The Design Files: Inside a 9.5 star energy-rated home

Who: Andreas and Judy Sederof of Sunpower Design

Where: Brunswick East, Victoria

What: 9.5-star energy-rated home

The home of the Sederof family in Brunswick East is a brilliant example of what can be achieved when two passionate designers create their own abode from scratch.

Every detail here has been carefully considered for aesthetics, functionality and efficiency, and the house has an impressive 9.5-star energy rating.

Andreas and Judy Sederof have run their own design company, Sunpower Design, specialising in sustainable homes, for the past 30 years.

Andreas is a building designer and engineer, while Judy is responsible for the interior design (in her own time, she’s also a talented photographer).

Together the pair designed their house, and had it constructed by Martin Brothers Building.

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They live here with their daughter Samantha, who is studying visual merchandising.

Having always wanted to build their own home, Judy and Andreas hunted for a long time to find a block of land suitable for this dream project.

When they came across a vacant block backing onto the Merri Creek in vibrant Brunswick East, they knew they had found their spot.

They subdivided the site to accommodate two units (friends live in the unit in front). This enabled the Sederofs to downsize their lives and work.

“This project is an example of what we could achieve by having the benefits of an inner-Melbourne lifestyle, with a greatly reduced environmental impact and a high quality of life,” Judy says.

The home’s energy bills are minimal, with solar hot water, triple glazing, external shading, a 3.5kW photovoltaic power system, and rainwater tanks for toilet flushing and garden watering.

Inside, the house has a contemporary Scandinavian feel, with European beech wall cladding and a pared-back aesthetic.

Most of the furniture has been bought from second-hand dealers, and the space is decorated with photographic prints by Judy and paintings by Samantha.

“We have loved having the opportunity to finally design and construct our own home, after 30 years of designing for our clients,” Judy says.

Surrounded by gumtrees bordering the creek, and with enough space to live, work and pursue their respective creative passions all under one roof, it’s clear the Sederof family has created its “forever home” here.

The Design Files guide to energy efficiency

Whether your dwelling is old or new, rented or owned, it’s possible to make everyday choices that reduce energy usage. Here are some of the Sederofs’ top tips for improving the energy credentials of your home.

• Consider external block-out blinds – they can reduce heat gain via windows by up to 80 per cent.
• Draught proof around all doors and window frames.
• Install ceiling fans in all rooms, especially bedrooms.
• Attach insulating film to large windows and glass doors.
• Replace lighting with low-energy LED fittings or globes, and choose high-efficiency appliances when replacing old ones.
• Turn off all electrical units at the mains when not in use.