning a Kitchen Renovation? Pinky Promise You Won't Be Boring?
Kitchen renovations don't happen often. So when you get a chance to spruce up the most expensive room in your house? Don't stuff it up.
23 February 2018
5 Swimming Pools You'll Adore, But Probs Can't Afford Anyway
Dive in and take a look at some pools you'll love, then dial your expectations right back... But, you know, doesn't cost to look!
9 February 2018
11 Beautiful Timber Homes You're Bound to Fall In Love With
This round-up of the country's hottest timber homes will leave you feeling a little hot. Which one is your favourite?
2 February 2018
Bathroom Envy: Bathroom Renovation Ideas So Good, They'll Make You Sick
Create some buzz around a trip to the loo with these envy-inducing bathroom renovation ideas.
26 January 2018
#CabinPorn: 7 of Australia's Best Huts, Shacks, Cabins and Retreats
Sometimes people are dicks. Escape and Thoreau yourself into this collection of Australia's best huts, shacks, cabins and retreats...
7 June 2016
Salmon Protein Box and Free Coffee in the Office with Emma Young
PHOOEY Architects' Emma Young chats with us about surrealist montages and the realities of shipping container architecture...
24 May 2016
Gen Y/Step House: Somewhere Between a House and an Apartment
An affordable housing model for young people. Apartments that feel more like a house - with flexibility to grow and change.
24 May 2016
West Australian Sunshine and Halloumi Burgers with David Barr
David Barr Architect talks to us about how he manipulates light and balances sustainability and affordability to create joyous spaces.
20 May 2016
Pairing Kiwi Houses and Wine
Truth be told, we've been pairing New Zealand homes with wine all week. Or at least I have...
16 May 2016
Book Review: Warm House Cool House
Make space for Warm House Cool House on your bookshelf and your home can become a more sustainable and comfortable place.
19 April 2016
Eggplant Miso and Sashimi Salad with Amelia Lee the Undercover Architect
Based on the NSW North Coast (near Byron Bay), but free to work for anyone, anywhere, I chat with Amelia Lee, the Undercover Architect.
17 April 2016
Announcement: Party in the USA!
I'm in LA for a Party in the USA! Lunchbox Architect will be running on our equivalent of a skeleton staff for the next two weeks.
12 April 2016
Ocean Views and Buffalo Wings with Zammi from 9point9 Architects
For the first instalment of our new interview series, Lunch with an Architect, I chatted with Zammi from 9point9 Architects, Townsville.
3 April 2016
Announcement: Advertising on Lunchbox Architect
We're rolling out some advertising to Lunchbox Architect. It won't detract or distract from the important stuff (no flashing GIFs or pop up videos, we promise). Read more here...
25 March 2016
A Mixed (Cadbury Cream Egg) Bag
The homes we featured this week are a mixed (Cadbury cream egg) bag. We learn how to design a courtyard. Wishing everyone a happy Easter
22 March 2016
How to Design a Courtyard that Actually Works
A courtyard that works well becomes the perfect private space to relax in and a great way to allow your home to flow into the outdoors.
18 March 2016
Creating a Sense of Time and Place When Building or Renovating (and Why It's Important)
Starchitect Frank Ghery says, "Architecture should speak of its time and place, but yearn for timelessness.” and we couldn't agree more.
15 March 2016
4 Houses that Know How to Have Fun
Homes shouldn't be all straight lines and neutral colours - let your personality shine through. Have a bit of fun!
4 March 2016
These 5 Houses Teach Us That Sometimes It's OK to Break the Rules
Rebels will appreciate these 5 homes which insist on breaking the rules and get away with it in spectacular style.
3 March 2016
5 Projects that Show It's Not the Devil, But God in the Detail
God is in the detail. Details that people have spent time and energy designing sets architecture apart from buildings...
1 March 2016
Going Off the Grid: These 5 Homes Will Convince You to Go Off-Grid
These homes are off the grid. They produce power, collect rainwater and treat their own waste - saving money and the planet at once.
23 November 2015
We're Closed for Renovations
We're revving our power-tools and hanging from our wrecking balls. We're renovating all this week, but we'll be back with a more spacious and flexible website next week. Until then, enjoy watching a GIF of a guy on jackhammer.
20 November 2015
The Week that Was - Urban Oasis Edition
This week we explored what is going on behind the picket fences and heritage facades of our inner city homes. As it turns out, the rears of our inner city homes are vastly different from the quaint postcard-perfect facades.
13 November 2015
The Week that Was - All Blacks Edition
At the risk of having my Australian citizenship revoked, I have something to confess. Something that might have me labeled a traitor. I hate pavlova. It feels good to get that off my chest. Now that I'm on a roll, I have something else to admit…
6 November 2015
The Week that Was - Pony Edition
You know you've made it when you're wealthy enough to have a pool and a pony, right? Well, most of these houses have neither, but I reckon I'd settle. What do you think?
30 October 2015
The Week that Was - Australiana Edition
Think Australiana and you probably think the outback, shrimps on the barbie and Nicole Kidman on horseback (that's just *Australia*, actually). But you've got it all wrong. Here's why…
14 October 2015
Colour Scheme of the Week: Zesty Tropical Greens in Melbourne
Even a house in Melbourne's frigid climate can feel zesty and tropical with the right colour scheme, just like this home, Polygreen.
1 October 2015
Using Clever Home Design to Foster a Sense of Community
Feel uncomfortable letting the kids walk or ride to school? It's because of bad design, and it needs to change. You can design your home to foster a sense of community…
19 November 2014
Plywood Never Looked So Good: 27 Stunning Plywood Interiors
Previously the domain of building sites and dodgy fence repairs, plywood has gone domestic. It seems we’re all a bit tired of lifeless white plasterboard…
23 April 2014
Australia's Top 5 Beach Houses
Australia has one of the largest and most stunning coastlines in the world. So it figures that along the sandy beaches are a myriad of beach houses, ranging from the most simple to the most extravagant.
13 March 2014
Lunchbox Architect Featured in this Amazing List of Facebook Pages
Lunchbox Architect was featured in Service Central's excellent round-up of their favourite Home Design and Improvement Facebook Pages. And in top spot, too!
