Passive solar design is one of the key features of the development with each home orientated on an east-west axis to maximise passive solar heat gain. All north-facing living areas have windows and glass doors opening on to sunny courtyards whilst there are few windows on the western and southern sides of the buildings. Many of the homes have terracotta or ceramic tiles in living areas to capture and store as much sun as possible. Louvre windows high on eastern and western gable ends permit hot air to escape while allowing the sea breezes to cool the homes. Another feature of Pinakarri is the maximization of space - eight rental and four privately owned dwellings sit on only 3,000 square metres in Hamilton Hill, redeveloped as part of the Better Cities Programme.
All residents have a high awareness of energy efficiency.
Most members have chosen to subscribe to Western Power's new renewable energy scheme, Natural Power. Sharing of equipment has a high priority amongst residents - transport, electrical appliances and a washing machine which maximises interaction with each other. Food scraps end up in compost or worm farms, household items such as cans, paper etc are recycled and communal food preparation through communal dinners three times a week saves time and energy. Future planning includes the introduction of solar hot water systems and rain tanks for water conservation. The planning and design of the community was developed by Richard Hammond.