Blog

People who live in apartments will tell you that one of the benefits is not having to worry about gardening. We as a society are become busier….working longer hours, spending more time commuting thanks to increased traffic congestion, going out more thanks to social media keeping us in the loop better, the list goes on. So it’s no suprise that we lack the energy, or time, to do lots of work around the house.

A garden can be a masterpiece for many homeowners but to others, it can be another chore generator. Mowing the lawn is regularly listed as one of the chores people would most love to avoid. If you’re one of these people, why not look to swap your fast growing grass for an artificial lawn. Not only are they low maintenance, wait I should say NO maintenance, but they also come in a range of designs that look real!

Artifical turf (or fake grass as it is also known) can be perfect for gardens of any size, as well as nature strips, pool surrounds and even apartment balconies. They are soft, stain resistant, and made with a hybrid emulsion that prevents deterioration.

Recommended fake grass suppliers:

Newturf – Melbourne’s premiere supplier of artificial grass and has an array of styles including Tru Lawn Cool Plus, which is actually 20% cooler on the feet. Perfect in those scorching Melbourne summers. They also professionally install all their grasses, cut to the exact size you want.

Rock & Stone – With a store in Malvern and one in Sorrento, these guys not only sell garden supplies such as pavers, tiles, pebbles and rocks, perfect to accompany your outdoor grass. They also offer a range of great garden furniture.

Always Perfect Grass – Residential, school and commercial suppliers. If you want a green, fresh looking backyard but don’t have time to look after it, here’s your answer.

Melbourne architects have been at the forefront of environmental design for quite some time, responding to the urban fabric of the city which demands “green” buildings.

Understanding how the suns movements can be utilised by verandahs, pergolas, eaves and courtyards, to design homes that not only look great, but deliver cooling and heating strategies for the owners is crucial in today’s society.

Both residential and commercial projects rank high on their agenda, with extensive factors considered such as cost planning, sustainability, bushfire design, heritage matters, and of course heating and cooling.

Georgiev Partnerships – A family run practice in Kew with some of the best architects in Melbourne.

Ensuring the insides of new buildings are green really adds to the sustainability of the home or office space. Heating is one of the biggest drains on power and thus can leave a huge carbon footprint. We recommend hydronic heating which is the most energy efficient type of heating. Australian Hydronic Supplies is a leader in the industry and their systems will not only make your space “greener” but also save you money.

Hydronics ensures heat is distributed evenly throughout the rooms, maintaining a comfortable temperature for those inside. This method also ensures less circulation of dust and other allergic particles. If you’re going to get the perfect building designed, make sure it’s sustainability is felt throughout!

Save

With more and more things being made overseas and services getting outsourced to India and Bangladesh, Australian’s are appreciating Australian-made options a lot more. The customer service in Australia is miles above compared to its third world counterparts. And the quality of the products and services are a lot better Down Under.

This is never more evident than with a select group of quality Melbourne-based builders specialising in custom designed new homes, as well as renovations and extensions.

Peter White Constructions – New home builders based in Williamstown but providing services all over the Western suburbs. Focusing on full homes, bathroom and kitchen renovations, extensions and deck building. They hold quality and customer service with very high regard.

True Blue Homes – Catering for both individuals and small families up to large families, and developing houses of any size and design. If you’re looking for a good local business, which also offers timber floor installation, kitchen and bathroom renovations and decking, give True Blue a shout! Darryn and his team have over 25 years experience in the industry.