Design Matters National INTERSECT Q4.21

Q4.21

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Contents

What’s Up From the President & CEO

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News From Around Australia

08

Student Advice: 3 top tips for up and coming building industry professionals

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Planning Tid Bits by Clause1 10

Who’s Who What’s In

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Small Project Big Difference: The Pool House, by Dianne Bayley, Pasco Design 18

Five by Five: Five minutes with...

Lee B De Jong, Lee B De Jong Design, VIC John LeClare Josephs, Superseed Architecture, WA Kristen Rurade, Floyd Energy, VIC Jaspreet Singh, arcinovationz, NSW Dianne Bayley, Pasco Design, VIC

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The Rising Cost of Building

by Anna Cumming, Managing Editor, Sanctuary Magazine

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Finding Your Way from A to B

by Emma Green, NATSPEC Communications

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’The Missing Middle’ - Medium Density Housing

by Hayley Sims, State Manager (WA and NT), DMN

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The History of Building Design

by Hayley Sims, State Manager (WA and NT), DMN

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Commercial Works – Member Showcase

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2022 DMN Committee of Management

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What’s On

Editor: Tamar Erickson Art Director: Owen Walsh Printing: Southern Impact

01 How To

Nuts & Bolts

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Events Lookback 2021

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WA - Infinity Views tour

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DISCLAIMER

Publication of an article or inclusion of an advertisement in this edition does not imply that Building Designers Association of Victoria Inc trading as Design Matters National agrees with the views expressed, or message conveyed, nor does it imply endorsement of products. In addition, Design Matters National does not accept responsibility for any errors or omissions. No content may be reproduced without the written permission of Design Matters National. Requests should be lodged to The Editor, at editor@designmatters.org.au

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01 What’s Up

From the President

By Ingrid Hornung, President, Design Matters National 2020-2022

I write this at the end of my first year as President.

When I started, I could not have envisaged what this last year would bring!

In this issue we explore the many challenges this has presented to the professions we represent, and some of the ways we have sought to rise to those challenges.

We developed new ways of working together, and apart; We responded to a big rise in renovation rates, driven both by need (as people spent more time in their homes than ever before) and also by government stimulus; We responded to the challenges that the builders we work with faced; as the construction industry was affected by both material and labour constraints (due to so many different causes!)

As an organisation I’m proud of the ways we have found to support members during these times; and how our members have supported each other.

I believe this attitude is the thread that connects everyone in our organisation; from its very beginnings, right through the last 39 years as we have grown; and into the future.

While there’s a sense of having to brace ourselves for what may be around the corner, post the pandemic, I find myself filled with a sense of optimism and hope; as we recreate our connections with family, at work, and in our communities: in almost every aspect of life.

I wish everyone a safe and restful holiday season with your friends and family; and I look forward to meeting many more of you in person during the next year!

Ingrid Hornung

I hope you find inspiration and food for thought in these pages; I know I find inspiration in the creative ways that members have responded to the ‘brief’ that these times have given us!

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From the CEO

01 What’s Up

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2021. What a year it’s been.A year brimming with events and webinars, along with the launch of our new podcast, DMN Talk.

By Peta Anderson, CEO, Design Matters National

Against the backdrop of a debilitating pandemic, we persisted with delivering on our mandate - to protect and promote the building design profession. There is no doubt that we’ve managed to survive the second round of COVID primarily because of the loyalty of our members.

For me, serving the professional needs of more than 2000 members means that we’re constantly looking for ways to develop our capabilities solely to benefit our members.

We’re focused on understanding the needs of the building design and thermal performance industries, and engaging through promotion, advocacy and education programs.

Silver Linings The controlled material palette consisting of 4-5 key materials, recycled grey and silver lining boards, off-form concrete, brass fittings, and white oak joinery revealed a surprisingly versatile outcome despite the various conditions within the building.

DMN’s success is all about connection and contribution. I’d like to recognise each of you that have played a part in our success.

Thank you to our members for the valuable support that you provide for our activities.

And a special thank you also to those members who serve on the Committee of Management, working groups and those who provide education and support services to our members.

I hope you enjoy reading through our final issue of INTERSECT for the year.

01 What’s Up

This year, we’ve seen a solid increase in non-member webinar registrations, buoyed by the online environment. We’ve become recognised for our quality of educational programs across Australia which is proven in the thousands of purchases of pre-recorded webinars from our online store. We have continued our major online events this year including Sustainability month, TPA intensive program and InspoExpo of which we had hundreds of registrations this year.

And as we close the door on year, amongst the climate of challenge and change of 2021, one thing remains – that we will continue to grow with our core values and efforts to guide us along the way.

Wishing you all a safe and joyous summer holiday season, Peta

Infinity Views The form of the two volumes has subtle curves and angles, clad in teak, to meld them into the adjoining landscape and create view angles from every habitable space.

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01 What’s Up

DMN AGM Voting took place online via Zoom on Monday, November 1st for the 2021 AGM. Thank-you to all Full Members, including Fellows and Life Members who attended via e-vote.

National

News

Designed as a full time residence for an environmentally conscious couple, this new rural environmentally sustainable home is high eco-spec and self-sufficient for water and electricity. www.maxadesign.com.au/trentham

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DMN awarded 2 state-wide training programs DMN was recently awarded two pivotal business contracts that confirm DMN’s position as preferred program delivery provider in Australia. In November, we were awarded the 7* home training program for Sustainability Victoria.

In December, we were appointed as industry training provider for the Pathway to Net Zero Energy Homes Training Program for the SA Government.

Both contracts solidify DMN’s position as the go-to program delivery partner of choice within the Government for the building industry.

DMN Appointment to Advisory Board Warm congratulations to Vicki Marshall, Senior Manager, Thermal Performance and Sustainability, DMN for her recent appointment to the Scorecard Program Advisory Group (PAG) at Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP).

The PAG have historically been working on the expansion, testing and implementation of the Victorian Scorecard into the National Scorecard.

With the National scorecard now endorsed as the NatHERS in Home assessment instrument, the PAG focus is now on business development, assessor training and ongoing evaluation and analysis. Vicki is looking forward to contributing and advocating on behalf of our members.

NatHERS Whole of Home and 7 Star preparations This past week has seen increasing dialogue between NatHERS and the AAOs, fleshing out the training needs and deliver methods that will be required to prepare TPAs for the proposed increase to 7 star and Whole of Home assessments.

It’s expected that DMN will be rolling out the initial Whole of Home training modules in the first quarter of 2022.

Wade Stephens of Rachcoff Vella Architecture

01 What’s Up

TPAs and building designers will be excited to learn that preliminary conversations are underway about a reimagined sustainability challenge.

Discussions are currently at concept stage, however we are hoping to make announcements of details about how this challenge will be structured in the New Year.

Building Design of the Year Winners

10-Star Challenge Revival

Congratulations to Wade Stephens of Rachcoff Vella Architecture in Melbourne, who has taken out the Building Design of the Year Award (Vic.) for Silver Linings, at the 2021 Design Matters National Building Design Awards. MC Catriona Rowntree announced the worthy winner in a live-streamed virtual awards event broadcast to DMN Members, their guests, VIPs and major sponsors, on Thursday 28 October.

In addition to the Building Design of the Year Award, Silver Linings also received Awards for: • Excellence in the Use of Timber • Excellence in the Use of Concrete, and • Residential Design New House over $3 million

An aged and robust aesthetic was a key decision in using recycled timber and one that we could apply to walls (exterior & interior) and ceilings throughout the project.

NatHERS Whole of Home Technical Notes and Handbook Of course, with the changes in the NatHERS assessments, comes the need for amendments to be made to the Technical Notes and Handbook. The first in a series of consultation meetings between NatHERS technical team members and the AAOs is scheduled for next week.

DMN will be admirably represented with Tim Adams, TASC Chair and Help Desk guru, Andrew Hooper TASC and DMN representative on the NatHERS TAC and Matthew Graham, TASC and technical trainer and mentor. Vicki will also be joining the DMN representation at these meetings.

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Planning Tid Bits

01 What’s Up

The Height Restrictions Regular applicants will be aware that Clause 32.09-10 of the GRZ includes the mandatory height restrictions as follows: 32.08-10 Maximum building height requirement for a dwelling or residential building A building must not be constructed for use as a dwelling or a residential building that: • exceeds the maximum building height specified in a schedule to this zone; or • contains more than the maximum number of storeys specified in a schedule to this zone.

Little bits that can make a big difference to your town planning outcomes.

If no maximum building height or maximum number of storeys is specified in a schedule to this zone: • the building height must not exceed 11 metres; and • the building must contain no more than 3 storeys at any point.

The provisions of the NRZ are similarly worded but provide for reduced default settings of 9 metres and 2 storeys.

The Exemptions

Interpreting Mandatory Height Control Exemptions in Residential Zones A recent VCAT decision, Burnley Maltings Pty Ltd v Yarra CC [2021] VCAT 337, has provided a notable interpretation to the exemptions that allows development to exceed, the otherwise mandatory, ‘height’ and ‘number of storey’ restrictions contained within the General (GRZ) and Neighbourhood Residential Zones (NRZ).

Ph: 03 9370 9599

These tid bits are part of the regular contribution made by Clause 1 Planning to Design Matters National. For more information, visit clause1.com.au

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Both the NRZ and GRZ provide exemptions, to these mandatory height controls, for new buildings and extensions to existing buildings as follows: A building may exceed the applicable maximum building height or contain more than the applicable maximum number of storeys if: • It replaces an immediately pre-existing building and the new building does not exceed the building height or contain a greater number of storeys than the pre-existing building.

• There are existing buildings on both abutting allotments that face the same street and the new building does not exceed the building height or contain a greater number of storeys than the lower of the existing buildings on the abutting allotments.

• It is on a corner lot abutted by lots with existing buildings and the new building does not exceed the building height or contain a greater number of storeys than the lower of the existing buildings on the abutting allotments.

An extension to an existing building may exceed the applicable maximum building height or contain more than the applicable maximum number of storeys if it does not exceed the building height of the existing building or contain a greater number of storeys than the existing building.

01 What’s Up

Baranduda ‘Greenest House’ challenges mindsets to win ESD Building Design Award. Sustainable home construction is thought by many to be costly and difficult to build. We wanted to challenge that mindset by creating a home that not only is captivating to look at, but also cost-effective to build, has low running costs, is intelligent and future-proof, and prioritises liveability over impractical aesthetics. We wanted to give the client a home that was more of a haven, a place where their family could thrive; not just a trophy home.

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01 What’s Up

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The textures of the coast have been reflected in the designed form of the home, along with the selection of materials. The rutted masonry blockwork provides a robust material delivering a texture and haptic facet to a building of clean lines, soft curves, and smooth face, reminiscent of the rugged reef outcrops interrupting the undulating white sand coves along the local coastline.

Implication for Permit Applicants

The above exemptions can generally be explained as having two limbs:

Practitioners need to be aware that both limbs of the exemption must be met (despite the use of the word ‘or’ to separate them) in order for the mandatory ‘height’ and ‘number of storey’ controls to be exceeded within the GRZ and NRZ.

1. The first limb specifies that the proposed building does not exceed the building height of the existing building 2. The second limb requires the proposed building does not contain a greater number of storeys than the existing building.

One significant complexity in interpreting the above exemptions relates to the use of the word “or” that separates the two limbs.

The question posed to the Tribunal was; do one or both of the limbs contained in the exemption need to be met for the exemption to be enlivened? i.e do the two limbs operate disjunctively (separately) or conjunctively (as one)?

More specifically should the exemption be interpreted as meaning an application is exempt from both the ‘height control’ and the ‘number of storeys’ control if: 1. it does not exceed the building height of the existing building or contain a greater number of storeys than the existing building.

Or should the exemption be interpreted as meaning an application is only exempt from both the ‘height control’ and the ‘number of storeys’ control if: 2. it does not exceed the building height of the existing building nor contain a greater number of storeys than the existing building.

VCAT’s Interpretation The written VCAT decision in the Burnley case is more than 215 pages long and deals, in detail, with a number of complex, legalistic submissions on numerous issues relating to the above exemptions and their implications for the redevelopment of a site containing 27 metre high malt-silos, within a GRZ in the City of Yarra.

In coming to its conclusion the Tribunal noted: 684. For the Exemption Extension to operate conjunctively it would require inferring the word ‘nor’ in place of ‘or’.

687. I find that to interpret the Extension Exemption disjunctively produces some odd outcomes…

698. Therefore, I prefer the submissions made by the council and objector parties that the second ‘or’ in the Extension Exemption should be read conjunctively or as ‘nor’.

01 What’s Up

The Mischief

Subdivision and the Minimum Garden Area Requirement The recent red-dot decision in Priestley v Horsham RCC [2021] VCAT 639 considered the requirement for the minimum garden area where a proposed subdivision created 4 vacant lots, each less than 400 square metres in area, in the General Residential Zone (GRZ).

Regular permit applicants will be aware, Clause 32.08-3 Subdivision of the Victorian Planning Provisions includes the following mandatory provision as part of the GRZ provisions: An application to subdivide land that would create a vacant lot less than 400 square metres capable of development for a dwelling or residential building, must ensure that each vacant lot created less than 400 square metres contains at least 25 percent as garden area. This does not apply to a lot created by an application to subdivide land where that lot is created in accordance with: • An approved precinct structure plan or an equivalent strategic plan; • An incorporated plan or approved development plan; or • A permit for development In Priestley v Horsham RCC, Council had issued a Notice of Decision (NOD) for the planning permit application which included a condition that each lot must include a minimum of 25 percent as garden area. The NOD was appealed by an objector. The Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (the Tribunal) considered the meaning and effect of the minimum garden area requirement for subdivision.

Regular readers will be aware that the minimum garden area requirement has been considered by the Tribunal a number of times in previous applications, but in the context of the development of a dwelling or residential building rather than a vacant-lot subdivision.

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01 What’s Up

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The wording of the minimum garden area requirement in the GRZ provisions differs between Clause 32.08-3 Subdivision and in Clause 32.08-2 Construction or extension of a dwelling or residential building. The Subdivision clause uses the term “An application…must ensure that each vacant lot…” whereas the dwelling requirement is “An application…must provide a minimum garden area…”. However, the Tribunal found that both constitute a ‘mandatory’ requirement and both require the provision to be met in the permit application.

The Tribunal decided to set aside the Council’s decision and to remit the application to the Council for reconsideration, to make a fresh decision, and to direct the Council to ensure that the applicants amend the application to comply with the subdivision minimum garden area requirement.

This would then be subject to a fresh round of notice and potentially objections and Council could then make a new decision which could then be appealed.

Council had included a condition in the NOD that the garden area must be provided, as it had not been included in the application. The permit applicant could have included the requirement as a proposed restriction, agreement or other measure as part of the application. However, because the permit application did not include such a proposed restriction or agreement, the Tribunal deemed the permit application deficient in information.

Consequently, Council should not have made a decision on an application that did not meet the requirements of the Planning Scheme.

• A planning permit application for subdivision creating vacant lots under 400 square metres must include provision to meet the minimum garden area requirement, in the application. This might be achieved by a proposed restriction on title, or an ongoing agreement registered against the new title(s) or other mechanism; • Without such provision for minimum garden area the application is incomplete and Council cannot make a decision on an incomplete permit application; • Council cannot ensure the mandatory garden area requirement is met by including a condition on an NOD or permit. Rather, the requirement must be embedded in the permit application.

For practitioners, this decision provides the following guidance:

01 What’s Up

While the original home is solid brick, the new two-storey extension has been built in lightweight construction, it’s timber inside and out: Extensive use of internal timber veneer finishes give a beautiful warm feel, and externally, the innovative timber fibre lightweight boards provide a great foundation for the subtle render finish. This lightweight vs solid construction allows the addition to be clearly distinguished from the original and, should the need in the future arise to restore to its full original, it would be easy to do so.

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01 Project Matters

Extractive Industries Protection from Residential Uses Planning permit applicants should be aware that a recent planning scheme amendment seeks to provide protection to extractive industries from the impacts of expanding urban areas.

Amendment VC 196 applies to all planning schemes in Victoria, making changes to the Victoria Planning Provisions to provide stronger recognition and protection of existing extractive industries, and to designate land with Statesignificant earth resources, where extractive industries may be established in the future, as strategic extractive resource areas.

The amendment was introduced on 19 August 2021 and makes changes to State Planning Policy at: • Clause 14.03-1S Resource exploration and extraction • Some overlay provisions and • Particular provisions at Clause 52.09 Extractive industry and extractive industry interest areas.

The Amendment makes changes specific to Wyndham, Cardinia and South Gippsland Planning Schemes by introducing: • A Schedule (Extractive Industry) to the Special Use Zone and; • The State Resource Overlay Schedule 1 to land containing extractive industry operations and to other areas of land with State-significant supplies of earth resources.

• The State Resource Overlay Schedule 2 around land containing extractive industry operations, to protect these operations from encroachment by sensitive land uses.

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The amendment also changes the referral provisions to require a referral to the Secretary administrating the Mineral Resources (Sustainable Development) Act 1990 of applications that could negatively impact the long-term viability of the extractive industry.

The State Resource Overlay at Clause 44.07 has new provisions for subdivision, buildings and works that require applications for subdivision, buildings and/or works within the Overlay, to be accompanied by a report that verifies that the proposal will not unreasonably impact the protected extractive industry.

In conjunction with the above new and altered provisions, practitioners should also be aware that Clause 52.09 Extractive industry and extractive industry interest areas (introduced 24 January 2020) applies to an application: • To use or develop land for extractive industry, • Within an Extractive Industry Interest Area; or • Within 500 metres of an existing or proposed extractive industry operation.

If you have projects near existing or proposed extractive industry operations, you should familiarise yourself with the above.

01 Project Matters

Minor projections of rooms have been employed to give a sense of depth and interest to the elevations. Balconies have also been added to capture city views and create drama. Materials have been employed to articulate cubic forms, as has the differing heights of projections.

The overall effect of these methodologies has created a development that is bold, stylish, stand above the norm, and contributes positively to the urban streetscape.

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Small Project BIG DIFFERENCE

02 What’s In

The Pool House

By Dianne Bayley, Director, Registered Building Practitioner, Building Designer Pasco Design

We want to celebrate the small projects we do, which have made a big difference to a client’s life.

What’s important is not the object we are making; it is the life we are making new possibilities for.

Until now, the difference we make to our clients’ lives through these projects has gone largely unacknowledged. This year, we are sharing these feel-good stories in every issue.

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02 What’s In

02 What’s In

Small Project The clients are a young, growing family from Newport, Victoria. They live in a fabulous California Bungalow home but needed more room for work and play, wanting to preserve the existing house floor plate and the size of their rear garden. They also wanted a family size pool and needed a space where they could watch the children and relax in comfort.

The solution was to build a multipurpose annex on the rear boundary that became known as the Pool House, an addition that provides an open living space facing the house, that is warm in winter and cool in summer, has visual and physical access to the pool and still makes full use of the garden.

Given that the Pool House is separate to the original house we were able to explore a more contemporary look.

The dark band of the overhanging eave grounds the pavilion, while the crisp white external and internal walls add light and reflection. The flat roof allowed the lovely views from the house of the sky and trees behind to be retained, and the building did not impede on the garden space.

The building accommodates a living area with built-in joinery/entertainment unit, a dining space, a games area, a light-filled contemporary bathroom and a garden shed/ workshop. The family chickens are housed to the side and often have full reign of the garden.

The bathroom is family size, including an open, walk-in shower, wall hung floating vanity, matt black tapware and accessories, with plenty of space to get changed after a swim.

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02 What’s In

02 What’s In

Big Difference Large skylights bring the sun deep into the space in winter, and the wide overhang roof keeps the interior cool in summer. The porcelain tile floor finish continues from the outside (rough-hewn finish/non-slip) to inside (honed finish) and appears seamless.

Large black framed sliding glass doors make the Pool House feel like it is completely open to the garden. A timber panelled wall on the side boundary has multiple uses providing privacy, visual warmth, lighting, box garden/ seating with storage under, hidden pool equipment/pumps and a vertical garden.

The clients are enjoying their space with family and friends, all in time for the summer holiday season.

Building Designer - Dianne Bayley - Pasco Design Photographer - Rachel Lewis Builder - Glenn Homewood

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02 What’s In

02 What’s In

The rising cost of building

What does it cost to build a house in Australia these days? What factors are at play, and what’s the most affordable way?

Earlier this year as part of InspoExpo, Sanctuary: modern green homes magazines editor Anna Cumming moderated a panel discussion with three expert practitioners to delve further into this subject.

Projects can be kept more affordable by prioritising spending on elements that will make a big difference to the performance of the home and opting for less expensive materials elsewhere.

This kitchen, part of a modest extension and renovation by Gruen Eco Design in Blackburn, Victoria, includes a flat-pack kitchen from Ikea. While premium double-glazed timber windows were specified for ground floor, more affordable, standard double-glazed windows worked well for upstairs.

Image: Laurel Honey

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02 What’s In This award-winning 70m2 extension in Melbourne was designed by Ingrid Hornung and cost $195,000 in 2009.

“Keeping the construction and ongoing costs modest was a big part of the brief and we achieved that using low-maintenance external finishes, good insulation and double glazing. I estimate that these days, a similar build would cost at least twice as much” said Ingrid.

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02 What’s In

I have a long-standing interest in welldesigned, sustainable and comfortable homes, and in my role as Sanctuary editor I enjoy being part of the mission to inspire and educate people about the design strategies, materials and systems available to achieve them. I’d like everyone to have access to such homes, so the cost of building is important to me.

At Sanctuary, readers often tell us about how much they love the magazine, but requesting more affordable, budget projects that are within the reasonable financial reach of more people. Of course, ‘affordable’ is subjective and varies hugely from person to person, but in my work finding great sustainable homes to profile in Sanctuary I have noticed that the ballpark cost for the sort of project I think of as ‘modest and affordable’ has risen from around $200,000 to $400,000 or even more in the last couple of years. And I realise that because my rule of thumb is based on recently completed houses, not projects just getting underway now, it doesn’t even take into account the dramatic cost rises the building industry has seen in the past year or so.

So a discussion on what it costs to build a house, what factors are at play, and how people can do it more affordably seems timely.

In October this year, I spoke to three talented experts as part of Design Matters National’s InspoExpo: Building Designers Simone Schenkel and Ingrid Hornung, and Builder and Energy Assessor Marcello Belcastro.

The recording of our discussion is free to view via the DMN website. What follows is a brief overview of the topics we touched on, and the expertise the panellists had to offer.

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Building costs Times are certainly interesting when it comes to the issue of affordability on construction projects. Simone says that for Passive Houses such as the ones she designs, “some builders are quoting $6,000 or $7,000 per square metre, which is obviously the opposite of affordable. In general, we are finding as well that no matter how much we try to keep the house design simple, costs have gone up a lot: at least 10% since last year, if not more.”

Marcello agrees, noting the substantial cost increases and stock shortages for many basic building materials. For example, we have seen three price rises on timber in the last twelve months. In September last year, I had a quote for standard framing timber at $2.27 per linear metre. Recently, the same stock was $5.50 – that’s more than double. And we now also have to consider the cost impact of time delays related to supply shortages on projects.

I recently got an email from a framing company that warned of a 6-8 week wait on materials for second storey framing systems.

As well as increased material costs, construction industry labour costs are going up. A recent Housing Industry of Australia (HIA) report cites an 8% rise in labour costs, but the panellists say it can be much higher. This volatility makes pricing jobs a challenging exercise for builders and the wider design and construction industry.

Marcello reflects on his experience. “A lot of builders who locked in prices six months ago are running into challenges in the current environment. They’re so busy – the demand is there and they’ve got their schedules booked for the year, but when they come to start a job down the track, there’s no way they will be able to honour the quoted price due to cost increases. So they are having to build big allowances into their contracts to cover them.”

Simone agrees: “Every trade along the line is building in an increased security margin to cover off any potential overheads and mitigate risk.” This results in very high end prices for the homeowner.

02 What’s In Simone Schenkel is a certified Passive House designer and director at Gruen Eco Design in Victoria, whose mission is to make energy efficient homes a staple in the Australian landscape. She works with her clients to create not only beautifully designed homes, but homes that are affordable, healthy, thermally comfortable, energy efficient and resilient for future generations to follow.

Ingrid Hornung is a Melbourne-based building designer and has been an active member of DMN since 2002; she is currently serving as President. Her business, Designs for You, focuses on residential renovations. Ingrid’s passion is creating and adapting homes for her clients in a way that combines delight, practicality and sustainability.

Marcello Belcastro leads Marcello Build, based in the Hunter Valley, NSW. He has been in the construction industry since 1995, working as a construction manager with a small-volume construction company before becoming a custom home builder. Recently he shifted his focus to energy efficiency and is now a practising NatHERS assessor.

Simone Schenkel

Ingrid Hornung

During our discussion, I asked Simone, Ingrid and Marcello to reflect on what it costs to build a house, how and why this is changing, and what homeowners, designers and builders can do to achieve more affordable builds and renovations – while still ensuring they are sustainable.

Marcello Belcastro

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02 What’s In

Pandemic impacts

Working towards affordability

Since the beginning of the Covid pandemic, demand for home builds and renovations has skyrocketed. The panellists note that many people who might have been planning a build or renovation down the track are now bringing those plans forward, because they’ve got the time and the energy, and because they’re not currently spending money on things like travel.

So what can industry professionals do to mitigate these effects? Ingrid says working more closely with builders in the early stages of a project pays dividends for all involved.

“Consulting with builders much earlier in the design process than is usually done means that they can have expert input into materials used and aspects of the design that might otherwise turn out to be expensive to build, helping control the overall cost of a building project.”

Another factor is people spending more time in their own homes as a result of Covid restrictions and increased working from home.

“I think people are getting much more aware of how badly their house is performing,” says Simone. “On a normal day before Covid, most people would get up in the morning and go to work. But now they’re at home all day, living, working, with the kids, and everyone is freezing – that’s when people become miserable and realise how much better their homes could be.”

She has seen an enormous increase in building design enquiries. “People want to know about how it all works, about whether their home is performing well or not. Homes and home design are being interrogated like never before, and that’s a great thing.”

Along with a rise in demand, construction costs have been impacted by a range of pandemicrelated flow-on effects in associated industries, the panellists explain. International shipping delays, tripling of container prices, port fees and a drop in raw material supply due to events like bushfires in Australia and beetle disease in North America have decimated forests all contributing to a climate of cost uncertainty. On the local front, delays due to lockdowns, transport delays and reduced staffing capacity in factories have also played a significant role.

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Simone concurs. “I think the key is to work closely together with a builder and a structural engineer. With material costs going up so much, it’s hard to get your hands on elements like beams and posts, for example. With a whole team on board early, we can talk about material options alongside design considerations and ask questions like, how can we make the roof as simple as possible?

How can we avoid the use of steel here?

“Sometimes it can be a bit of a reality check for clients, as they may not get everything they want,” she continues, “but everyone will know this early on – and that’s tremendously helpful to all involved.”

Another top tip is to encourage clients to reduce the size of their planned build or renovation, considering carefully how much space they really need. “Most people don’t really think about it, they just go to a display home and come away thinking they need all the bells and whistles. Do they really need that wide hallway or a home theatre?

We have to encourage them to think about it,” says Marcello.

“On a floor plan, a 3.6m x 3.6m bedroom may look small, but in fact it is quite functional,” he goes on. “A new client will usually have an idea of the things that they want in a bedroom, and assume they need a bigger room to fit it all in.

So I’ll often walk them through an already finished house. When you stand them in a modest-sized room and show them what fits into it and how it feels, they see that it’s quite acceptable. Keeping the design compact does bring costs down.”

02 What’s In The Passive House Simone Schenkel has designed for her own family in Melbourne is underway, incorporating many cost-saving strategies. The home has a deliberately compact and simple form and makes the most of structural insulated panels (SIPs). Simone is writing a blog about the process at www.gruenecodesign.com.au/news Images: Simone Schenkel

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Ingrid concurs. “While we don’t have control over the building industry, as designers we have the opportunity to look at ways of creating solutions that accommodate and support the way that people live. We spend time with clients to establish what they really need to live well, and build that.”

With the general rise in building costs, prefab and modular construction methods look like becoming more attractive due to their standardised materials and construction efficiencies. “Although it can be a challenge to balance the design clients are looking for with an available prefab option, it’s coming into its own as a viable solution in this current environment, because of the ways the cost can be controlled on a prefabricated project – especially in terms of timelines and materials,” says Ingrid.

Simone opens up the discussion to build contract pricing. “Right now, we’re seeing a move by some builders away from fixed cost contracts towards signing partly provisional contracts to deal with the problem of unpredictable and inflated material prices.

By putting provisional sums on critical structural elements like windows, the client pays the actual cost at the time of ordering for these materials, which removes the need for the supplier to add an additional security margin to manage risk,” she says. “On top to that, where possible, we encourage our clients to buy building materials straight away. For our own build that’s currently underway, we paid for the windows, timber and other elements before we even got the building permits. Not everyone can do it, but some of these things can be prepaid to avoid future price rises.”

Good design doesn’t have to cost more, of course: things like orientation and window placement to maximise the benefit of passive solar design, for example, will have a big impact without adding cost. And for elements that do come at a cost, it’s important to prioritise things that will have a big impact on performance and are hard or expensive to change later, for example windows and insulation. Thinking longer term may result in a slightly higher build cost, but the house will be much cheaper to run and will save money over time, as well as reducing energy needs, leading to a reduction in carbon emissions and a more favourable environmental footprint.

Final takeaways As we wrap up the session, I ask the panellists for their top piece of advice for clients looking to increase affordability on their building projects.

Marcello: “Consider the block, and design and build to suit the site. Don’t just look at what they’ve done at a project display home.

That may not work for your block. Think of your space first, and what works well from that perspective.”

Ingrid: “First, build smaller – only what you need. Don’t design in extra spaces ‘just in case’ you need to use them. Design spaces to have multiple functions. Second, weigh up your priorities. I’m happy to work with people on budgets under $500,000, but if you decide to go down this path, you will have to make hard decisions and question which features and materials are really important to you.

Simone: “I’m a big believer in ‘less is more’.

If you build on a budget, not everything can Marcello, Ingrid and Simone all agree that there be a feature; you have to choose these wisely.

Consider the structure first, and concentrate is no reason a sustainable, energy-efficient house can’t be achieved even while pursuing a on things like high-performing windows and insulation. Other elements can be upgraded more affordable build. In fact, Ingrid believes later down the line.” it’s not serving the client to avoid the topic of sustainability. “It doesn’t serve them or their longer-term financial goals. One of the priorities for the build spend should be reducing the running cost of the finished home.

Sustainability is a big part of that equation.”

Sustainability

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The framing timber for this house in Huntlee, NSW, recently completed by Marcello Belcastro’s team cost $102 per square metre of wall; three years later he’s being quoted $209 per square metre for new projects.

Image: Marcello Belcastro

Marcello’s own 8-Star family home is currently under construction in Lochinvar, NSW, designed to suit the site and with many savvy design features. The cladding is installed on battens over a breathable membrane that is also a thermal break, providing an air gap to reduce heat transfer to the timber frame; simple changes like this to traditional construction methods can improve the performance of a home for little extra outlay.

Images: Marcello Belcastro

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Finding your way from

By Emma Green, NATSPEC Communications

Navigating through the built environment is a universal part of life in both public and private spaces. Moving through a space to get from one location to another involves informationgathering and decision-making processes for orientation and movement. This is the overall process of wayfinding. Successful wayfinding design allows people to determine their location and destination, plan their route and execute the plan, negotiating any potential changes.

Wayfinding is a complex cognitive and perceptual process. Designing a successful wayfinding system can therefore be a difficult task. Wayfinding is often addressed solely by signage. However, when a space is holistically designed, meaning that the spatial configuration and information wayfinding are considered in parallel, this facilitates the wayfinding process for users of the built environment.

Successful wayfinding through holistic design is a key tenet of universal design. Universal design is the design of buildings, products or environments to make them accessible and usable to all people of different ages and abilities over time, without the need for adaptation or specialised design.

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02 What’s In The NCC does not currently prescribe any performance requirements for wayfinding, although it does outline the Deemed-to-Satisfy provisions for the accessibility requirements of signage in a building. This includes the requirements for Braille and tactile signage, luminance contrast and illumination.

Australian Standards indicate requirements for warning and directional tactile ground surface indicators as well as further information about static wayfinding sign information, including the design, location and installation of tactile identification signs.

The Standards and NCC provisions emphasise the consistency of signage, including appropriate fonts, commonly understood pictograms, and the dimensional requirements for Braille and tactile characters. This can be applied to visual wayfinding information, which should be conveyed by a consistent signage system in a consistent graphic style and format. The appropriate size, contrast, form, luminance, lighting and viewing distance related to context of use should be considered. Multiple modes of presenting information may be useful, such as supplementing visual information with auditory and/or tactile information.

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While signage is useful as a wayfinding design tool, an overabundance can lead to visual clutter, and without adequate space for circulation, signs can become an obstruction.

By applying the principles of universal design to wayfinding, a space becomes more accessible and usable. A holistic approach to the design should include making wayfinding as intuitive as possible, reducing the need for users to consult maps. Emergency evacuation paths should be clearly indicated and all maps, including emergency evacuation diagrams, should be easy to understand and follow.

The location and height of signage is an important consideration for visibility as well as tactile use. Whether signage is suspended, wall-mounted or floor-mounted may also make a difference to its ease of use.

While signage is useful as a wayfinding design tool, an overabundance can lead to visual clutter, and without adequate space for circulation, signs can become an obstruction.

Additionally, signs should be at major decision points and provide useful information, as the wrong information received at the wrong location is as helpful as no information at all.

Good wayfinding design, however, cannot be wholly dependent on signage as this does not solve any fundamental planning problems.

Providing a clear line of sight and designing an intuitive access path will improve a user’s wayfinding experience. Designers should use specifications to stipulate universal design considerations, including the different routes users may take depending on time of day or mode of travel. NATSPEC TECHnote DES 043 Universal Design: Wayfinding provides further useful considerations for designers.

Wayfinding shapes the way a person experiences a space. By taking universal design principles into account, good wayfinding design can make the built environment more accessible and usable, allowing a greater number of people to make their way from A to B.

NATSPEC is a not-for-profit organisation owned by Government and Industry. It maintains the National Building Specification and has been a valued part of the construction industry for over 45 years. For more information, visit www.natspec.com.au.

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Density & Diversity DMN Sustainability September event

The ‘Missing Middle’ is used to describe a form of dwelling type between the house on a single lot and the high rise apartment WA members joined together to acknowledge Sustainability September at the Claisebrook Community Centre, to learn from member John Damant (Arcologic) about the concept of ‘The Missing Middle’. With policy reform agenda looming in the background, the event addressed future sustainable housing strategies.

The Missing Middle is used to describe a form of dwelling type between the house on a single lot and a high-rise apartment - this includes terrace housing, dual occupancy, and multi dwelling houses. They offer greater diversity for different demographics, promoting walkable neighbourhoods, greenery and tree canopies, with a feeling of community and consideration to the long-term sustainable use of building materials.

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1 Nettleton Tribe - 40 dwellings 2 Trias - 52 dwellings 3 Seamless connections from indoors to outdoors / nature 4 Cox Architecture- 100 dwellings 5 Gresley Abas Architects - 100 dwellings

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John is a Perth pioneer in this area of design, winning the BDAWA / James Hardie Residential Infill Design competition in 2020. John also touched on his concept of Econesting - low impact, small footprint, carbon neutral and energy efficient living – delivering affordable density and diversity without losing the positive attributes of openness and nature within our garden suburbs. This is a modular, light weight solution that is fabricated offsite at a reduced cost and faster speed.

Lastly John touched on a new idea – The Cubby House Syndrome, which addresses the decreasing affordability for younger people to own homes. This is where parents include ‘cubby houses’ into a new or existing design for their children to occupy, in place of moving out.

We ended the event with a fantastic product presentation from Breezeway followed by drinks, grazing and networking. Thanks to everyone that came along and John for his energy and insightful presentation.

The continued dominance of low-density, suburban development is placing both infrastructure and the environment under escalating pressure.

PERTH & PEEL @ 2050

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02 What’s In Right - Cubby house. arcologic.com.au

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Member Showcase

Mata Design Studio Paul Lim

Mata Design Studio is represented by a distinctive and diverse group of individuals specialising in interior and built environment design. Our design philosophy focuses on original concepts and evolving ideas from which unique and beautiful solutions are formed.

Commercial Works Paul Lim Mata Studio www.matadesign.com.au Doug Paton D4 designs www.d4designs.com.au

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Paul Lim from Mata Design recently designed two hospitality projects, Island Market and Super Tetsudo. Featured here is Island Market.

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02 PWhat’s In The Paul Lim designed Super Tetsudo. Super Tetsudo is the first restaurant in Australia to combine a traditional kaiten sushi train with a super-fast express train to bring authentic Japanese cuisine direct to your table.

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Member Showcase

D4 Designs Doug Paton

Northbridge Brewery, Perth WA: State - Winner Best Public Building 2015 National - Best Commercial Design over $2mil 2015 National - Best Industrial Design 2015 Overall - Building Design of the Year 2015 The Northbridge Brewing Company space is designed for the people of Northbridge, as a meeting place, a multipurpose events venue and a central community hub in the heart of Northbridge.

Foremost, the design intent was to activate the northern end of the Northbridge Piazza, as seamlessly as possible.

The venue rests on the doorstep of the piazza with an alfresco dining area buffering the piazza open space and the internal space of NBC. A working microbrewery, showcased within two feature glass boxes, is a proud display of the offerings inside.

Patrons enter the venue from Lake Street, by physically walking through the microbrewery and its honest mechanics. There is no fake façade or faux brewing kettles, what is poured from the beer font is brewed only meters away.

Visually, the aesthetics of the venue responds respectfully to the site, by taking cues from its industrial history, within in a contemporary form. A balance of industrial materials such as glass, steel, concrete and aged bricks, provide an unpretentious backdrop to form a relaxed and welcoming space.

The NBC is designed as a venue for all people within Northbridge. Timeless, classic materials engage mature patrons, modern twists invite younger professional clientele, and the visual working brewery create intrigue to welcome the family members.

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The Whitfords Brewing Company design intent was to portray the feel, look and texture demonstrated by traditional craftsmanship of years gone by.

The organically restored warehouse feel was a considered aesthetic, to evoke a non-pretentious ambience to assist patrons feel relaxed enough to stay and submerse themselves in the environment.

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Whitfords Brewery, Perth WA: State – Best Non residential Interior – 2019

Traditional materials, of glass, timber, brick, steel, and concrete were incorporated together with classic ‘bentwood’ chairs, leather seats with selected traditional stitching methods.

All marketing, fonts and logo embody the early century ‘industrial’ theme.

Designed by Douglas Paton of d4 residential and commercial design, using San Selmo ‘reclaimed’ solids and 10mm slip tiles from Brickworks. All brickwork, including traditionally formworked brick-arches were hand crafted by the team at Utopia Industries.

All Brewery mechanics are on full show, for all patrons to see and experience from ‘tank to tap’ in a real working brewery.

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Events Lookback 2021

03 What’s On

Against the backdrop of the pandemic, it’s been a busy year of events activity at DMN. We take a look back at the year that was, 2021.

15.10.2021 WA & NT Building Design Awards

28.10.2021 VIC, SA & NSW/ACT Building Design Awards

26.02.2021 Melbourne Summer Sundowner State Library Victoria

05.03.2021 Perth Summer Sundowner Eco Outdoor

16.03.2021 Dowell Windows Site Tour “Would definitely recommend, Informative, good pace of delivery, useful experience to see the product we specify.”

- Brad H. DMN Member “First glazing supplier to take the time to support our industry. Valuable information” - Ian F DMN Member

24.03.2021 FirstRate5 v5.31 Updates “Matthew is an excellent presenter and extremely knowledgeable, which he was able to share effectively.”

- Richard S. DMN Member “The authoritative and thorough delivery of the content provided confidence in the accuracy of subject information. “ - Timothy A. DMN Member “Simple and detailed presentation of new software updates.“ - Svetlana S. DMN Member

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21.03.2021 Solar Design Principles “Content was well weighted and suitable for the tasks set out. Not too dry or technical.”

- Dallas L. DMN Member “Good overall knowledge” - Ronal C. DMN Member June TPA Intensive Week • Thermal Bridging in NatHERS and Residential Buildings • Can VURB for residential buildings ever be a good thing?

• Windows Film, NatHERS and WERS for Film • Best practice in NatHERS software modeling • Why is mould becoming more of an issue?

16.06.2021 Become an AWESOME designer for WA Interior Designers and Building Designer Students

17.06.2021 Women in Design Morning Tea UNIOS Showroom

22.06.2021 WA Pin Up

29.07.2021 Design Narratives in Hotels: Enhancing Guest Experience “Informative without waffling, went back to basics of concepts and inspiration and how that manifested into built interiors” - Dianne B. DMN Member “I would recommend this event to a colleague, especially to Interior Designers.”

- Collin B. DMN Member “ Worlds best practice” - Martin H. DMN Member

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26.08.2021

4-7.10.2021

Member Game Night: Trivia Time

InspoExpo

7.09.2021

“The products showcased were all leaders in their respective fields in terms of sustainability of building materials. Great choices for any building.”

- Tom H. DMN Member

September Sustainability Month • Net Zero is Next: What does it mean for cities?

• Indoor Air Quality: Not as Simple as you think • Biophilic Design • Using Passive Solar Design Principles Now and in the Future • Hempcrete • NCC2022 Update for Windows and Glazing • Inside Thermal Comfort Predictive Mean Vote • Building Sustainably with Timber • How to detail plans so the builder builds it to perform Pt 1 • How to detail plans so the builder builds it to perform Pt 2 • An introduction to National Residential Scorecard • Case studies: Impact Analysis of Cooling Interventions • Behind the Scenes with K-Studio

07.09.2021 “It was amazing-the presenter was knowledgeable and fluid. The project was beautiful “ - Timothy E. DMN Member “Well considered, insightful and interesting.

Loved the story behind the hotel and their approach to design.”

- Yahnay P. DMN Member

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“Very good update information of building industry” - Danh H. DMN Member “From a TPA point of view the thermal properties are very interesting” - Terry B. DMN Member “I would recommend this event as you can always learn something. “ - Susan M. DMN Member “I would recommend this event as this online makes much easier and flexible to attend. Also it is easier for us to mark up the notes” - Patrick K. DMN Member • Island Block & Paving • ProCalc • Big Ass Fans • Breezway • James Hardie • Weathertex • Speckel • Clause1 • Interscale • HERO Software • Kingspan Insulation • Ultimate Windows • Intelligent Home

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Infinity Views Winner of the 2021 Building Design of Year Award (WA)

Pics by Immer Photography

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On Thursday 2nd December, WA members congregated at Infinity Views - Winner of the 2021 Building Design of Year Award (WA).

Architect John LeClare Josephs (Superseed Architecture) and Builder Peter Capozzi (Capozzi Building) discussed the incredible process of designing and building this project on a rare and highly complex site, without a client brief. Guests remarked on the unsurpassed level of detail throughout the home, the use of just 5 different materials to let the views take center stage, and the speed at which the entire process was completed.

After the tour everyone gathered at The Leopold Hotel for pizza and drinks and lots of Christmas cheer. Thanks to everyone who came along and celebrate the end of 2021 with us.

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04 How to

Student Pro-Tips:

3 top tips for up-and-coming building industry professionals.

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Top Right: Awarded 2021 Student Design Awards.

QLD Best Response to Design Brief by a Building Design Student Winner: Devarni Keech Bottom Right: Student Design Awards VIC Best Digital Presentation by a Building Design Student Winner: Lachlan McKern

Exercise your lateral thinking abilities: No two projects are the same and you will always be required to think outside of the box and channel your visionary self. Whilst enjoying this journey of learning and growth, it is important to attempt all challenges and grab any opportunities of experience that come your way.

Do not fear to use your imagination; unleash yourself.

Learn new skills every day: Anyone working in this industry needs to have a good working knowledge of how buildings are put together.

Do what courses you can that interest you and that will enhance your building, thermal physics and ESD knowledge and skills, and don’t be afraid to ask questions. It is important to have basic thermal physics knowledge and understand how heat is transferred – and how insulation (bulk and reflective), thermal mass, shading, ventilation all work within a building.

Communicate broadly, and across your professional practice: Designing a project needs a mix of things – design, yes, but the skill to deliver that design, considering its ideology is key. Communication skills across people, project management, technical knowledge, documentation and the delivery phase all have a significant effect on the success of project. It is an all-rounded profession and there is a place for everyone, - communication skills, both verbal and written are crucial.

Five by Five

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Five minutes with….

John LeClare Josephs Architect | Director Superseed Architecture john@superseed.net.au

What are you working on now, and could you share something unique you’re bringing to the project?

I believe that there are a series of cultural and technical issues which Architects and Designers have been aware for decades and endeavouring to provide architectural responses too, but perhaps these issues have not trickled down to be brief items for clients in more affordable markets. Energy efficiency has become more mainstream with clients able to quantify their projects in star ratings or similar, however ideas such as multigenerational living, flexible spaces to allow for continuous occupation for longer times frames, design techniques to allow for far for spatially efficient habitation without loss of amenity, phased construction, design consideration for occupants of varied cultural backgrounds, working from home and the digital future and international construction methods and techniques which may not be locally prevalent etc. – these are generally not part a client’s brief, but can often be introduced or considered within their existing brief for their benefit. A residential project I am working on now has been designed with clear spatial zoning to allows for segments of the home to be independently occupied without affecting the adjacent spaces, complete with independent external access. Effectively this turns the house into a series of ‘apartments’ which can operate as one integrated family house, whilst allowing for future independence for their teenage children to still live at home if they choose, their parents to age in place when the time comes, the option to rent a segment of their house and have passive income without having roommates and the ability to have a fully functioning office from home, all whist providing better spatial volume control for acoustics and energy efficiency.

What is/are your favourite project/s you have worked on and why?

The Infinity Views project which was recently completed was of course a favourite, as the sheer experiential nature of the result is undeniable and it was great to be able to present a residential project to the public and receive personal feedback, which is a rarity.

At the other end of the spectrum, a project I recently completed in Shelley I thoroughly enjoyed had a tiny fraction of the budget, however the clients were on board throughout the process with a simple idea – can a narrow block design be so open as to connect the front boundary visually and physically with the rear, creating a massive sense of space rarely seen in these design typologies. This was accomplished by a top heavy, Tetris-like design, opening half of the block on the ground floor and cantilevering the top sections over for shade, amenity and solar passive design. The result is simple, cost effective and uses reliable and tested construction techniques, but the resulting large interconnected exterior areas and correctly oriented outlook from habitable spaces was fantastic. A credit to the clients.

To date, what has been your biggest business/design challenge and how did you overcome it?

Perhaps not singular, but something faced on most projects – designing with appropriate and contextual priorities and doing so with budgets in which these items may not have been previously considered. For example, creating a design which is far more energy efficient, utilises interesting and contextual forms for spatial and light quality, and is built using better techniques, standards and contracts than may have been considered by the clients – this costs money. The question is not of spending more, but of having a conversation about priorities and about the realities of how one lives and the architectural options to accommodate this in different ways. Do you need a separate theatre space, gym, music

05 Whos who

The materials palette was kept honest and timeless, to ensure it became the backdrop for the surrounding environment. Timber was used to soften the mass and blend in with the landscape, as well as for its ability to wrap corners and create extremely efficient wall composites.

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Five by Five

room and games room, or can these functions be brought together intelligently saving meterage and thus cost? Is your carport or garage being used to simply house a vehicle, or can we do more? Are items in the brief because of ‘keeping up with the Joneses’ or will these items be used and enjoyed throughout the lifetime of the project? This discussion can have massive positive outcomes for the clients and ensure that money saved is re-prioritised into making spaces that are the most used, optimal.

In terms of professional development, what do you want to know more about?

Keeping up to date with the ever-changing codes and compliance requirements is always very useful, but I personally find the best long-term development arises from presentations from Architects and Designers whom I look up to and help inspire personal improvement.

What is your favourite finish or feature?

Do you have any words of wisdom for a student wanting to work in your profession? Whatever works in context. I do not think there is an answer without a specific project, site and client. That being said, I am a sucker for select Like many professions, the day-to-day running timber ceilings or walls, offset with a palette of of a practice may little resemble what many white and concrete, which I think tends to students may imagine. Designing a project is stand the test of time. one thing, and obviously an important one at that, but the skill to deliver that design, intact What is your favourite architectural style? and with its ideology still in place, is the job.

Communications skills, people skills, project Contextualism, which is a cop-out answer, management, technical knowledge, as it simply is a process in which a structure documentation prowess and the myriad of is designed in response to its culture and other delivery skills, may in practice be used more often and have a significant effect on the environment. And I do love me some Brutalism. success of project. It is an all-rounded What is your favourite Australian building? profession and there is a place for everyone, but I would ensure that communications skills, both verbal and written, which you will be using This could change weekly! The Curtin Architecture Building 201 might be my all day, every day, are highly polished. favourite – a building which people generally hate for is bizarre room layout and liberal use Why did you join Design Matters National? of concrete, until you realise and learn its Being part of a design community is important complexities, beauty and nuances – then you are part of an intimate club. to ensure there is a line of communication, collaboration, respect and support between What is your favourite international like-minded professionals. And having a building? platform to voice items of professional importance to the greater community is vital.

Impossible to commit to one! The Capilla del Retiro by Undurraga Devés Arquitectos in Chile is criminally underrated.

Which designer currently inspires your work?

I’m currently going back through the classics. , perhaps Australia’s first great architectural export - I am currently really enjoying trawling through his portfolio and works, especially in Canada.

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With a caveat on building height, a three-storey design, a must for view optimisation, required detailed and complex structural design and consideration to ensure a compliant design. The floors in the plan are offset in key areas, inspired by the layering of the cliffs of which the residence sits, and create cantilevered sections putting the occupant in positions to feel like they are directly connected to the environment.

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Five by Five

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Five minutes with…

Kristin Rurade, Senior Thermal Performance Assessor & Production Manager Floyd Energy, Melbourne floydenergy.com.au

Biography: I started at Floyd Energy in March 2013 after working in another great energy rating business for seven years. I also have experience in architectural drafting, and interior decoration and design.

In 2005 I commenced working towards qualifications in building thermal performance.

Since then, I have qualifications in Certificate IV in NatHERS Assessment, specifically accredited in AccuRate. I am a DMN and BASIX Accredited Thermal Performance Assessor.

Good design, both from an aesthetic point of view and as part of caring for the environment, is what I want to be a part of. I understand there are many considerations that go into a building’s design, including thermal performance. My enjoyment comes from providing people with cost effective ways to meet requirements, and especially in helping clients understand the thermal considerations of their dwelling.

Why did you join Design Matters National?

When I first became accredited, I was a part of ABSA. Our office made the collective decision to move over to BDAV(DMN) in 2016 due to financial considerations as well as the ongoing training/quality continuing professional development provided. Being a part of Design Matters National helps me keep connected and up to date with current Australian building design matters as well as thermal performance.

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To date, what has been your biggest business challenge and how did you overcome it?

Our biggest challenge has been dealing with the ebbs and flows of work due to outside influences, and finding people with the right skills set to meet this challenge. Our aim, and hopefully accomplishment, is to provide a variety of energy rating and ESD services in a timely matter, with the end user (the home occupier) in mind.

Why did you become a thermal performance assessor (TPA)?

Since early high school I’ve had some interest in buildings and design, and since my midtwenties some interest in looking after the environment. I was working in architectural drafting some years ago and was offered some part-time work in energy rating. I found that I enjoyed the energy rating more than the drafting and the rest is history! What I love about this industry is that I still get to look at house designs all day, but I also have more of a part in looking after the environment and the people who live in the dwellings I rate.

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Five by Five

The energy rating industry has developed over What are you working on now, and could you share something unique you’re bringing the years into a specialized industry of it’s own as there’s a fair amount of information and to the project? technical detail to keep on top of, and different State and Territory legislations to consider.

I have a few interesting architecturallydesigned projects at the moment:- ranging from one that was originally a 1 Star dwelling; a As far as energy efficiency goes, obviously the few hovering around 5 Star, heading towards 6 physics hasn’t changed, but the measures do.

Stars; and one heading towards 10. All of these Star ratings and stringencies have increased, measures have been modified or changed, and have their challenges with the materials and new programs and sectors of the industry have constructions – mostly in how to practically been introduced. incorporate more insulation in the exterior shell of the building without adversely affecting Do you have any words of wisdom for the design. The best thing about all of these projects is the clients I’m working with:- they all students wanting to be part of or who is care and want to work together with me to find currently working in your profession? a practical solution that satisfies their particular I don’t know about words of wisdom, but I think energy rating requirements. I enjoy the it’s imperative that anyone working in this problem solving, although, it’s great to have industry has a good working knowledge of how projects that breeze through too. buildings are put together, and are willing to learn every day. So, do what courses you can What is your favourite software tool that interest you and that will enhance your and why? building, thermal physics and ESD knowledge and skills, and don’t be afraid to ask questions.

I have to say AccuRate, otherwise I will lose It is important to have basic thermal physics my job at Floyd Energy! On a serious note knowledge – you don’t need to be an engineer, though, it is the benchmark software for but you do need to have a knowledge of how energy rating and allows the most accuracy and refinement of the energy rating softwares heat is transferred – and how insulation (bulk and reflective), thermal mass, shading, I’ve experienced. ventilation all work within a building. The last thing I would say – and not the least important How has thermal performance assessing - is to get into a habit of following good (Energy Rating) and energy efficiency methods and checking processes. changed over the years?

I’ve been energy rating dwellings since 2005.

As energy rating is a relatively new industry it’s been really interesting (and somewhat helpful for me) to learn and grow with the industry.

I started out with FirstRate 4, which I can barely remember, except to know it was a fairly simple process to input data. I then moved on to BERS Pro along with those in the office I was working with. Having a background in architectural drafting made the data entry process and optimisation relatively easy to understand.

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Five by Five

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Five minutes with…

Lee De Jong, Owner/ Proprietor, Lee B De Jong Residential Design & Planning www.leebdejongdesign.com.au

Second to that, I do find self-promotion What are you working on now, and could you share something unique you’re bringing challenging. I know that I should perhaps have a slick website and glorious social to the project? media accounts, but I find it difficult to get the motivation for such things. I remain All projects that are currently underway are exciting in their own way however I have found incredibly busy and maybe a little too that it is a subsidiary service that has occurred comfortable in that to concern myself about the advertising component. accidentally that I have been able to have significant personal input into.

Do you have any words of wisdom for a student wanting to work in your profession?

I have been involved in quite a few smaller start-up Building firms and have consulted in Learn to construct and never stop learning. the formation of the client handling, Be engaged and excited on how things go management processes in an attempt to together rather than how they appear in a streamline the manner in which clients are modelling tool. Focus on the important, engaged and worked with. This is something rather than the pretty. that I have obviously always carried out for myself but now I am quite happily sharing that Why did you join Design Matters National? component of my work.

What is/are your favourite project/s you have worked on and why?

A custom ‘Craftsman’ style home built approximately five years ago on the South Western side of Geelong. The final result was incredible and was a huge collaborative effort with the Owner and Trades. The level of finer detailing added to the result and reward.

Overall, it was simply a great project to be associated with.

Another project from the past, an addition in a leafy Melbourne suburb involved lifting a roof and attic and inserting an entire new level into the home. It was complex, it was a little messy at times, but the final result was fantastic To date, what has been your biggest business/design challenge and how did you overcome it?

Thirty years ago, the Building Designers Association was reasonably fledging, and so I was a member of the HIA as they appeared to be able to offer me the better resources and support. After a five year spell of working for a volume builder and then moving back into my own practise, the Building Designers Association, as it was then known, offered me far more than I could get from any other organisation. The rest is history.

In terms of professional development, what do you want to know more about?

New building techniques, new materials and finishes and the evolution of sustainable building.

What is your favourite finish or feature?

Just about anything natural. I love the timelessness of timber and whilst concrete itself may not be natural, the myriad of finishing methods of concrete is something that I find inspiring.

Honestly, the increased and more intense level of work since Covid hit our shores. Saying ‘no’ to people and managing client expectations and deadlines has been something that I have What is your favourite architectural style? truly found challenging. This has involved not giving the same attention to clients that I would I do love the elegance, organisation and like or normally give. balance of Classical Architecture however I find the fast-evolving Modern styles, good and not so good, always interesting.

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05 Whos who

One of Lee’s favourite buildings is The Burj Khalifa if only for its reach of human endeavour.

What is your favourite Australian building?

The Sydney Opera House, without a doubt.

It may be a cliché favourite but there are very few buildings around the world that capture the personality of an entire nation and of which is an internationally known symbol as the Opera House. It is to Australia what the Eiffel Tower is to France. It is an unarguable fact that after nearly fifty years the design remains exciting and fresh.

What is your favourite international building?

I don’t think I have a favourite international building, but my favourite international buildings are also very cliche. Those that grabbed my attention as a teenager are still close to my heart as favourites and more so after seeing most of them in person. There are a few: the Pantheon in Rome for its form and longevity. The Eiffel Tower for its perfection and accuracy. The Guggenheim in New York for its breaking of tradition, Al-Aqsa Mosque for its attention to detail and sheer beauty and more recently, perhaps the Burj Khalifa for its reach of human endeavour.

Which designer currently inspires your work?

It may sound a little non-committal, but I generally find buildings and design inspirational rather than Designers/ Architects themselves. There are a myriad of designers out there that are producing a lot of really interesting work.

Designers and Architects as well as their clients are becoming braver as more materials, finishes and options become available.

My main focus is residential construction and so I generally find something to excite in most custom home designs. The short answer may be “all and none”.

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Five by Five

05 Whos who

Five minutes with…

Dianne Bayley, Director, Registered Building Practitioner, Building Designer, Interior Designer, Williamstown, Vic www.pascodesign.com.au

What are you working on now and could you share something unique you’re bringing to the project?

I am currently involved in 9 projects, all at different stages (who would have thought in a pandemic), and each one is different! One is the rebuild of a Victorian terrace that’s was involved in a fire, 2 new houses, and one a complete refit of an existing contemporary home.

The main points of difference that I bring to my projects are: Due to my double qualification (Architectural draftsperson and Interior Design degree) I view the design of a building in a holistic way, designing the building and interiors simultaneously

loved how appropriate the style of living would be for Australia. It was a long project for me - I was involved in the complete building/exterior and interior design, bringing clients dreams to life, interpreting, detailing...while trying to be authentic and not kitsch! The bonus was that they were lovely, easy clients to work with and they engaged a builder who was happy to go the extra mile to get the detailing and proportions correct.

To date, what has been your biggest business/design challenge and how did you overcome it?

My biggest challenge has been marketing what I do, and how it is unique - an equal combination of interior and building design, designed as one at the same time and not 2 separate entities to stand alone. That is hard to explain to new clients, so I find showing them past projects and the end results explains it best.

Diversity - I bring my clients dreams to life, rather than imposing my dreams on them. I take a lot of time to draw out their day to day needs as well as how they see themselves living Do you have any words of wisdom for a student wanting to work in your profession? over the next 10-20 years.

I draw by hand - a dinosaur of sorts, but it is how I design and think best. It is often a point of surprise for planners and building surveyors, but my clients love the feel and look of trace/ paper drawings. Some have asked to frame them....

What is/are your favourite project/s you have worked on and why?

My favorite project from the last few years would be a Mediterranean style home - my Clients had spent many years travelling and

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Develop the ability to communicate clearly and positively as early as possible. It will hold you in good stead in university presentations, and later when communicating ideas/process to clients and with consultants and trades.

Why did you join Design Matters National?

I joined Design Matters National to find like minded people who also do what I do. The connections I have made are invaluable.

However, the information shared, along with the added CPD/learning opportunities have been a huge, if unexpected bonus.

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05 Whos who

In my profession, I want to know more about...

What is your favourite international interior?

In my profession, I want to know more about.... the constant changes to regs and standards, broken down into smaller ‘bites’. To be armed with updated information re planning and building on a regular basis would be very valuable.

I love hotels and hotel design in general - I have worked on a few over the years, and lived in some while I worked on them.

A few favorites that I would love to visit are Nobu Hotel London, Hotel Magnolia Santiago (Chile), Royal Champagne Hotel & Spa (France) Amerikalinjen Oslo (Norway) and Alila Fort Bishangarh (India) just to name a few.

What is your favourite interiors feature?

I have 2 favorite areas, because both form the basis of the home. 1) the kitchen - the hub of the home where most communication seems to take place. It can be where we prepare food, eat, do homework, entertain etc. The other feature is 2) the interface and connection between the interior and exterior. We live so much of our lives outside and so that connection needs to be seamless and easy, but often is not.

What is your favourite interior design style?

Contemporary clean lines, neutral/warm palette, simple with some eclectic detailing.

Lots of natural light and connection to the outside/garden/living spaces.

What is your favourite Australian interior?

My favourite changes daily, but today I love the Twig House by Leeton Pointon Architects and Allison Pye Interiors. This Melbourne house uses a lot of concrete, but it is softened with timber flooring and (minimal) joinery, soft curved lines and masses of glazing that look out on to living ‹green walls› and outdoor living spaces. All my favorite things!

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Which designer currently inspires your work?

Again, I cant name just one! Architect Zaha Hadid was a favorite early on - she overcame so much to start her design practice. I love her fluid design and the seamless way that exteriors and interiors meld into one.

Kelly Werstler - American Hotel and residential designer - for her eclectic style that still looks controlled and considered, her whimsy and amazing eye for detail Local Interior Designers Mim Design, David Hicks and Carr Design - all classical, elegant, pared back with unexpected eclectic details.

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05 Whos who

Five by Five

05 Whos who

Five minutes with…

Jaspreet Singh, Building Designer, arcinovationz www.arcinovationz.com.au

What are you working on now, and could you share something unique you’re bringing to the project?

To date, what has been your biggest business/design challenge and how did you overcome it?

I am working on a mix of projects ranging from residential homes, places of worship to warehouses, but the real challenge is the shop top housing project in a heritage conservation zone at Goulburn.

Covid has been our biggest challenge so far.

Hurried arrangements had to be made for all team members to work remotely.

Consequently, office data had to be moved to cloud computing and new equipment and software was sourced for the team, additionally client meetings were moved to video conferencing.

The uniqueness of my design is how space is maximised, transforming a narrow 4.8m facade with a 40 m deep commercial space with two street frontages into a mixed used building.

The final design consists of a restaurant, an office and a garage on the lower level.

Additionally, the upper level will house two apartments with double bedrooms and balconies, doing all this while maintaining its original circa 1900 facade. The light and ventilation has been creatively incorporated in the unique design of the roof as no windows were possible because of existing abutting walls of adjoining properties.

What is/are your favourite project/s you have worked on and why?

My all time favourite project is the dome shaped meditation centre that I designed in the year 2000.

The structural shell was a Geodesic Dome made with steel struts and covered with fibre glass externally.

I enjoyed working on it and loved the sheer speed of development where the dome structure was bolted on site in a day. he beauty of the dome is the warm echo during meditation sessions.

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Patience and resilience surely paid a huge role in managing and overcoming these challenges.

Do you have any words of wisdom for a student wanting to work in your profession?

Working in this profession, it has become very apparent the power of creativity and its role in satisfying clients and project requirements.

No two projects are the same and you will always be required to think outside of the box and channel your visionary self. Whilst enjoying this journey of learning and growth, it is important to attempt all challenges and grab any opportunities of experience that come your way.

Do not fear to use your imagination; unleash yourself.

Why did you join Design Matters National?

I joined the Design Matters National as it offered a great platform to connect with industry professionals and share my passion for architecture and design. Keeping up with latest happenings in the industry only inspires and motivates me to take up more challenging projects. I am ultimately grateful for this opportunity as I continue my development as an architect in the ever-growing field.

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Five by Five

05 Whos who

In terms of professional development, what do you want to know more about?

As I continue my professional development, I would love to grow a better understanding of new design products and construction techniques that hold the potential to produce smart, sustainable homes. Alongside this, I would like to explore how to utilise technology in producing 3D, virtual reality walk throughs of home designs. This prospect gets me exited for the future of architecture and the ability to present clients with new perspectives of their home.

What is your favourite finish or feature?

My favourite material has to be the reclaimed timber, the unique character & story that it brings to projects really suits my design aesthetics whilst also being environmentally friendly.

What is your favourite architectural style?

The architecture of the Victorian Era is my favourite.

The steeply pitched roofs paired with the ornate gables & painted iron railings provide an elegance and character to the building that I simply adore. Greeted by the grand staircases with high ceilings and decorative fireplaces upon entering takes me back to the 19th Century.

What is your favourite Australian building?

Sydney Town Hall fascinates me with its Victorian interiors, mansard roofs & carved sandstone decorations. Every time I visit Sydney Town Hall the quote by Frank Gehry comes to my mind “Architecture should speak of its time and place but yearn for timelessness.”

What is your favourite international building?

Guggenheim Museum in New York city is my favourite. How its unique cylindrical exterior swirls to the sky and how its width grows as it reaches up, amazes me to this day.

Its Sculptural Masterpiece Organic shapes in the interior and minimalist yet Modernist design has and will always continue to motivate and inspire me.

Which designer currently inspires your work?

Frank Lloyd Wright’s work has been a continuous inspiration throughout my profession. Where appropriate, I love using Wright’s designs as precedent, mirroring his vision of not only focusing on the building’s appearance but how it would connect with occupants. Similarly, I take inspiration from his style choices of designing the perfect harmony between humanity and the environment, a philosophy he called organic architecture, which I admire fondly and try to incorporate in my designs.

Every time I visit Sydney Town Hall the quote by Frank Gehry comes to my mind “Architecture should speak of its time and place but yearn for timelessness.”

Top right: Guggenheim Museum New York designed by Frank Lloyd Wright.

Right: Robie House designed by Frank Lloyd Wright 1909.

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Inspired by the curves of the Swan River below, the textural quality of the surrounding landscape, and with design cues derived from luxury yachts, the form of the residence is fluid with almost no standard right-angle geometry to be found. Instead, the form of the building is a series of angled walls and curved junctions, the shape of the spaces informed by maximising the views, whilst creating a sense of privacy and serenity.

The Building Designers of Western Australia As we look back on the first year of WA members being a part of the Design Matters National community, it really is a remarkable journey that Building Designers have travelled in Western Australia. I spoke with Alex Willis from Willis Design Group who was one of the 18 founding members (figure 1), member number 14 in fact! He has much of this history stored in hard copy and shared some key dates with us. He recalls the idea of forming an association was first suggested by R.D Alvaro (Convenor) on 26 June, 1985. However, it was Laurie Maiolo on the 9th December 1986 at 7.30pm who formally launched the Association at its first meeting held in the HIA boardroom, Onslow Street Shenton Park. The second meeting was not until 12 May, 1987 at the Shenton Park Hotel where the first set of certificates were issued. The very first newsletter was released on 14 July, 1987 (figure 2) and the name changed to The Building Designers Association of Western Australia in mid 1992. By then the Association had grown to 46 members.

Australian Institute of Technology (WAIT) was established in Bentley and started their Architecture Department and The TED Architectural Drafting course was transferred to Leederville Technical College where it teamed up with Building Studies. WAIT became Curtin University and TED became TAFE. The drafting course remained at Leederville until it was transferred, in April 2011, to the new Northbridge Facility. During the 1990’s regional courses were started in Albany, Bunbury and Geraldton.

Over the past 30 years the association (BDAWA now DMN) has seen a transition through many formidable presidents and office bearers such as Laurie Maiolo, Mario Tascone, Ian Ogborne, Paul Wilson and Pip Smith. Each individual (you know who you are) has contributed time, energy and wisdom to progress the identity of building designers as a profession in Western Australia. Under this leadership the Association continued to grow and represented the talent and skills of our members. And now as we look to 2022 and beyond, the future for Building Designers in I also spoke to Stephen Young who has been WA is truly exciting. While we still have some an integral part of the formal education and battles to win as a profession, we have never qualifications for building designers. The been in a stronger position to do so. I Technical Education Division (TED) of WA encourage you to use the many resources commenced an Architectural Drafting course that we offer to members, to lean on us for at Perth Technical College in the 1960’s. It was support, education and opportunities as we based in the old James Street Building (now repurposed). Around the late sixties the course enter a new era for Building Designers. split off into two different directions: The West Hayley Sims State Manager WA & NT

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“What I can say is that joining the BDAWA was the best thing I did for my design career. I joined as an associate in November 2003 and that really got my business going. I decided that I needed to contribute to the association and got onto the management committee and for many years was part of the member services committee.

Through that involvement I developed some great friendships.

The member services committee meetings were as much a social meeting as a work session to assess member applications as our meetings were held at various restaurants. The members of that committee still get together occasionally now over a meal.”

- Terry Mckewon

FOUNDING MEMBERS 1 LAURIE MAIOLO (arch) President 2 RONALD MASSEY (arch) Secretary 3 ROD JURICH (arch)Treasurer 4 ARMAND NOOR (arch) Committee Member 5 ALLAN MACDONALD (arch) Committee Member 6 LOU DI VIRGILIO (arch) 7 CHRIS ROBINSON (arch/struct) 8 PAUL JACKSON (arch) 9 RUSSELL JONES (arch) 10 LLOYD BAKER 11 KEN MEASURE (mech) 12 COLIN CLEAVER (mech) 13 MURRAY MIDDLETON (arch) 14 ALEXANDER WILLIS (arch) 15 IAN BAYLEY (arch) 16 DANNY PASAROS (arch) 17 SEBASTIAN RAVI ((arch) 18 GEOFFREY FRANCIS (arch)

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Top Right: This project is both inspired by and a product of its site constraints, the raw natural landscape, robust materials and construction methods, and the Client’s active participation. The form has been shaped by the north orientation, views beyond, prevailing breezes, the slope of the site, and the Client’s lifestyle.

Right: Stealth Farmhouse 2.0 is a refined fusion of the traditional farmhouse and contemporary building design. Visually unified yet individual the two main pavilions have an elegant rhythm and repetition achieved with a complementary palette of materials and playful form. The dark-clad home blends into the environment despite the commanding facade.

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06 Nuts & Bolts

DMN Committee of Management

Representing the interests of some 2000 members, we introduce the new committee members that work together to support, manage and develop DMN’s activities and services across Australia.

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06 Nuts & Bolts Luke Middleton (Committee Member) EME design For over two decades, Luke has been committed to creating beautiful and efficient architecture. Luke’s approach combines design with research and education. Driven by a passion to deliver positive architectural outcomes, he has received 50+ awards for both design and research including: Building Design of the Year 2017, Best of the Best 2018 - Sustainability Awards, Best Industry Paper - SASBE 2018.

Luke’s experience in design, sustainability, education, and advocacy will complement and enhance the growth of Design Matters National’s leadership and influence throughout Australia.

Catherine Ciavarella (Committee Member) RMIT – Advanced Diploma of Building Design (Architectural) Catherine has over 40 years’ experience in the Building Design Industry. Catherine has been the coordinator of the Advanced Diploma of Building Design (Architectural) with RMIT, for 9 years. In her building design practice, she has been involved with architectural services for new works, additions and alterations and heritage projects for both the public and private sector clients since 1981.

Catherine has a broad range of experience across residential, education, special needs, commercial and civic projects.

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Ingrid Hornung (President)

Peter Lombo (Vice President)

Designs for You

Archsign

Ingrid has been working as a Melbourne-based building designer since 1996 and has been an active member of DMN since 2002; she is currently serving as President.

Peter graduated at RMIT University in 1986 with an Associate Diploma of Architectural Technology and founded Archsign in 1988.

Ingrid’s passion is creating and adapting homes for her clients in a way that combines delight, practicality and sustainability.

She is a firm believer that that every renovation is an opportunity to make a difference, to both people and the environment; and is committed to giving back to an association that has always focused on supporting and promoting its members.

Peter’s passion for collaboration and rapport with his team ensure the best quality in design and value for clients. His direction is prominent during the quality assurance of the design, documentation and construction phase, including ongoing coordination with client representatives, project managers and consultants. Peter is a member of the Building Practitioners’ Board (BPB) and has received a number of awards for his work.

Right: Newport Specialists Centre, Archsign Newport Complete Family Care ILUKA, Ocean Grove, Archsign and Mila Development Group

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06 Nuts & Bolts Greg Blanch (Treasurer)

Dominique Hunter (Immediate Past President)

DETAIL 3 Building Design

Hunter & Richards

Working in architecture since 1975, Greg holds an Advanced Diploma Building Design and Project Administration With a broad understanding of architectural practice, Greg has special expertise in the technical aspects of design development, documentation and contract administration. Greg has also provided significant mentoring and specialist consulting, particularly with regards to general architectural practice and contractual arrangements. Greg has lectured nationally and locally on behalf of the Australia Institute of Architects.

Dominique is a registered building practitioner, founder and design director at Hunter & Richards Interior Design. Bringing more than 20 years’ design expertise and industry knowledge, Dominique has served on the Committee of Management for 12 years, having held both the position of Treasurer and Vice President. Dominique’s ambition is to help the Association shape a cohesive design industry, built on teamwork and collaboration amongst all design parties, driving the celebration of good building design through continued education, advocacy and communication.

Left: Escala Newquay, an eclectic collection of innovative lofts, stylish apartments and home offices.

By DETAIL 3 Building Design.

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Jeremy Spencer (Committee Member)

Jason Saunders (Committee Member)

Positive Footprints

Arc Seven.1

A registered builder since 2006 and Thermal Performance Assessor since 2004, Jeremy is director at Design & Building company Positive Footprints. Positive Footprints combine sustainable design, thermal assessment, and construction into one company, making high performance sustainable homes and renovations easy to achieve and affordable. Along with his co-director wife, and team of committed craftsmen, they make modern low impact living a reality for clients.

arc seven.1 building and interior design, is a multi-award-winning practice established in 2004. As part of a small professional team, Jason Saunders has over 20 years’ experience in offering a personalised, individual design service. Committed to design excellence, Jason provides innovative solutions that are tailored to the clients’ requirements with each project reflecting the individuality of the client, their lifestyle, as well as the location of the site.

Jeremy has given numerous lecturers over the years, taught with Master Builders Greenliving program, and co-hosted a building segment on ABC radio, in an effort to spread what he has learnt, and make sustainable construction a mainstream proposition.

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06 Nuts & Bolts The Red Shed

Darron Lyons (Committee Member)

Darron has been an active Member of Design Matters National since 2016, a building designer for almost 20 years, and he has owned The Red Shed since 2007. The Red Shed is a team of professional Building Designers specialising in new residential, residential extensions, new commercial and commercial extensions. Darron’s passion is working closely with his clients to build custom-designed homes that meet his client’s brief, are functional and sustainable. Darron brings unique skills and experience to the Committee of Management and wants to explore crosslearning opportunities with his fellow Members about the climatic differences between Victorian and NT building design.

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