Tag Archives: Building

In response to rising living costs, Western Sydney University’s Lithgow Transformation Hub is offering eligible residents an opportunity to take part in a unique informational study, which could result in huge savings as well as a better understanding of how to make more empowered choices about energy use.

'Middle Earth' is a remarkable off-grid paradise in the Kanimbla Valley, created over many decades by Hans and Tillie Coster. What was once a degraded grazing property has been regenerated, with its underground 'Hobbit Hall' built to survive all weather extremes.

A Belgian doctor has journeyed to Lithgow and the Blue Mountains to learn more about Planetary Health and has also explored Lithgow Hospital’s use of geothermal ground-source heat pump technology as part of its strategy to provide ‘green power for health’.

During Summer 2022/23 Western Sydney University trained residents to use thermal imaging cameras to document surface temperatures in the local landscape as part of the Heat Detective project.  The images captured temperatures varying from 20°C to over 60°C, demonstrating both the urban heat island effect and simple solutions to reduce its impact.

Building, renovating? There is so much to think about! This week we talk with Dr Jane Aiken, a local land consultant with Consulting and Environment Services (CESsoils). We discover why soil is foundational to getting your build ‘right’ and learn how to avoid some of the ‘traps’ for the unaware.

Olwyn and Ross King have finished building two tiny houses - their first in the Wolgan Valley, and their second in Portland. So, just what is a tiny house?