The laundry may not be the star of your floor plan, but it’s one of the hardest-working spaces in the home.
Between washing, drying, sorting and folding, your laundry handles a lot — and it can quietly consume a surprising amount of energy and water.
At Zircon Living, we believe every room in your home should be efficient, practical and designed to work with your lifestyle. That includes the laundry.
Here’s how smart design and sustainable choices can turn your laundry into a more eco-friendly, user-friendly space — helping you save money, reduce waste, and support a lower-impact lifestyle.
1. Water-Wise Appliances
Front and centre of any sustainable laundry are efficient washing machines. Look for appliances with a high WELS rating — the Water Efficiency Labelling Scheme used in Australia.
Quick tips:
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Choose a front-loader: They typically use less water and energy than top-loaders
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Look for 4-star WELS (or higher) and 5-star energy ratings
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Match load size to household needs to avoid unnecessary cycles
Energy-efficient appliances aren’t just better for the planet — they’re better for your power bills, too.
2. Natural Drying Over Mechanical
When possible, opt for natural ventilation and space to hang clothes, rather than relying on energy-hungry dryers. Incorporating a drying rack, hanging rail, or even an outdoor drying courtyard into your design can make a big difference.
Eco design ideas:
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Install a retractable clothesline or ceiling-mounted drying rail
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Maximise cross-ventilation through louvre or highlight windows
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Use sliding or glass doors to create easy access to a sunny drying area
3. Smart Layout and Zoning
A well-designed laundry doesn’t just save time — it can help reduce energy and water waste by encouraging better habits.
Key features of a functional, sustainable laundry include:
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Benchtop space for sorting and folding
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Storage cabinets to reduce clutter and product overuse
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Integrated hampers for separating lights, darks and towels
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Low-maintenance finishes like tiled splashbacks and laminate cabinetry
By placing your laundry near bathrooms or the kitchen (as seen in many of our designs), plumbing can be shared — saving on materials, construction costs and future maintenance.
4. Sustainable Materials and Finishes
The finishes in your laundry should be just as considered as those in your kitchen — especially when it comes to eco-friendly choices.
Look for:
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Laminate cabinetry made from sustainably sourced materials
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Recycled or low-VOC benchtops and adhesives
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Hard-wearing tiles with low embodied energy
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Durable, easy-clean surfaces that stand the test of time
At Zircon Living, we help you select finishes that support both style and sustainability — without breaking the budget.
5. Thoughtful Lighting and Power Use
Don’t overlook lighting! Natural light reduces the need for artificial sources during the day, while LED lighting minimises energy use in the evening.
Tips:
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Install a window or skylight to let in sunlight
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Use task lighting above benchtops or sinks
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Choose motion sensors or timers for added efficiency
Contact Zircon Living Today
Eco-friendly laundry design isn’t about expensive features or going off-grid. It’s about smart planning, efficient appliances and materials that last — which is what we build into every home.
At Zircon Living, we understand the needs of growing families and busy households. That’s why our designs consider everything from energy use to workflow — helping your laundry work harder, smarter, and more sustainably.
Contact Zircon Living today for personalized guidance on designing the perfect home for a growing family. Our experienced team in Malaga, Perth, is ready to assist you in protecting your investment and creating a home that lasts a lifetime. Contact us today to discuss how we can help you create a future-proof home that fits your lifestyle and aspirations.