By Neena Bhandari

Sydney, 28.04.2012 (Sydney Morning Herald): For many, the great Australian dream is still owning a large, freestanding house with a backyard, but more than ever home-owners are conscious of their carbon footprint and the cost of running such a home.

Experts say intelligent design and use of materials can make houses more energy efficient and save hundreds of dollars in rising water and electricity bills.

Simple things such as the orientation of a building, the size and positioning of windows and rooms, level of insulation and better use of building materials are crucial at the design stage to build a sustainable residence, architects say.

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