11 minute read
Wayne Gorman, Energyman, Tas. Izabela Katafoni, Studio Origami Architects, WA Gracinda Gomes-Franklin, Speedy Gomez Design, Qld. Marco Zicarelli, Projeto Design Solutions, Vic. Nicole McBain, McBain Design, Vic
Five by Five
Five minutes with….
Wayne Gorman, CEO & Founder, Energyman, Launceston, Tas.
energyman.com.au
Why he joined Design Matters National…
In the early days, when there were no organisations covering the energy efficiency sector, I started an association in Tasmania called EERA, (Energy & Environmental Rating Association). I was later approached by the Australian Building Sustainability Association (ABSA) to become the representative for Tasmania. I decided that to have two associations duplicating the same processes was not needed and moved EERA into the ABSA family. I sat on the board of ABSA and became a trainer for many years and I am still a member. Joining DMN (back when it was the BDAV) was an opportunity to make use of the accreditation and CPD system as well as enjoy the networking of the group.
Biggest business challenge…
The initial start-up. A dribble of work, lots of bills and not much money. The continual outflow to let everyone know that I existed and what my business provided eventually got the wheels in motion and it is now an established business in its twenty-first year of operation.
Why he became a thermal performance assessor (TPA)…
FirstRate4 was the first-generation software for energy-rating dwellings. I enjoyed using this software and bringing awareness to the whole building and construction industry. I was fortunate to be accredited to teach the software in Tasmania, in those pioneering days.
What he’s working on now…
I am working with lots of builders, designers and architects to fine-tune their projects to get the best for what the budget will allow.
His favourite software tool…
Historically, the various software was statebased. BERS was a Queensland software; Accurate was used in NSW; and FirstRate5 was a southern-based software. FirstRate5 is the main tool that I use, simply because I have grown up with this particular software through its evolution.
How has energy rating and energy efficiency have changed over the years…
By looking at passive design and materials that can reduce energy use, we can make a real difference in providing affordable housing that benefits our environment.
The whole topic of energy efficiency and energy ratings has become better understood within the building and construction industry and with the general public, over time. The software has become faster, but the amount of data input that is required for a rating has increased greatly.
Five minutes with…
Izabela Katafoni, Creative Director, Studio Origami Architects, Darlington, WA.
studioorigamiarchitects.com
What she’s working on now…
We always work on representing our clients’ stories through our buildings. Working mostly with residential clients becomes a very personal and emotional journey and we are trying to make it easy for them, with a streamlined process from the very beginning. Starting from intangible elements that are transformed into form and function during the process.
Her favourite projects she’s worked on…
Currently, we are working on a very interesting Passive House Project in Glen Forrest which is not only located in a Bushfire Flame zone but also looks at the concept of ‘bodyfulness’ as the main idea for active aging. This project has lots of complexity and challenges but creates an interesting story that we are currently unravelling.
Biggest business challenge…
We believe that company growth can be measured by the development of its own processes and systems. When you have a system that can be measured it means the system can be improved. With the control of our own templates, processes and codings, we believe we can see how this can improve the company efficiency and overall business profits.
Why she joined Design Matters National…
To be part of the design community, learn, exchange information and grow professionally.
Favourite finish or feature…
I personally love materials that provide additional layers of texture to the project. Timber and material with reference to nature are always great additions.
Favourite architectural style…
Modern with strong connection to the site context and referencing back to the good craftsmanship of details.
Favourite Australian building…
Planchonella House, in Cairns, designed by Jesse Bennett Architect.
Favourite international building…
Cloister House, by Formwerkz Architects, in Johor, Malaysia.
Designers currently inspiring her work…
Herbst Architects, in Auckland, New Zealand.
05 Who’s Who Five by Five
Five minutes with…
Gracinda Gomes-Franklin, Managing Director & Owner, Speedy Gomez Design, Cairns, QLD.
speedygomez.com.au
What she’s working on now… Why she joined Design Matters National…
I am finalising two extensions. One extension includes a master suite, en-suite, living room, including a deck accessible from both living and master suite. The second extension is two additional bedrooms, one master and the other, a nursery for the future. There will be alterations as well, including enclosing the carport and transforming it into additional living, laundry, and storage. Externally, there will be a swimming pool. I’m also working on two new builds. The brief was to include a curved roof, swimming pool, indoor outdoor living, plus three bedrooms, two bathrooms, double garage and European laundry. The other residence is in the country and the brief is a simple: Colorbond structure with two bedrooms, kitchen and living/dining and two WCs and a bathroom.
Favourite projects…
To assist me with acquiring the extra knowledge I needed; helping with courses; and assisting me to purchase the NCC and Standards at a reasonable price. It’s tough out there with membership, software, insurance and many other costs and items that you need to get started and to keep going.
Favourite finish or feature…
I love the natural products and looks, from strawbale, mud brick and timber to the galvanised custom orb look with rustic features that are full of character.
Favourite architectural style…
I have a few: Rustic farmhouse; I really like colonial European architecture; mid-Century; and even modern mixed with colonial.
I have a few favourites. One is a three-bedroom home for a couple looking to retire soon. Their brief was sustainable, sustainable, sustainable. I was able to deliver that brief with great joy. Pushing the boundaries and thinking outside the box is challenging and rewarding.
Biggest business challenge… Favourite Australian building…
I would say the Sydney Opera House and Melbourne’s Federation Square. It isn’t just about the look; it is the amount time it took to get the end result. You have to appreciate the passion and engineering that went into it as well.
It would be relocating and starting over, but once you deliver great service, the word gets around, and that definitely helps.
Favourite international buildings…
I love Notre-Dame de Paris, and the Louvre Museum, in Paris.
Designers currently inspiring her work…
It changes, depending on the brief, from Harry Seidler to Glenn Murcutt. I like to see the thoughts of the architects; the thoughts behind each project. I also like to add me in the mix.
One of Gracinda’s favourite Australian buildings is Melbourne’s Federation Square.
Five by Five
Marco Zicarelli, Building Design Graduate, Projeto Design Solutions, Melbourne, Vic.
mzicarelli.myportfolio.com
Why he joined Design Matters National…
I am originally from Rio de Janeiro, in Brazil, and I’m a recent graduate of Building Design studies at Holmesglen TAFE, so I joined DMN in order to grow my network and secure a job as a Building Designer.
What he found most interesting at design school…
The level of information you can get whilst studying (inside and outside class) is amazing! Also, being a mature-age student in a classroom full of really young people gave me a fresh perspective on design. This new generation of designers is smart and VERY tech-savvy which inspired me to step up my game!
How he would describe the task of breaking into the BD profession…
Surprisingly hard! Before I was told my overseas education was not enough nor was it reliable. Now that I have studied locally, what I hear the most is that I don’t have enough local work experience, which I am trying very hard to secure, to add to the work experience I gained in Brazil, which was residential (new projects and renovations), commercial and retail (clothing and book stores, restaurants and banks) and also public spaces such as government offices, labs and police stations.
His favourite finish or feature…
It really depends on the project and its needs.
Where he would like to work… His favourite architectural style…
I am more inclined toward commercial/retail design however, at the moment, I am simply trying to get my first break into the industry so I can add value to a great company and, in return, grow and develop a career here in Australia. I have two degrees (in different languages, I might add!), I love my profession, and I take pride in every role that I undertake. Brazil is a beautiful country with great people and AMAZING food however, there is a lot of corruption and social inequality which makes life hard sometimes. My partner and I love food and the Arts, and Melbourne offers both in spades. We are very happy to call this wonderful city home! Modern yet Classic.
His favourite Australian building…
The Sydney Opera House. An ‘Architectural tour’ of that building is a MUST DO!
His favourite international building…
Zaha Hadid London Aquatics Centre.
Designers currently inspiring his work…
Zaha Hadid and Ken Wooley.
What he wants to know more about…
Sustainable practices.
Top right: Napoli Afragola railway station, Naples, Italy. Right: Library and Learning Centre University of Economics, Vienna, Austria. Far right: The Port House, Antwerp, Belgium. All designed by Zaha Hadid.
05 Who’s Who Five by Five
Five minutes with…
Nicole McBain, McBain Design, Kyneton, Vic.
mcbaindesign.com.au
What she’s working on now…
A new rural dwelling, with one particular challenge being a very steep acreage site with great views so we are looking to feature an angled steel footing design to elevate the home as a key feature.
Favourite projects…
Butterfly House, on a farm bordering a reservoir, with bushland adjacent. Designed for a multi-generational family so the layout needed to have two separate but fully connected private areas, lots of concealed storage including a wine ‘cellar’ and comms area, PLUS capitalise on views. Each room has custom joinery units incorporated which, although challenging, I enjoyed doing as I’ve had a good deal of retail/food tenancy experience. I also project administered this particular project so it was rewarding to be involved from initial concept to completion.
And Campbell Creek: a low, side-sloping site, in a new residential subdivision. The challenge was to create a contemporary split-level design while maintaining the client’s desire for a ‘traditional’ façade, while at the same time meeting the challenges of an unusually proportioned site with creek views. The solution was to have a number of transitional steps through the dwelling down the site and provide a large overhang skillion roof supported with steel posts, while also providing decking on different levels.
Biggest challenge…
My biggest design challenge would have to be to open clients up about use of multi-faceted space, rather than lots of single-use rooms. Flexibility with multi-use spaces that are well thought-out in relation to locality and future use leads to a home that can be future-proofed and therefore more sustainable.
Why she joined Design Matters National…
To keep informed with up-to-date information and continuing education in a constantly evolving industry. With the recent COVID lockdowns, getting email updates about the restrictions relevant to designers.
Favourite finish or feature…
Sheet metal. It has a long history in Australia since corrugated iron arriving in the 1850s and becoming an important finish in our vernacular language. I love that it can be used in so many different ways, it’s affordability, longevity and ease of installation. The extent of different finishes, from cor-ten to matt colorbond, and profiles now available always keep it as an up-to-date go-to material. I come from a family with a long involvement in the sheet-metal industry, so for me it has always been a familiar finish that I have a good understanding of.
Favourite architectural style…
Mid-Century modern and contemporary Australian rural.
Favourite Australian building…
Simpson-Lee House, in Mt Wilson by Glenn Murcutt. It was completed while I was studying and it just captured the elements that I was interested in as a student.
Favourite international building…
Fallingwater, by Frank Lloyd Wright. When I first saw it when I was young, it blew my mind as to what residential architecture can be! A big inspiration which led to me wanting to be a designer when I grew up.
Designers currently inspiring her…
There are just so many amazing Australian designers now, it’s just too hard to choose.
Fallingwater blew Nicole’s mind and inspired her to become a building designer.
