SUNSHINE COAST, QLD – Homeowners across the Sunshine Coast are increasingly prioritising long-term liveability and energy performance in new home projects, as rising energy costs and changing lifestyle expectations reshape residential design decisions, according to Environmental Building Designs.
Rather than building with short-term resale in mind, more clients are planning homes they expect to live in for decades. This shift is placing greater emphasis on passive design principles, thermal comfort, and adaptability, particularly in a region where climate conditions and power costs directly affect household expenses.
Kaarlo Pesu, founder of Environmental Building Designs, said the conversation with clients has changed noticeably in recent years.
“People are thinking far more carefully about how their homes will perform over time,” Pesu said. “Energy bills, comfort in summer and winter, and how the house will function as they age are now front-of-mind, not afterthoughts.”
Residential building designs that respond to Sunshine Coast conditions are increasingly focused on orientation, natural ventilation, shading, and material selection. According to Pesu, these elements can significantly reduce reliance on mechanical heating and cooling, which is becoming more important as electricity prices continue to rise.
“Good design can reduce ongoing costs without sacrificing comfort,” he said. “When a house works with the climate rather than against it, the benefits are felt every day.”
Long-term liveability has also become a key driver. Homeowners planning to stay put are seeking layouts that allow flexibility over time, including future accessibility, multi-purpose spaces, and strong indoor-outdoor connections that suit the coastal lifestyle.
Environmental Building Designs works with clients early in the design process to ensure residential homes are tailored to their specific site, budget, and long-term plans. Site-responsive design, Pesu said, is critical in avoiding problems that can be costly to fix later.
“Standard designs don’t always account for slope, orientation, or local conditions,” he said. “When those factors are ignored, homeowners often pay for it later through discomfort, higher energy use, or renovation.”
The practice reports ongoing demand for Residential House Designs on the Sunshine Coast that balance sustainability with practicality, particularly among owner-occupiers building their long-term family home. Energy efficiency measures are increasingly being integrated as part of the core design, rather than added on during construction.
Established in 1993, Environmental Building Designs provides architectural and building design services for residential and commercial projects, with a focus on sustainable, site-responsive outcomes. The firm’s residential work reflects a growing preference for homes designed to remain comfortable, adaptable, and cost-effective over their full lifespan.
More information about residential house design services is available at https://environmentalbuildingdesigns.com.au/.
About Environmental Building Designs
Environmental Building Designs is a Sunshine Coast–based architectural and building design practice providing residential and commercial design services with a strong focus on sustainable outcomes. Established in 1993, the firm works closely with clients to deliver practical, compliant designs that respond to site conditions, planning requirements, and long-term use.
Media Contact
Company Name: Environmental Building Designs
Contact Person: Kaarlo Pesu
Email: Send Email
Phone: +61 411 207 707
City: Sunshine Coast
State: QLD
Country: Australia
Website: https://environmentalbuildingdesigns.com.au