It’s worth remembering that housing design in Australia over the last 70 years has, on average, not been guided by climate or environmental realities.
We now have the largest homes (by average floor area) in the world. Owners build for commodity, aspiration, and resale value, rather than for essential needs—such as climate resilience, smaller footprints, outdoor space, and efficient land use on smaller blocks.
Suburbs continue to sprawl over productive farmland. Cities expand outward rather than investing in satellite towns designed for industry, local commerce, and livable communities. New developments often lack pedestrian networks, public transport connections, and thoughtful local amenities—neighbourhood shopping precincts, childcare, schools, playgrounds—forcing dependence on cars and long commutes.
Community itself is being fragmented: high fences, gated estates, and anxiety-driven isolation erode shared spaces and social cohesion.
We have built a system of high-value properties that deepen inequality: the wealthy accumulate capital through rising property prices, while the rest struggle to buy or rent. Rent increases have gone largely unchecked, fuelled by media hype and political messaging that created fragility in the housing market. Much of this traces back to John Howard’s policies, epitomised by his rhetorical question: “Who doesn’t want to know their house is worth more?” That approach cemented housing as a speculative commodity rather than a basic human need.
The result is a dysfunctional housing economy with few credible ideas for repair.
Tiny houses could help many people who dream of downsizing, but the path is difficult. Letting go of a lifetime of possessions and sentimental clutter is no simple task, and regulations often undermine the very flexibility that makes tiny homes attractive.
Regulation is likely part of the solution, but few Australians want more rules. Builders frequently warn clients that sustainable or climate-responsive features “will cost more”—rarely acknowledging that these choices may reduce long-term bills, increase comfort, and create more resilient homes. For many builders, “design” is treated as optional rather than fundamental.
Architecture is a demanding profession for a reason. It takes time to learn how buildings function, how historical lessons shape modern practice, and to master the many other considerations required to avoid expensive mistakes—or litigation. Even those who begin with strong instincts for design must keep learning throughout their careers: new technologies, materials, planning standards, environmental realities, and yes—legal risk.
Architecture is more than craft. Leonardo da Vinci was exceptional because he understood the relationships between aesthetics, engineering, climate, and human use. Too few today stand out for thoughtful, climate-appropriate design that uses materials intelligently and produces spaces that are beautiful, practical, efficient, and durable.
We keep building.
But we need to do a great deal more thinking before we start.