From the outset, Janine understood and shared our dream of building a sustainable, off grid home in a hilly country location.

We needed some clever design ideas, to ensure the best energy efficiency and comfort in the extremes of summer and winter, but not lose the advantages that optimum orientation for a ridge top outlook with river valley views offered.

We wanted to incorporate local stone into the construction, and wood fired heating and minimal energy cooling. Janine’s regular communication, knowledge and analysis of options, willingness to listen, but offer frank advice have achieved a design we are delighted with.

Highly recommended.

Robert Wilson of Tambo Crossing

We initially met Janine Strachan at a sustainability event in Melbourne. We were downsizing and wanted to build a small, energy efficient home in country Victoria. We were impressed with her comprehensive knowledge of sustainable building and decided to engage the services of Green Design Solutions.

During the planning process, she was able to consolidate our sometimes vague ideas to best meet the needs of our family. She was able to draw on her extensive experience in sustainable building, while incorporating the principles of ‘Ageing in Place’ into the design. Janine is professional, efficient and well organised. Her communication and availability were much appreciated.

This engagement has resulted in a family home that is comfortable, compact and energy efficient. Many people have commented on its handsome design.

We would highly recommend Janine and the services of Green Design Solutions to anyone wanting to build a stylish, sustainable home.

Deb, Nick and Tara – Lancefield

The design by Green Design Solutions of our off-grid, passive solar home, certainly met our brief for a simple and efficient home. Our vision for our property is to work with nature and the natural systems, whilst we steward our land, and we are extremely pleased that our home also aligns with these principles. The passive solar, north facing design has ensured we have remained very comfortable from the cold winter temperatures, through to the searing heat we experience in summer. Janine, with her wealth of knowledge and always only a phone call away, ensured our final design resulted in an efficient and comfortable place to call home.

Kylie and Leon Smith – Compounded Pastures

 We first met Janine at a Sustainable House day in Melbourne just after we purchased our beautiful property in West Gippsland. We had a great chat and took her business card and felt that this is someone we could work with when ready to build our off grid home. A year or so later after many hours of discussion and planning between ourselves we were ready to call in an expert. I gave Janine a call and she agreed to meet with us and take on our project. We had a pretty good idea of what we wanted and Janine was happy to work with us to cater for all our needs. It was great to have her vast knowledge of the building industry and products to bring our ideas to a reality. Janine also provided all documentation to council for our planning permit. Janine was always happy to listen to our ideas and suggest improvements as our plans evolved. The result is a beautiful home that has more than met our expectations which we feel very proud to have been involved in from planning and through the building process. Thanks Janine for helping us turn this dream into a reality.

Carolyn and Ross Ranyard – Buln Buln East