sustainable architecture

Winner of the sustainability category in the 2012 Houses Awards, the footprint of this home in Melbourne was actually reduced in size as part of an ingenious re-design by Make Architecture. Smaller spaces and multi-functional rooms were designed to “move towards smaller, more flexible houses as an essential response to conserve resources and reduce carbon footprints” say the architects. External screening was used to provide flexibility and allow for the expansion and contraction of spaces as required. Built in joinery and daybeds also streamlined the footprint.

The house reduction itself is an environmentally responsible design, achieved by a careful analysis of the family’s needs. As a result, many multi-functional spaces were incorporated: the kitchen can work as study/library/second living room. The house has been orientated for maximum solar gain, and the pergola and screens provide protection in summer and let winter sun in. Cross ventilation has also been carefully considered with high louvres used to vent the house in summer. Other sustainable features include water collection, led lighting, insulation, fans and the use of FSC certified timbers...

dKO Architecture recently completed in Australia. “This project consists of two dwellings on a corner lot in the suburbs of Melbourne. dKO Architecture set out to push traditional suburban perceptions, motifs and vernacular. Formally, there are obvious references to traditional roof form, yet we proposed a different formal solution. It needed to be sensitive. These gestures challenged traditional building technologies yet also offered economical and lightweight possibilities.

Another issue was the idea of identity with two houses that are the same but different. There are nuances in form, color and spatial arrangements. Living is on the top floor, partly due to the limited lot, but also to engage the roof form.

The site layout responds and respects the historical subdivision pattern; adjacent built form is respected through setback, form and materials. Interior details are simple and considered, not ostentatious. We achieved this outcome on a modest budget of $650000, proving that architecture can also provide good value”.

Matt Gibson Architecture + Design have designed the Shakin Stevens House in Melbourne, Australia.

‘Shakin Stevens House’ utilises many environmental principles – retention of existing structure, orientation and configuration of new works, sun protection (eaves), exposed thermal mass, passive temperature regulation, low embodied energy construction techniques & materials, structural depth within walls for mass bulk insulation with R values, insulation of entire existing dwelling (floor, walls, ceiling), use of recycled timber flooring/decking. A grey water system, 2 side water storage tanks, fake grass & ‘succulent’ planting temper water usage whilst providing intrinsic features of the colour scheme.

Beyond these, this project is about providing a future robustness, better utilisation of amenity and a more fuller embracing of its urban condition. They have borrowed what was previously laying dormant within and beyond their walls. This new layout provides for a sustainable model of space/s that can sustain user types (a couple, 2 couples, a family with teenagers, guests) through separation of sleeping zones about a flexible living zone that they can upsize (externally). This project embraces it’s ‘green-ness’. Colour was a vital strategy in adding glow and clarity to this expression on a number of levels...