How to Buy the Right Block and Build a New Home, with Fionna and Ed

Hello! This is Episode 377, and in it, I’m talking with HOME Method members Fionna and Ed. They’re based in Canberra, and are creating a beautiful, energy efficient and flexible home designed for their next chapter of life - a home that allows them to age in place, welcome family and friends, and accommodate their adult children when they come and go.

[For all resources mentioned in this podcast and a free, downloadable PDF transcript, head to www.undercoverarchitect.com/377]

Fionna and Ed’s home is being built on a unique block with a spectacular old oak tree that takes up almost a third of the site. Their architectural design works around this tree through a series of three connected pavilions that make the most of light, outlook and connection to the garden.

In our conversation, you’ll hear how Fionna and Ed navigated purchasing this block, including conditional offers, tree protection laws, and some very determined problem-solving. Their story is such a great example of balancing tenacity with smart risk management, and shows how valuable, yet challenging, it can be to stay objective, even when you’ve fallen in love with a site.

We also talk about how they chose their architect, the importance of finding someone who listens deeply, and the design thinking behind creating a functional, energy efficient home that can adapt for visitors, future care, and changing needs over time.

Fionna and Ed share fantastic insights into designing for accessibility, the details they’ve included from the start, and how they’re approaching this project with their love of design and quality, as well as a commitment to sustainability and energy efficiency.

This episode is packed full of really useful insights, as Fionna and Ed have been really methodical and intentional in their approach, so if you have a tricky site for your project, a desire to create a functional home you can age in, an interest in energy efficient design, want a quality build outcome, or like Fionna, don’t want a butler’s pantry in your home, I know you’ll find it super helpful. 

Remember, if you’d like to grab a full transcript of this episode, you can find all of that by heading to www.undercoverarchitect.com/377.

Now, let’s dive in!

---

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS PODCAST:

For links, images and resources mentioned in this podcast, head to >>> www.undercoverarchitect.com/377

Accessing my free '44 Ways' E-Book will simplify sustainability and help you create a healthy, low tox and sustainable home. You can download your free copy here >>> https://undercoverarchitect.com/ways

Access the support and guidance you need to be confident and empowered when designing, renovating or building your future home inside my signature online program, HOME Method >>> https://undercoverarchitect.com/courses/the-home-method/

Just a reminder: All content on this podcast is provided by Undercover Architect for reference purposes and as general guidance. It does not take into account specific circumstances and should not be relied on in that way. You should seek independent verification or advice before relying on this content in any circumstances, including but not limited to circumstances where loss or damage may result. The views and opinions of any guests on the podcast are solely their own. They may not reflect the views of Undercover Architect. Undercover Architect endeavours to publish content that is accurate at the time it is published, but does not accept responsibility for content that may or has become inaccurate over time.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.