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Vote and Comment to win Kevin 'Grand Designs' McCloud's book!

HouzzAU Polls
7 years ago
last modified: 7 years ago

How do you live in harmony with the environment and what drives the decisions you make in your own home?

Kevin McCloud is a man who has inspired many of us with his appreciation of good design. As the Observer states, "This is a man who actually enjoys watching concrete dry… his enthusiasm is so infectious’.

To win the book, simply vote below and tell us about one of your own principals of home related to living ethically in your own home...


About the book

Principles of Home deals with practical issues that face any household, from materialism to sustainability, craftsmanship to comfort.

Like on television on the much lauded series, Grand Designs, Kevin is articulate and insightful, blending everyday thoughtfulness and a dedication to the common good with incisive advice on living and design.

Kevin addresses very real and solvable domestic issues: What is the perfect kitchen layout? How to create a feeling of space in traditionally sized rooms? How to create an extension that works? How best to choose colour for function?

In the book you'll find ideas on decoration, design, lighting and colour, with the same stunning photos of architecture and design that you are used to seeing alongside Kevin on TV.

The poll:

To win the book, simply vote below and tell us about one of your own principals of home related to living ethically in your own home... (Comment with examples)

Competition ends Sunday 17 Sept 2016 11.59pm. Winner will be randomly drawn on Monday 18 Sept 2016. View T&Cs.

I have reduced my food waste
I use less energy
I choose my food sources carefully
I buy clothes from trusted manufacturers
Other (tell us in the comments section!)
Featured Answer
  • bigchaps
    7 years ago

    Our worm farm has never had it so good.. Regular helpings of leftovers. Better them than the bin

    Comments (17)

    • LesleyH
      7 years ago
      Changed all our lights to LED. Installed fans in each room. We don't need air conditioning in summer.
    • Sharon Bouchard
      7 years ago

      I have a chook run and am planning on adding a bird aviary!

    • Elizabeth Durbin
      7 years ago

      Recycle everything possible - we always have a compost bin, even in the city and are meticulous about recycling ... and insulate as much as you can

    • PRO
      h.edit australia
      7 years ago
      My husband is a very proud Vermiculturalist who has created a number of homes for his 'friends' and he's gone a little mad on high temp composting!
      Gotta do something to make a difference!
    • asquithoatley
      7 years ago

      We had a new build so we could could employ passive solar design elements and with wall and roof insulation we rarely need to use energy for heating or cooling.

    • Inara Beecher
      7 years ago

      We try to utilise passive heating and cooling methods as much as possible year round rather than needing to run the air conditioner/ heating system. Simple measures such as opening blinds to let winter sun in and closing blinds early in the day in summer to keep sun/heat out.

    • Tracy Oliver
      7 years ago
      I make my own patchwork quilts to keep me warm while watching TV...
    • kevin smith
      7 years ago
      I always switch off lights before leaving room
    • KK1000
      7 years ago
      LED lights everywhere and fans in the bedroom
    • SueM
      7 years ago
      Given Australia is fairly dry country (current flooding excepted), we changed our water usage considerably: changed to a front-loader washing machine, updated the dishwasher to one with minimal water usage, and changed a lot of taps and our shower heads to low flow types. It's cut our water usage by 60-70%. In particular, the Miele washing machine made a huge difference.
    • ehommelhoff
      7 years ago

      Purchased a decent blender so all left over fruit and some veg can be made into smoothies, freeze veggie scraps to add to stocks,and regrow seeds and off cuts of whatever will grow!! And most importantly, buy seasonal produce!!

    • tcre8210
      7 years ago

      I follow many other people's lead, and purchase second hand where possible. Good on the pocket, gold on the environment. The majority of my clothes are sourced from clothes swaps with friends, while furniture and white goods come from eBay or gumtree.


    • Korinda Shelton
      7 years ago
      Gave my sons a gift each....chickens and they are the gift that keeps giving - eggs and pest patrol.
    • Christina C
      7 years ago

      Our renovation is being designed to maximise the north oreientation and use as many natural heating and cooling techniques as we can.

    • Gioenne Rapisarda
      7 years ago

      Thanks for your comments, everyone. This competition is now closed and SueM has been contacted as the winner! Please check your emails, Sue. Have a great day everyone.

    • SueM
      7 years ago
      Thanks so much Gioenne!
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