Cape Tribulation HouseModern Kitchen, Brisbane

9. Location: Cape Tribulation, QueenslandArchitect: m3architectureWhy we love it: This energy-smart home works in harmony with the environment and the off-the-grid kitchen is no exception. And there’s plenty of room to feed a crowd.

6. Location, locationAnyone in real estate will tell you that location matters. It also matters from a future-proofing perspective because it provides context for what your home might need over the coming years. Wet areas: If you live in an area with heavy rainfall, or in a catchment zone, then having sufficient drainage will be a key issue for you. Also consider installing a rainwater tank to collect and save water. Dry areas: Consider aspects such as your garden – you may wish to install an irrigation system for thirsty plants for example, or choose species that can survive a drier climate. Older neighbourhoods: Ageing sewerage and water systems will need to be replaced, if not now then in the near future. Be aware that a lot of older plumbing that features materials such as clay or galvanised steel is prone to breaking, corrosion and leaks. These need to be replaced before you do any cosmetic work on your home. New neighbourhoods: Newer neighbourhoods, especially those with high-density housing, may be untested for capacity. Water pressure and drainage tend to cause the most teething problems in these areas.Read up on living green

Now, this is where it starts to get interesting…Take each of the images you have chosen and look more closely at them. For each one, ask yourself what it is specifically that attracted you to that image and note it down. It could be obvious, such as a particular material or shape, or it could be something less tangible, such as a feeling or sense of comfort you infer from the image.Can you picture yourself living in the room or house in the photo? If so, how does it feel to be there? Ask yourself what it is about that feeling that you want to emulate in your own home. It’s important to try to draw out the qualities that you want your home to have, rather than simply collating shiny images of how you want it to look.

In the kitchenCommunal spaces are called for at camp, particularly when you’re talking about the kitchen. Here, a long kitchen provides plenty of prep space for big group meals such as buckets of spaghetti bolognese and racks of roast lamb, as well as tons of storage and several seating options. The two log stools at the end of the kitchen island add a particularly nice rustic touch, and the somewhat rough-hewn nature of the extra-long timber dining table could easily stand up to the demands of dozens of diners at a time.Browse more expansive kitchens

This off-the-grid home is close to the beach of Cape Tribulation in Far North Queensland. As the house (and the small Cape Tribulation settlement it’s part of) is surrounded by one of Australia’s most sensitive and ancient ecosystems, the Daintree Rainforest, it required wide-ranging considerations and sustainable design choices during its planning.A sustainability consultant was engaged throughout the design process, to provide advice on material selections and infrastructure systems for off-grid applications including power generation, water supply and water treatment. “A photovoltaic array and battery bank supply energy to the house,” says Ben Vielle, the architect leading the design team for m3architecture. “All appliances and fixtures have been selected to make efficient use of this energy. The house is also naturally ventilated, assisted by ceiling fans and large louvered windows, and all appliances and fixtures are energy efficient.”

Vaulted ceilings and lots of glass, making it feel as though your living room/kitchen is outdoors. Very leafy/verdant/tropical

"Outside in": greenery filling up field of view

open plan, large windows great view, long trestle table , use of wood