Roof Extenda brackets, available in 316 stainless steel or zinc-nickel coated steel, create a stylish outdoor space. Ideal for wooden-framed homes, they are adjustable, allowing enhanced ventilation by creating a new roofline. Easy to install, the brackets provide a secure fixing by attaching to the rafter and top plate, with a steel-frame option arriving in 2025.
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BRANKO MILETIC
As 2025 unfolds, sustainability and housing affordability remain intertwined challenges that will shape the global housing market. With climate change accelerating and urban populations continuing to grow, the pressure to balance environmental priorities with economic accessibility is intensifying.
Perhaps Australia should look at governments in regions like Europe and North America that are increasingly tying subsidies and tax incentives to ecofriendly housing developments. The rise of AI and smart technologies will also allow for more precise energy monitoring and resource management within homes, reducing costs and emissions.
However, this progress may widen the affordability gap. Many of these sustainable innovations come with high upfront costs, making them inaccessible to low-income families. Without targeted policies, such as subsidies for green retrofitting or incentives for developers to build affordable eco-friendly housing, the benefits of sustainable living may remain exclusive to higherincome demographics.
On the affordability front, housing shortages, rising interest rates, and inflation are likely to persist as global economic challenges. Governments must prioritise zoning reforms, increased investment in public housing, and partnerships with private developers to expand affordable housing stock. Innovative models like community land trusts and cooperative housing could provide scalable solutions, offering affordable options while fostering sustainable development.
In 2025, success in tackling these dual crises will depend on integrating sustainability into the affordable housing conversation. Policies must ensure that ecofriendly housing is accessible to all, not just the privileged few. Only then can we create a housing future that is not only green but also equitable, ensuring a sustainable legacy for generations to come.
In this, our first issue for 2025, we look at residential design, with a special focus on solar roofing solutions, showers, blinds & shutters, and Passive Haus design.
There is also a unique and stunning Sections thesis –our first one for the year as well as a look at what could be the dawn of a new era of urban development in Southeast Asia.
There are several exciting stories for the new year including some novel ideas on housing affordability, the history of sustainable house design in Australia, a revealing interview with COX Architecture and a story straight out of left field that shows how some people are buying retirement villas that float on water.
Overall, this year will be a momentous one – with Trump beginning his second term in the White House, all the way to tracking more frequent climatic issues that we see are becoming not just statistical outliers, but regular patterns of daily living on this Earth.
Welcome back – and strap yourselves as something tells me it’s going to be one hell of a ride.
ON THE COVER Fun Haus by Alexander Symes Architect (ASA) 2024 Sustainability Awards Single Dwelling (Alteration/Addition) category winner. Fun Haus seeks to push preconceptions of space per person on a small urban site, whilst still providing residents access to a generous private garden space.
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Mark Austin, Director at Austin Maynard Architects, has been named a Fellow of the Royal Australian Institute of Architects (FRAIA), a recognition that honours his remarkable contributions to the field over the past two decades.
Looking ahead, Austin is particularly excited about advancements in sustainable materials and technologies, including carbon-neutral and high-recycled-content products that align with his firm’s eco-conscious philosophy.
In a move that’s aligned with their growth trajectory and global success, Australian architecture and design practice bureau^proberts has officially launched a new studio in London. The practice has a longstanding affinity with the Middle East, and has designed and delivered commissions in China and Southeast Asia. The new London studio will complement their existing Australian HQ in Brisbane.
Located in Holborn, bureau^proberts’ new office is headed by project director and London studio lead Monika Laudencka-Sobik, who was previously a project director at NEOM.
Brisbane-based Architect and Director of Five Mile Radius, Clare Kennedy was named the recipient of the 2024 Dunbar Fellowship in recognition of her innovative research into circular design practices that aim to redefine Australian architecture.
The Fellowship is awarded annually by the Queensland chapter of the Australian Institute of Architects (AIA).
Kennedy will use the Fellowship to investigate sustainable design methodologies in Thailand, Indonesia, and China, focusing on material efficiency, community engagement, and regenerative practices.
Kennedy’s research proposal stood out for its potential to address one of architecture’s most pressing challenges: transitioning from resource-intensive models to sustainable, closed-loop systems.
The research will culminate in an educational program, public lecture, academic publication, and a toolkit to help architects adopt circular practices. By partnering with studios such as Sher Maker in Thailand and Ibuku in Indonesia, Kennedy will gather insights into how sustainable design can be implemented in both commercial and community settings.
Three exceptional leaders, Director Susanne Pini, Principal Rob Corcoran and Victorian Studio Leader Megan Carroll, have joined the team. Together, they add decades of local and international expertise in architecture, design, and construction, strengthening the practice’s collective vision for the practice.
Pini is a highly respected, award-winning leader in architecture and urban design, celebrated for her transformative approach to master planning, mixed-use projects, and public realm design. With over 30 years of global experience across Australia, China, the US,
and Canada, she consistently delivers visionary, human-centered environments.
As Principal, Corcoran is an industry heavyhitter across the retail and mixed-use space, with lead roles on iconic projects such as Chadstone, Castle Towers, and Westpoint. Carroll offers extensive project delivery experience, most recently leading the 19,000sqm SEEK HQ building in Melbourne, and has a deep commitment to the design process underlined by her strong human-led approach to people and culture.
NEW CHAPTER AT TERROIR
TERROIR has announced a significant restructure aimed at enhancing its capabilities while laying the foundation for future growth. This evolution seeks to reinforce TERROIR’s role as a thought leader and bolster its ability to deliver meaningful projects that connect people with place, a mission made even more critical by the challenges of a changing climate.
The restructure introduces four new Principals to focus on key areas: Cassandra Kiss (Business Development), David McPeak (Projects), Mikkel Møller Roesdahl (Research and Innovation), and Emily Slevin (Practice). These Principals will work closely with TERROIR’s Founding Directors, Scott
Balmforth and Professor Gerard Reinmuth, to advance the firm’s expertise. Additionally, Kimberley Angangan (Sydney) and Mitchell Gardoll (Hobart) have been appointed as Studio Leads, further strengthening the leadership team.
Completing the leadership group are Associates Isabella Buddee, Joshua Lynch, and Paul Sayers, who collectively bring over 75 years of experience at TERROIR. The firm plans to commemorate its 25th anniversary year with a series of celebratory events, highlighting its ongoing evolution and commitment to creating impactful architecture in the years ahead.
AMANDA CHAN JOINS GRAY PUKSAND’S MELBOURNE STUDIO
Joining Gray Puksand’s Melbourne studio, Senior Associate Amanda Chan brings more than ten years of experience in health architecture and a robust knowledge of emerging sector trends gained from industry involvement and serving as Chair of the Health Architecture and Design Network.
A registered architect in Victoria, Chan has successfully led the delivery of highly complex projects for major healthcare providers, including the recent $1.1 billion redevelopment of Frankston Hospital and projects for Austin Health and Monash Health.
Her appointment strengthens Gray Puksand’s growing portfolio of projects in the health and science sector, advancing the practice’s mission to deliver transformative solutions for Australia’s healthcare landscape.
Van Tang has been appointed GHD’s new Chief Executive Officer for the Asia Pacific (APAC) region, effective 1 December. In this role, she will lead the company’s operations in Australia, New Zealand, Philippines, Singapore, Papua New Guinea and Fiji, comprising more than 5600 people.
Tang is an accomplished leader and civil engineer, with over 25 years of experience and a proven track record in strategic and transformational growth and performance.
With experience in diverse markets, she has held a variety of roles at GHD, including her current role as Executive General Manager of New Zealand Asia Pacific.
Other roles in her GHD career have included General Manager of the company’s South Australia and New Zealand regions, as well as leadership roles on major transport and defence projects.
John McAslan + Partners has appointed Andrew Shields as a director, bolstering the practice’s international transport team as it delivers infrastructure projects around the globe.
Shields will be located in the Sydney studio, bringing his extensive experience in rail to the practice’s Australian transport work. He is joined in Sydney by Davie Paterson, who has been appointed to the newly created role of project manager.
Shields has over 40 years of experience in the UK and Asia, and has worked on transport and infrastructure in Hong Kong, Japan, China, India and Singapore.
For the past seven years he has worked in Australia on some of the nation’s largest metro projects. He said the opportunity to work again as part of a renowned international design practice is what drew him to the role.
Paterson joins the practice from the Deloitte’s Responsible Business division.
National interdisciplinary design practice
Hames Sharley has welcomed Rehana Ghouze to the team as Principal of Finance.
With over 30 years’ global experience across all facets of finance, Ghouze brings her expertise in management, cost and financial accounting, along with skills in handling both front- and back-office finance operations.
Having worked across diverse industries and managed teams across continents - including Australia, the United Kingdom, United States, India and Sri Lanka - Ghouze brings accomplished leadership experience with a global perspective. She is a Fellow of CIMA (UK), an Associate Member of CPA Australia, and holds a Master of Business Administration.
Harleen Grewal has recently joined POCO Designs as a Senior Interior Designer, marking an exciting new chapter in her career. In her new role, she will focus on designing bespoke furnishings and pushing creative boundaries.
For aspiring interior designers, her advice is simple but powerful: be bold and fearless with colour. While she remained tight-lipped about upcoming projects, her passion and vision suggest exciting developments on the horizon.
AJC Architects has announced a series of key promotions that will further strengthen its leadership team and reinforce its commitment to excellence in design and project delivery. With a focus on growing the practice’s expertise across multiple sectors, the team has welcomed two new Studio Directors and a new Studio Lead to our leadership ranks.
Vera Batalha and Lee Collard have been appointed as Studio Directors, reflecting their significant contributions to the architectural landscape and their ongoing leadership within AJC.
Batalha has been with AJC for 11 years, and Collard for 13 years, demonstrating their long-term commitment to the practice and its growth.
Batalha brings over 30 years of experience, blending architecture with an interior sensibility that creates award-winning spaces across residential, educational, and civic sectors. Her promotion to Studio Director solidifies her role in shaping the future of sports and community architecture at AJC.
Collard has led complex urban projects for over 25 years, with expertise spanning multiresidential, mixed-use, and adaptive reuse developments. With a focus on enhancing public spaces and creating meaningful environments, Collard’s appointment as Studio Director reinforces AJC’s commitment to delivering large-scale, impactful projects across the multi-residential and mixed-use sectors.
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WORDS FRANK JORDAN
A knee-jerk reaction and simple solution to this problem would be to abolish negative gearing and increase the capital gains tax.
The Labor Government needs to consider alternatives to solving the housing crisis other than abolishing negative gearing, which has failed previously. Frank Jordan reports.
Housing is complex. There are rising and unaffordable rents and housing prices, a lack of rental properties, a reducing proportion of home ownership, no government money available for welfare housing and the risk of a housing bubble that would eventually burst catastrophically.
A knee-jerk reaction and simple solution to this problem would be to abolish negative gearing and increase the capital gains tax. But didn’t Bill Shorten lose the unlosable election when he committed to doing away with negative gearing? No wonder there is a feeling of excitement amongst the Liberals as this proposal gains traction and momentum.
When an investor borrows money to buy a house to rent, the amount of interest payable on the loan is usually much higher than the rent charged. This results in a loss for the landlord. This loss can be subtracted from any other income or profit made by the investor. There is still a loss involved and normally incurring a loss on an investment would be considered the height of stupidity.
The value of a house increases over time and when the house is sold it creates a profit known as a capital gain. This profit is usually significant and exceeds the loss created by the rent shortfall. Tax on a capital gain is halved on an investment held for more than a year compared to tax on rental income which is at the full rate. Now that a profit is being made, what should normally be called “stupid investing” is now given the respectable title of negative gearing.
The idea that an investor can total the profits and losses of all their investments and just pay tax on the net profit is quite fair. The proposal in the case of housing to exclude losses and only count profits violates this principle of net profit and is seen by the business community as grossly unfair and ridiculous.
What is unfair is that a homeowner is also not allowed to offset the interest charged on their home loan against their other income. Extending this deduction to first-home buyers would remove the unfair advantage that investors have against home buyers.
Counterintuitively, it would also be cheaper for the government. Over time, there would be fewer investors and more homeowners buying houses. A house that was producing a tax
deduction at the highest marginal rate would now be producing a lower deduction since fewer of these new buyers would be on the highest marginal tax rate. The value of the houses and hence the loan would also be lower reducing the tax deduction as well.
In the past, a capital gain was reduced by the amount of inflation during the time the investment was held. To establish this for an investment held for 20 years would involve cumulative calculations of the consumer price index (CPI) for each year. All this was swept aside and replaced by a standard reduction of 50 percent after a year for all investments, no matter how long they were held.
This present system benefits those who hold investments for a short time and disadvantages those who hold for longer. However, accounting for the effects of inflation is again quite reasonable.
The real problem is not the tax but the capital gain as house prices get higher and higher. The driver of these increases is the lack of sufficient supply. If there were more houses, the average price would stabilise. If prices could remain stable for many years, then eventually, they would reach an affordable level again.
Just as the Reserve Bank can intervene to keep interest rates within sensible levels, the Government could mandate the Future Fund to construct sufficient rental houses each year to keep prices stable. This would also avoid the creation of a housing bubble. These dwellings would not be welfare houses but commercially viable houses or units with just enough to keep supply at a level to avoid price inflation. Without excessive capital gains, negative gearing would become stupid investing again. Investment money would seek real capital gains in productive nation-building investments. Now, prospective house buyers need to save up a substantial deposit before they can get a loan to buy a house. So, for many years they must rent. This is great news for investors since these forces renters to pay off their properties before they are allowed to buy their own. Eliminating the need for a deposit and basing the loan on the ability to repay it would mean more new houses are built. Homeownership would start increasing again.
The present system where deposits are required benefits the banks as well. All the money tied up in deposits is a cheap source of capital that can be lent out at higher interest
rates to investors. The banks should be required to do due diligence and base their loans solely on the ability to pay.
Waiving the need for a deposit and allowing tax deductibility should only be granted for new houses to ensure an increase in supply. As well, these houses or units should cost less than the median house price. These cheaper dwellings would be quicker to build and use fewer resources, so they wouldn’t put more strain on the supply chain or divert resources into unproductive areas.
Currently, there is about a trillion-dollar government deficit. About two-thirds of this is the result of the economic incompetence of the Liberals. Just the interest bill on this deficit is a crippling charge on the budget. Not to mention the huge drain to begin paying it off. No wonder that there is never any money available for public housing.
This debt needs to be repaid urgently. Raising income tax would penalise those who do the work that generates wealth. Increasing the GST would only suppress economic activity. Instead, a wealth tax would quickly downsize the debt with little damage to the economy.
Australia is currently on track to double its
population and at breakneck speed. Slowing this rate of population growth would immediately reduce housing demand.
It would also free up more money for governments to build welfare housing. When new migrants enter Australia, they also need hospitals, roads, schools, and water. All this costs money and it is one of the reasons that Australians are individually getting poorer. The total GDP is rising, but the GDP per person is decreasing.
The Labor Party will lose the next election if it abolishes negative gearing or fiddles with the capital gains tax. There are fairer alternatives to deal with the housing mess.
Frank Jordan is co-author of Create More Butterflies. He also ran as a Queensland Senate candidate for the HEMP Party.
This article was reprinted with permission form Independent Australia and is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution.
WORDS CLÉMENCE CARAYOL
In an exclusive interview with Architecture & Design, Wesley Perrott, architect and a prominent voice at COX Architecture, delves into the firm’s unwavering commitment to sustainability.
Rooted in a philosophy of environmental stewardship, COX continues to pioneer innovative solutions that harmonise architecture with the natural world. From transformative projects like the Wurriki Nyal Civic Precinct to the adoption of cutting-edge sustainable materials, Perrott shares how COX is redefining the future of design with a focus on resilience, regeneration, and community well-being. This inspiring dialogue also offers valuable insights for young architects looking to embrace sustainable practices in their own careers.
ARCHITECTURE & DESIGN: WHY IS SUSTAINABILITY IN ARCHITECTURE IMPORTANT TO COX?
Wesley Perrott: Stewardship of the built environment’s impact on the natural world is a cornerstone of COX’s design philosophy, and, in our world view, more vital than ever before. From our inception, founder Philip Cox championed environmentally sensitive design, inspired by the natural landscape and grounded in a deep understanding of site, climate, and context.
This ethos continues to guide COX’s work, emphasising respect for the land and its people, with architectural responses that are resource-efficient, creative, and inspiring. As a multi-sector practice, we prioritise solutions that enhance environmental, social, and economic systems through sustainable and regenerative design. We aim to minimise harm while restoring and enhancing ecosystems and fostering long-term resilience and wellbeing for both communities and the world around us.
AT COX, HOW IMPORTANT IS IT TO PUT SUSTAINABILITY AT THE FOREFRONT?
CAN YOU GIVE EXAMPLES OF SUSTAINABLE PROJECTS/PRODUCTS?
Our long-standing modus operandi, “Do more, with less,” underpins efforts to minimise material usage and environmental impact.
Aligned with the global push for a carbonneutral economy, COX is a signatory to Australian Architects Declare, driving systemic change through initiatives like Product Aware, an open-source platform developed collaboratively with contributing practices including Bates Smart, BVN, and SustySpec. It provides clear metrics, promotes material transparency and makes sustainable choices accessible for all.
Our projects also reflect this commitment. Notable examples include the recently completed 6 Star Green Star Wurriki Nyal Civic Precinct in the City of Greater Geelong, VIC, Australia’s first Living Building Challenge certified structure, the Sustainable Buildings Research Centre at the University of Wollongong, and the Centre for Circularity in Bega, NSW. These projects champion circular economy principles and set sustainability benchmarks, demonstrating the power of collaboration with visionary clients and forward-thinking approaches.
IS
PRECINCT A TRUE SHOWCASE OF HOW DESIGNERS CAN ADVOCATE FOR SUSTAINABILITY?
With a focus on resilience, adaptability, and a 100+ year legacy, the precinct is an exemplar of sustainable urban and building design. It addresses past, present and future social, cultural, climatic, and material contexts. Both the exterior and interior are designed to foster community engagement and connectivity, with the building set amidst public artworks celebrates the stories of the site’s Traditional Custodians.
Internally, the exposed mass-engineered timber structure pays homage to the site’s Woolstores heritage, while reducing the number of interior materials needed. Combined with biophilic design and breakout spaces, the approach prioritises wellbeing. A thermally broken facade optimises energy efficiency, while
natural light and smart building systems reduce energy consumption and enhance comfort. The precinct incorporates other resilient features such as rainwater harvesting, on-site energy production, and drought-tolerant native flora.
HOW IMPORTANT IS TIMBER IN SUSTAINABLE BUILDINGS?
Timber has long been a staple element of architecture, valued for its strength, versatility, and natural beauty. Today, Mass Engineered Timber (MET) represents an innovation that enables the sustainable harvesting of plantation timbers for use in large-scale architectural structures. By leveraging advanced processing technologies, MET reduces site waste, enhances carbon capture, and enables high-precision prefabrication, resulting in substantially quicker and simpler on-site construction.
In Wurriki Nyal, the use of MET reduced embodied carbon by approximately 35% compared to traditional materials like steel and concrete. Timber’s natural insulation properties further enhance thermal efficiency, while multi-sensory qualities enhance human performance and wellness. MET showcases how environmental performance, aesthetic value, and health benefits can be seamlessly embedded to the material selection of architecture.
WHAT
The whole is greater than the sum of its parts and, for a project to be truly sustainable, it must consider social, environmental, and economic factors in equal measure. Looking from micro to macro - room, building, community, planetmaterials should enhance occupant health and wellbeing, be non-polluting, locally sourced, and socially equitable. Architecture must also be low-energy, easy to disassemble, and repurposed or recycled at the end of its life, supporting a circular economy.
To address these complexities, COX’s sustainability team has developed internal tools including a comprehensive database of sustainable design initiatives, while contributing to industry-wide platforms like Product Aware. These initiatives steer designers and clients to make more sustainable choices, while driving change within the industry.
WHAT ROLE DOES SUSTAINABILITY PLAY IN MODERN ARCHITECTURE, AND HOW DO YOU INCORPORATE IT INTO YOUR WORK?
Simply put, it’s essential in order to address today’s challenges while planning for a resilient, regenerative future; by responding to local climates, cultures, and contexts, we create built environments that harmonise with the natural world. A forward-thinking approach ensures that design positively impacts people and place, laying the foundation for a sustainable, equitable future.
At COX, projects undergo holistic assessment to ensure design choices are context-specific and align with our climate and sustainability goals. We integrate passive design principles, renewable materials, energy production, biodiversity, and waste reduction strategies to create durable, environmentally supportive buildings and urban environments.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO YOUNG ARCHITECTS JUST STARTING THEIR CAREERS?
Embrace sustainable design principles from the outset. Seek inspiration from projects around you, where sustainability and design excellence intersect - reinvent the wheel if required. Learn to work collaboratively and holistically with clients, communities, engineers, planners, and ecologists.
Most importantly, remember that every decision matters, whether selecting materials, orienting a building, or advocating for
OTHER WAY AROUND Wesley Perrott of COX Architecture/supplied. Wurriki Nyal Civic Precinct photographer/Peter Clarke.
sustainable policies. Establishing these guiding principles early will ensure your relevance both in academia and practice. Architects and designers have the ability and responsibility to shape our world – be bold in your vision and make it an inspiring one that will lead others into a positive future.
Moving forward will require a transformative mindset. As architects, we need to reshape our relationship with nature, designing spaces where human and ecological systems evolve as living systems.
Sustainable design underpins this vision, guiding us toward the goal of making all COX projects carbon neutral in their operations by 2030, and regenerative by 2035. This will challenge us to think beyond immediate outcomes and to leave a legacy of healing, growth, and harmony for generations to come.
EDITED BY CLÉMENCE CARAYOL
Beginning her career as an interior designer more than 10 years ago, Associate Jessica Kazenwadel brings a varied and collaborative interest to the creative but logistical nature of the profession.
With a background in industrial design and project management, Jessica Kazenwadel understands the acute and shifting dynamics of multi-residential design, particularly when balancing multiple stakeholders and mixed sector considerations within one large-scale development.
Today, we hear her thoughts on what interior design themes and pressures are shaping the multi-residential sector, and why cohesion is key to getting it right.
“Prior to Carr, I had gained experience within the project management industry, which was insightful to be on the client side and learn how to deal with budgets, timeframes, and different stakeholders,” says Kazenwadel. “This period definitely taught me both practical and logistical skills, but it also reinforced where I’m meant to be, which is on the design side. I enjoy being in a creative role.”
Specialising in designing apartments of differing scales, Her refined style reinforces Carr’s penchant for timeless and high-quality homes that endure. Her excitement for the sector is rooted in the scale of the projects and challenge of making something work across varied shapes and sizes. “A good thing about multi-residential work is that you’re not just purely designing apartments. You’ll be doing foyers and common areas, pools and gyms, and food and beverage. You stretch your design skills to sit across commercial, residential and hospitality spaces. And it’s the way Carr works, we’re very collaborative and are not siloed into our sectors, which is great.”
When working on multi-residential developments, whether its location is Melbourne or Brisbane, the prerequisite to give a bespoke feeling to an apartment cannot be overstated. Yet, the design must work across multiple types of apartments sizes and offerings. As Kazenwadel adds, “You need to ensure that people don’t feel like they’re in a cookie cutter apartment. It must feel like a real home for them.”
Carr’s boutique development Mansard in Kooyong, Melbourne demonstrates this delicate balance. A contemporary reinterpretation of the historic mansard roof, Mansard has been designed to present from the street as three townhouses, instead of one big apartment building of 13 residences. This custom approach is carried into the interiors, with every residence having its own look and feel. “Mansard also has two smaller lobbies rather than a grand foyer, to promote a more individual and intimate arrival experience for residents and guests,” explains Kazenwadel.
Beyond an interior design perspective, Kazenwadel has observed that the marketing approach of clients has shifted relatively dramatically. Rather than actively promoting the development before or during construction, some clients are holding their marketing engagements until completion. “Clients
recognise that, for a lot of people, they’re uncomfortable buying off the plan. Potential buyers want to see a finished product. So once the building is finished, that’s when they’ll do a big push in marketing and see the apartments set up as display suites. It gives purchasers that peace of mind that they’re buying a beautiful well-designed and well-built apartment.” She predicts this trend to stick around, “The shift towards buying when its finished is here to stay. The risk for clients and buyers decreases, which is attractive in this volatile property market.”
Reflecting on themes for interior design, Kazenwadel believes people aren’t looking for trendy spaces but rather honing in on a timeless approach. “People want spaces that work with their own preferences. So, the design simultaneously meets the demands of the market while offering room for the resident’s lifestyle to take hold.” The desire for buyers, particularly from the wealthy rightsizers and professional couple’s demographic, with knowledge of the market are making purchaser changes, such as grab rails in showers or wellness amenities. “Buyers are changing the design to suit them as they get older because they want to live in the property for 20 plus years. They don’t want to necessarily go into retirement living. The house must suit them for as long as possible.”
“The shift towards buying when its finished is here to stay. The risk for clients and buyers decreases, which is attractive in this volatile property market.”
With clients demanding a beautiful product that lasts, a consistent design typology from inside and out is vital in achieving a successful built outcome. Kazenwadel adds, “Working collaboratively between architecture and interiors is a core ethos of Carr. We’re an integrated team, blurring the lines between tasks from the early stages to make sure the building is designed to enhance the interiors and vice versa. It’s one cohesive design process and outcome,” says Kazenwadel.
The desire for bespoke design regardless of scale and purchasing a property once completed reveal a multi-residential market that is nothing short of complex and dynamic. Yet Carr has – and continues to – address these challenges with cross sector and dual discipline practice motivated by market movements, commercial strategies, and client preferences for a holistic built outcome.
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a city of many
INTERVIEW BY BRANKO MILETIC
A playground of ideas. A community of international communities. An experiment with sustainable living.
There are so many ways to describe Nuanu Creative City, a new visionary sanctuary in Bali, Indonesia that’s designed for both residents and visitors to experience nature-inspired living within an integrated ecosystem featuring dedicated spaces for art and culture, wellness, entertainment and education among many more.
Set on 44 hectares of lush tropical land, Nuanu showcases that living in harmony with nature is possible, explains Nuanu Creative City’s CEO Lev Kroll. This creative destination takes inspiration from the Balinese philosophy of Tri Hita Karana, and its emphasis on harmony with nature, harmony between people, and harmony with the divine.
Nuanu, says Kroll, exists as a very big experiment on multiple levels, one of which is to see how people can live in a more sustainable way in terms of their relationship with nature.
The city will welcome people from all over the world. “It’s also a very big experiment in new models of living in terms of international communities, exchange of ideas and creativity,” he explains.
Essentially structured as a park with its own smaller, playful experiments in governance and sustainability practices, Nuanu exists as an experiment to see how people can collaborate with each other in new ways and play with new technologies and practices, in an environment
where one could see the results, have access to data, and create something of value that others can tap into and use for future developments.
“Our founder and first investor travelled across the world to see different practices and different kinds of community structures, and was absolutely amazed and inspired by the Balinese philosophy of Tri Hita Karana,” Kroll says.
Once the place was chosen, the project changed greatly to really integrate with local practices and culture. “Even the name of our project comes from old Balinese – Nuanu means ‘in the process’ in Balinese, meaning the name of the project came after the territory itself. So it’s not a planned project, which found its land; it’s more or less an exploratory project that changes and tries to adapt to the amazing surroundings we have.”
While there is a lot to be gained by not doing things the way they are usually done, it can also bring a lot of challenges.
“Some of the challenges came from our wish to experiment,” observes Kroll. “For example, we wanted to experiment greatly with architecture, which obviously brings a lot of challenges construction-wise. Experimenting with new methods and new materials is also kind of going on a more challenging path of
finding out additional complications or having to invent something operationally.”
Building a truly international community with teams and talent coming not only from Bali and Indonesia, but also from all over the world was one of the more interesting challenges, says Kroll. While it brings a lot of value, it also presents a lot of challenges in terms of language and thought barriers, and cultural and operational integration. “There is a lot of positive friction, but that doesn’t take away from the fact that there is a lot of friction when different cultures try to collaborate, build things together.”
“We think that it’s good to experiment. However, it’s better to talk with people who know how to do these things better than you,” says Kroll. While Nuanu’s architecture and planning department is mainly Indonesian-led, several experts from around the world have joined the team to enable the exchange of ideas. Nuanu’s design draws inspiration from urban development projects across the world. “We extensively researched practices ranging from the MENA region to the US markets in different aspects of master planning, combining that with multiple extremely talented people who shared their wisdom and findings in different developments and communities all over the world.”
For more, go to our podcast with Lev Kroll at architectureanddesign.com.au/ editorial/industry-news/episode-231nuanu-city-a-mirage-in-the-jungle
Unlike most development projects, Nuanu’s master planning is fluid, observes Kroll. “We utilise agile practices and we understand that we’re trying to make data-driven decisions and sometimes our master planning has to change with the data we acquire. We recognise the exploratory nature of our project – our master plan changes greatly with time.”
“Our project is not one that tries to bring the best from the Western world to a developing country. It’s the one that also tries to really study and incorporate Balinese culture into our practices,” says Kroll. “One of our goals is to really integrate with local culture, to study it, to learn from it, and to incorporate best practices. We’re very blessed to have a very productive relationship with both governmental agencies and local communities. The core of our philosophy is that collaboration brings a lot of results.”
The Nuanu project has been an amazing journey, according to Kroll, where they are not only finding a lot of interest and support, but also opportunities to learn from their Balinese and Indonesian partners who are happy to share their knowledge and time with them.
The Nuanu project will cost hundreds of millions of dollars, says Kroll, and the biggest challenge of their experiment is to prove that doing things better, not cutting corners, and doing development sustainably could make sense economically.
The project has progressed from the early days when they had to make the land developable in a sustainable way, bringing in roads and electricity, to a stage where they now have partners that are investing and bringing their own expertise and resources to work on different projects. About 5000 people have worked on Nuanu throughout the development and construction phases, Kroll adds.
Kroll hopes that the learnings from their experiment in terms of business models and technology will be utilised by more traditional developments, governmental agencies, and other developers in Indonesia for the greater good.
However, he believes Nuanu is a relatively unique project specifically tailored and designed for Bali. “We’re happy to share and collaborate. From the business side of things, we don’t plan to do popup Nuanus all over the world because this is a unique playground. Nuanu is one of its kind and will be that for quite some time.”
Nestled amidst the greenery of Geebung, Brisbane, Marley House’s sprawling volumes perfectly capture the essence of its unique setting. Designed by Craig Webster and brought to life by Aurelien Berson Construction, this stunning design explores the intersection of urban architecture and the natural world by punctuating its soothing aesthetic with bold industrial design interventions.
The home’s desirable location, across from a tree-covered park, presented a unique architectural challenge: finding a delicate balance between creating a feeling of openness and connection with the surrounding environment without sacrificing privacy. To achieve this delicate balance, the design incorporated expansive glazing, strategically placed to frame views while maintaining a sense of intimacy. Large windows and sliding doors became central to the design, requiring
meticulous planning and collaboration with Bretts Architectural Window Solutions, licensed Architectural Window Systems (AWS) fabricators, who were engaged to meet the project’s complex requirements.
With wide panels and a minimal sill, the expansive Series 704B bottom rolling SlideMASTER™ Sliding Door was selected to extend the living space onto the covered deck, seamlessly blurring the lines between the built environment and the natural world. The indooroutdoor connection is enhanced through the integration of fixed windows with louvre banks, which maximise airflow and capture the natural breezes throughout the house. Glazed with Series 400 Single Glazed CentreGLAZE™, the openings are cleverly planned out to intertwine charming moments of lush greenery with concealed pockets of spatial seclusion.
This thoughtful design is reinforced by
the Series 525 LouvreMASTER™ Adjustable Louvre Window, which enhances ventilation and privacy while providing excellent light control. In addition, the Series 517 Residential Awning Windows further contribute to the home’s ventilation strategy – their top-hinged design allows for airflow even during light rain, making them ideal for Queensland’s subtropical climate.
Beyond exceptional functionality, the design of the AWS products perfectly integrates with the overall vision for the home. External trims create striking juxtaposition against natural stone and timber while ensuring weatherproofing. On the inside, the continuity of aluminium frames and colour-matched flashings creates a cohesive visual scheme while cleverly concealing some of the structural elements.
WORDS PRUE MILLER
A tiny house, as defined by the Australian Tiny House Association is a moveable dwelling suitable for permanent residential use with self-contained amenities and services and the option to be grid connected. The big problem has a small solution.
The buzz term ‘housing crisis’ slips from the lips of every politician on Earth looking for a vote, and every young person seeking escape from the monthly extortion of rent. The general solutions suggested are enormous in scale and fearfully expensive. But actually, there is a tiny way out. Finding a new home is never, ever, easy no matter the reason behind the move; young people looking for independence, mature people looking to scale down (while still being able to live it up) and of course the need for aged care and housing for older Australians.
The newest solution (which also happens to offer biggest bang for your buck) would have to be a ‘tiny house on wheels’. A complete home for as little as $50,000 (some as low as $40,000) delivered on a registered trailer. Before your preconceived ideas ruin this elegant solution, consider the product.
Young people are more likely to be able to save say, $90,000, rather than $290,000. And the investment in the Tiny House (unlike rent money) has on ongoing value in the resale market.
In the multi-generational housing situation, there is often a large renovation cost involved in adaption, not to mention Council intrusion, however in the Tiny House scenario the younger family might stay in the big house (for a fee one hopes), while Mum can have a brand new, tiny home in the back yard. And then, if ageing becomes tricky, family is right there when needed and aged care accommodation (another social sticking point) might be avoided. Surprisingly, there is also a growing market of single women in their 60s.
Michael Duffy is the boss at Highland Tiny Homes, where he and his two sons have built a reputation for creating state of the art tiny homes in the picturesque Southern Highlands
of NSW. Their designs/architecture are extraordinarily cunning, a puzzle of problems resolved into a multi space home. Smaller, in this case, is far more impressive than bigger.
“We found a few younger couples who have bought our places, and after a couple of years have saved enough for their deposit, and after five years they’ve got all their money (that they spent on the tiny house) back,” says Duffy.
The move, he says, with a smile, does make for some re thinking on the buyer’s part. “People have to pair back, they have to divest, part of the price is ditching those twenty pairs of shoes”.
But aside from that sacrifice, new tiny homes offer a great deal. They have fully tiled bathrooms, many have double French doors and giant picture windows. Power is by way of solar panels and batteries, (though most can also be connected to mains where available), waste is handled via a plumbed toilet (or a compost toilet), water comes in from whatever source is available and the rest is like any full-sized home, with options varying from triple glazing to loft bedrooms.
But there must be rules you say, and you’re right. If a tiny house keeps its wheels under it, it falls under the rules of a caravan/vehicle. And a caravan can park on private property just about anywhere. If, however, a tiny house is placed on skids, or on a cement foundation, it does become red tape magnet, and a DA becomes involved.
Encouragingly councils around the country are starting to see how these portable homes have a future in housing, with many councils in WA, VIC and at least one in NSW developing positive, pro tiny house, policies. The list of manufacturers, understandably, is growing.
Since its inception Highland Tiny Houses has sold over 100 homes, with an ever-changing clientele.
“In the beginning 50 % of our business was Airbnb, but now residential clients make up 60 % of our order.” Attendance at Tiny House annual conventions is now in the tens of thousands, with crowds oohing and ahhing at the beautiful, sometimes even glamorous interior finishing.
Enter Mel Brown. An experienced interior designer, who has a particularly rare subset of talents; she also designs for tiny houses.
“Every design has its challenges,” says Brown, who was intrigued when Michael Duffy called her five years ago.
“I hadn’t done a tiny home and I said let’s see what we can do.” The relationship has thrived, and the interiors of these homes are solid, warm, friendly and quite chic.
“We generally work on one design a year. We work out together who the target market is.”
Considerations are different when designing for a tiny house – whereas budget and product longevity are always important, with a tiny house weight is also a consideration (there is a five-tonne limit on tiny houses), as are strong fittings that can handle travel.
Not an issue for a Potts Point pied de terre. For Brown, the work has added to her design concepts.
“I’m now able to offer somebody in a standard size home more options of how to use their space, of utilising space differently.”
Tiny houses, as a permanent dwelling, are a fresh concept in the bewildering labyrinth of housing shortages.
Will there be cowboys? Yes, buyer beware until regulations settle in.
Will some councils have issues? Yes, until they are educated. Is it a no brainer solution? Yes, with a capital Y.
TOP A complete home for as little as $50,000 (some as low as $40,000) delivered on a registered trailer.
BOTTOM New tiny homes offer a great deal.
WORDS CLÉMENCE CARAYOL
The devastating wildfires in Los Angeles have reinforced the urgent need for change in the architecture industry. According to Australian-American Architect Tom Monahan of Renato D’ettorre Architects and American Architect Jessica Saravia working at DMAC Architecture & Interiors, time is of the essence for the built environment.
Numerous historic buildings have been destroyed in the Eaton and Palisades fires, erasing vital aspects of the city’s cultural identity. Architectural preservationists, such as Kevin Keim, Founding Director of the Charles W. Moore Foundation, are working to protect and restore landmarks.
Their efforts are crucial in preserving Los Angeles’ architectural history, particularly as wildfires become more frequent and severe due to climate change.
However, these efforts alone may not be sufficient without bold reforms to building regulations and a fundamental rethinking of architectural design, particularly in fire-prone areas.
According to Australian-American Architect Tom Monahan, the revisions made to the California Building Code and LA Planning Codes in 2008 were “too little, too late and not retroactive enough to affect the necessary changes needed for the existing dangerously built environment.”
The wildfires have highlighted the flaws in past development decisions, reflecting a broader cultural resistance to regulation and long-term planning.
Jessica Saravia, an American architect at DMAC Architecture & Interiors, shares a similar perspective.
“We are seeing a reckoning with systems designed around the individual. Architecture and building construction are no exception,” she says.
“The billionaire with a house in the hills of
Los Angeles may not be able to rebuild their mansion in the same way or location because, as we now understand, it poses a larger risk to the welfare of the broader population than we previously realised.”
Monahan stresses that the issue is not a lack of awareness but rather a deep-seated cultural mindset.
“We all knew this in California and saw it coming,” he says, citing the state’s history of natural disasters, including earthquakes, tsunamis, and floods.
Yet, many homeowners accepted the risks, relying on insurance and embracing a “California Dreaming” ethos, even as real estate prices accounted for the inevitable destruction.
Saravia concurs, noting that “low-density, single-family housing sprawling into mountainous areas that are difficult to get to in emergency situations may not be feasible for reconstruction.”
She believes that the recent fires will not only shape future building codes but also redefine urban planning and zoning in fireprone regions.
The primary issue, according to Monahan, is the legacy of rapid, developer-driven urban sprawl from the 1920s to the 1970s.
This expansion took place without due consideration for fire safety, leaving entire communities vulnerable.
“Most houses are built with Douglas fir timber-framed walls and timber cedar shingle roofs nailed over plywood sheathing—all extremely flammable,” he says. While this
construction method was cost-effective and adaptable to earthquakes, it has proven disastrous in fire-prone regions.
Regulatory changes implemented in 2008 sought to mitigate these risks by introducing fire-resistant materials, planning restrictions, and setback regulations. However, Monahan highlights a critical limitation.
“You cannot require existing owners to replace or remodel their homes up to code unless they are replacing or remodelling over 50% of the home, so much of the hazard simply remains as is,” he says.
Fire resilience in architecture requires a combination of urban planning and building design.
Saravia points out that any advancement in non-combustible structural materials and prefabricated buildings will help create more fire-resistant structures.
“Structural concrete subfloors and precast insulated wall panels make simple structures easier to assemble with metal studs,” she says.
She also highlights prefab housing and shipping container buildings as promising solutions, as they provide rigid, self-supporting, non-combustible metal structures.
Monahan identifies several key strategies, including strategic building spacing to prevent fire spread, the creation of firebreaks and mandatory clearing of combustible vegetation, the establishment of wider roads and emergency access routes, and the development of fireprotected municipal infrastructure and shared water access.
When it comes to fire-resistant building materials, metal roofing and cladding, fireresistant flat membrane and ballast roofs, fibre cement board cladding, reinforced concrete construction, and aluminium or steel-framed windows with double-glazed, toughened glass all offer improved protection.
Underground or partially buried buildings with green roofs can also add an extra layer of fire resistance.
“The problem has been with the urban sprawl of single-family homes located in the wrong place with the wrong materials,” Monahan says.
Higher-density developments, while not historically part of LA’s culture, are emerging as a viable alternative.
Beyond individual homes, entire communities must be designed with fire resilience in mind.
Saravia believes that “localised building code amendments and zoning codes aimed at dealing with specific hazards are easily translatable to other fire-prone areas.”
She sees potential in implementing zoning laws that prevent development in high-risk areas, fuel reduction zones and controlled burns to limit combustible material, emergency evacuation planning with well-marked, unobstructed routes, and investment in shared water resources and backup power infrastructure.
Sustainability and passive design principles can significantly enhance fire resilience.
According to Monahan, high-insulation materials can help prevent heat transfer, while off-grid energy solutions like solar power and rainwater collection systems ensure self-sufficiency when public utilities fail during wildfires.
“Sustainably designed homes help reduce global warming, which in turn assists fire resistance globally,” he says.
Saravia adds that while Passive House design is primarily focused on energy efficiency, reducing the environmental impact of buildings can also help mitigate climate-related disasters such as droughts, which increase fire risk.
Retrofitting older buildings is expensive, and Monahan notes that many homeowners “cheat or work around the building codes that r equire upgrades.”
He calls for government-backed financial incentives to encourage compliance, warning that overly strict regulations without economic support simply drive real estate inflation and non-compliance.
“Offering higher density or the possibility to add another unit can add value and incentive,” he suggests.
According to Saravia, any buildings built from wood or a combustible construction type will be difficult to retrofit for fire safety without a wholesale replacement of the framing and structure of the existing building.
She points out that while fire alarm and sprinkler systems improve life safety, they do not prevent fire from spreading or destroying property.
Landscaping choices also play a crucial role in fire prevention. Monahan advocates for native fire-resistant plants, strategic tree spacing, and an end to wasteful water usage on nonnative lawns.
“LA is a desert,” he says.
“It should employ native desert planting, not the lawns it uses everywhere with the water it cannot afford to waste.”
Saravia is skeptical about the role of native landscaping in fire spread.
“I have serious doubts that native landscaping contributes to fire in a way that would warrant eliminating native plants from around a home or building,” she says.
While the 2008 code changes were a step forward, Monahan warns that they are insufficient without broader community planning and economic shifts.
“Building codes are not the same as community planning, economic changes, or cultural changes,” he says. “The public infrastructure and tax incentives also have to change.”
Despite advancements in fire-resistant materials and suppression systems, Monahan cautions against over-reliance on technology.
“Building isn’t very high tech—it’s quite primitive,” he says. “What we need is a cultural shift towards sustainability, working with nature, not against it.”
Saravia draws a historical comparison, noting that the great Chicago fire led to urban planning that changed city planning forever.
“In addition, it led to more experimentation with steel and the eventual development of the skyscraper,” she says.
She believes that the Los Angeles fires should drive not only updates to building codes but also a broader rethinking of urban planning in fireprone regions.
Monahan underscores the importance of learning from past mistakes and acting quickly.
“Natural disasters have always led to major awareness and changes—just look at the great Chicago fire,” he says.
“Architects, government agencies, and bureaucracies can cry wolf as much as they want, but until the catastrophe actually happens, people are reluctant to change.”
With fire risks escalating globally, architects, planners, and policymakers must seize this moment to push for lasting, systemic improvements before the next disaster strikes.
WORDS JULIE COLLINS, UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH AUSTRALIA AND LYRIAN DANIEL, UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH AUSTRALIA
Looking at the published advice on housing design in the 1940s and 1950s, it’s clear passive solar design, small home sizes and climate-responsive architecture were topics of interest. A passive solar design works with the local climate to maintain a comfortable temperature in the home.
Australians are no strangers to housing crises. Some will even remember the crisis that followed the second world war. As well as producing the popular mid-century modern style of architecture, these post-war decades were a time of struggle.
As the population grew quickly after the war, Australia faced an estimated shortage of 300,000 dwellings. Government intervention was needed. A 1944 report by the Commonwealth Housing Commission stated that “a dwelling of good standard and equipment is not only the need but the right of every citizen”.
A key recommendation was that the Australian government should encourage the building of more climate-responsive and healthy homes.
So, what happened? Why are so many homes today still not well-designed for the local climate?
The postwar period was a time of shortages and rationing. As well as meat, sugar, clothing, and fuel, building materials were in short supply. Government restrictions limited house sizes in general to around 110 square metres. That’s less than half the average size of new
houses today. Building activity and the prices of materials were also regulated.
While people waited for building permits, many had to arrange temporary housing. Some lived in sleepouts or rented spare rooms from strangers. Others camped in tents or lived in caravans or temporary buildings erected on land bought before the war.
Looking at the published advice on housing design in the 1940s and 1950s, it’s clear passive solar design, small home sizes and climateresponsive architecture were topics of interest. A passive solar design works with the local climate to maintain a comfortable temperature in the home.
This preference was not driven by concerns about climate change or carbon footprints. Rather, the Commonwealth Housing Commission called for solar planning “for health and comfort”.
The commission’s executive officer, architect Walter Bunning, demonstrated how to go about this in his book Homes in the Sun. He translated government recommendations into a format appealing to home builders.
This was a time before most homeowners could afford air conditioning. It was advised that homes be sited to capture prevailing breezes, have insulated walls and roofs, use window shading and overhanging eaves, and plantings of shade trees and deciduous creepers.
External spaces, such as patios, and northfacing living spaces oriented to the sun, were also promoted.
Among the designs were plans for the “Sun Trap House”. This design applied passive solar design principles to a modest freestanding home.
‘NEW APPROACH’ DIDN’T EVENTUATE
Eventually, the housing crisis eased. However, this was not a result of Bunning’s hoped for “new approach to house planning”. Most of the new housing was traditionally designed and built suburban homes.
These came in the form of stock plans by builders and construction companies, with owner builders making up 40% of the homes constructed in 1953-54. Sponsored housing provision programs, including the War Service Homes Scheme and Soldier Settlement Scheme, were rolled out across the country.
At a state level, arms of government such as the South Australian Housing Trust and the Victorian Housing Commission provided not only houses for the rental market but also for purchase. These houses included imported prefabricated dwellings.
As a result, many homes built in the postwar housing crisis suffer from much the same problems as their predecessors. It led to a
situation today where 70% of Australian houses have an energy rating of three stars or lower. That’s well short of the current seven-star standard for new homes.
In a time of shortage, most people were happy to have a roof over their heads no matter what the design. To architects, this seemed a wasted opportunity.
As a result, the Royal Australian Institute of Architects promoted architect-designed plans that people could buy for a nominal fee. In South Australia, these were available through the Small Homes Service.
House advice and plans for sale were featured in newspapers and magazines such as the Australian Home Beautiful. The institute also published brochures that promoted the idea that “better design considers climate and environment” and followed recommendations by the Commonwealth Experimental Building Station for maximum comfort.
The energy-hungry mechanical heating and cooling of today’s houses often neglects passive solar and simple solutions such as insulation, eaves, window awnings, curtains and draught stoppers. These were common solutions in the post-war period.
The principles of passive solar design haven’t changed since then. The ideas advocated both in 1945 and today in design advice such as the Australian government’s Your Home guide to environmentally sustainable homes r emain the same.
While our world today faces many crises affecting health, climate resilience, housing affordability and inequality, we have a chance to shape the solutions.
The federal government is developing a National Housing and Homeless Plan and has committed A$10 billion to its housing fund. The target is to build 1.2 million homes over the next five years. What better opportunity to learn from the past and build a brighter, more sustainable future?
Julie Collins, Research Fellow and Curator, Architecture Museum, University of South Australia and Lyrian Daniel, Associate Professor in Architecture, University of South Australia
This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license.
WORDS PRUE MILLER
When they’ve experienced all there is on terra firma, adventure-loving home buyers are sailing away.
Why Ulyssia? The name of this new superyacht references the epic poem of ancient times, a story of mythical travel around the globe, Ulysees. Centuries later and a new epic begins – as Ulyssia, the most expensive, and arguably the most beautiful vessel ever built, begins perpetually circumventing the earth. But this is more than a cruiser for hire, this will be the residence of 133 elite home owners. Ulyssia is a residential ship.
This epitome of maritime elegance is the concept (soon to be a reality) of CEO, and Swiss billionaire, Jack Binder. A lifelong yachting enthusiast, and a man familiar with the only other residential ship, The World (launched in 2002) Binder has not come to the project blind to the mammoth issues.
Yachting is synonymous with wealth and luxury, and there have been some superb vessels over the years (Steven Spielberg’s Seven Seas is striking, and the Aquarius featured in Knives Out Glass Onion, and the star of the 2024 Monaco boat show, Kismet) but what Binder has brought to the table is a state of the art design, demanding a completely new typography. The buyers (who will be purchasing a 50-year lease) are not the sort to be easily impressed, and with a starting price of $16m, every aspect has to be bigger, better, best and beautiful.
The 133 residences come in range of sizes from one bedroom to six bedroom designs, all with ever changing sea views from their private terraces, crowned of course by penthouse
residences atop the 15-deck, 320-metre vessel. The prices are breathtaking, with a range $16m to $160m.
What is evident in yacht design is that the concept of superyachts knows few earthly bounds; compared to terra firma where councils, governments and neighbours can frustrate design, here the imagination, and no doubt the budget are the only constraints. From sleek to battleship to extra-terrestrial, superyacht design is fantastical.
Bender has put together an experienced team including lead interior designer Francesca Muzio of FM Architettura, and superyacht Designer and Naval Architect Espen Oino from the Monaco Based Espen Oino International.
“It was a challenge to design a vessel of this size and to still make sure that it feels intimate. We’ve been through a lot of iterations in the design process. I’m very happy with what we’ve come up with,” says Oino. “The vision came from Frank, and it’s down to the team he has assembled, including myself and my own team, to together define exactly what we’re setting out to do. That’s very important in a project such as this one, because it is a huge and very complex vessel.”
Very complex equals very expensive – the budget for this 133-suite floating village is over $2 billion.
From an architectural point of view, when considering Ulyssia, one has to shift one’s mind-set to a new perspective – this is not about
designing staterooms, this is not about a tower of condos, this is about designing a village that has to function independently, alone at sea, a great portion of the time.
Inclusions in design have been exhaustive and not limited to a medical centre complete with an MRI, seven restaurants, a grocer, not one but two helicopter pads, a theatre, bars, swimming pools and oh yes – staff accommodation for a small army, or, navy of support crew.
If the renderings are a guide, Oino and his associates have climbed this mountain of design issues without faltering.
“Despite the variety of the residences, they all have some common elements. Notably, they all have balconies, allowing for inside-outside living. Most people when they’re at sea, weather permitting, they prefer to be outside,’ explains Oino. And yet through careful design the balconies are all private affairs. From the water, you will be able to see that there are verandas, but you won’t be able to see into them. Nor will the scale of the boat be obvious – after all, the idea is to be sleek and sexy, not flashy.
“You may notice you tend to overlook every second deck because alternate pairs of decks are painted dark. That was on purpose. At a distance, this makes you think that Ulyssia is actually smaller than she is.” adds Oino.
By way of appreciating the scale here, Ulyssia, at 99,600 gross tons, will be larger than the World War II battleship Missouri.
“This is not about a tower of condos, this is about designing a village that has to function independently, alone at sea, a great portion of the time”
Frank Binder, a man of immense corporate talent, rightly recognises the project compares to that of floating real estate, but has high hopes of elevating everything about that real estate to the pinnacle of the ideal lifestyle, while also observing the chance here to be responsible in its opulence. The vessel has considered as much as possible the ability of the ship to operate in a sustainable pattern.
“With regard to sustainability, it is our aim to be as responsible as we can, using the latest technologies. It’s a dual fuel system, based on green methanol with electric propulsion. This is something that is a must today,” Oino says. “Additionally, the processing of food and garbage is all fully integrated to comply with new rules that have come into force. I’m very proud of being part of the project. It is by far the biggest and most complex project we’ve ever been involved with.”
It is perhaps a sad reflection on life as we know it, but one has to imagine a vessel of such size and grace, filled with people of immense
wealth may prove itself to be a floating target. But that too has been addressed with former special forces personnel reportedly staying on board and a partnership with an international, specialist yachting security firm.
So, the scene is set, and buyers are making their moves – including from Australia. Interest in Ulyssia from the Australian market has been strong. Reservations on several residences are in the process of being confirmed, with more expected. Australians have long been enthusiastic supporters of this lifestyle, making up the second-largest group of owners on the world after Americans.
Ulyssia will circumvent the globe every two and a half years, at any one point it is believed 200 guests will be aboard, enjoying a lifestyle never before contemplated for a sea going vessel.
Whereas Homer’s ancient tale of Ulysees was mythical, Ulyssia will be a contemporary dream come true, expected to be in the water in 2028.
PHOTOGRAPHER SHANNON MCGRATH PHOTOGRAPHY
Ivanhoe Gardens continues the luxury design aesthetic of the first stage, seamlessly blending resort-style facilities with grand style and drawing inspiration from the spectacular green hills of the surrounding neighbourhood.
PROJECT CREDITS
Architects CHT Architects
Design Sora Interiors
Completed 2022
From the architect:
The development harmoniously integrates lush central garden spaces with contemporary, stylish living, creating an environment that feels both tranquil and sophisticated.
In addition to its stunning architectural design, Ivanhoe Gardens offers an exceptional range of amenities that cater to the diverse needs of its residents. A dedicated Children’s Play Area ensures that families can enjoy a safe and vibrant space for their little ones to explore and play, while a Fix-It Workshop provides a convenient, fully equipped space for DIY enthusiasts and those looking to tackle home projects with ease. For entertainment, the Games Area offers a variety of recreational options, perfect for socialising with friends or unwinding after a busy day.
The development’s extensive wellness, entertainment, and technology offerings make daily life effortless and enjoyable. Whether it’s the state-of-the-art fitness centre, the outdoor swimming pool, or the seamless smart home integrations, Ivanhoe Gardens is designed to meet the needs of modern living. Residents can enjoy the perfect balance of convenience, relaxation, and connection, all set against the backdrop of the lush, picturesque hills that define the area.
PHOTOGRAPHY BARTON TAYLOR
2024 Sustainability Awards Single Dwelling
(Alteration/Addition) category winner
From the architect:
Fun Haus seeks to push preconceptions of space per person on a small 117m2 urban site, whilst still providing residents access to a generous private garden space. The 112m2 floor area can house 6 people - 4 people in the primary dwelling and 2 in the secondary dwelling, meaning 1 person / 19m2.
The clients are an extended family of professionals and a growing family who work, live, and laugh together. They enjoy close proximity to each other to share meals, interests, relaxation and work whilst also having moments of privacy. It was important that their home allowed these activities to be enjoyed whilst being connected to nature.
The decision to construct two dwellings rather than one larger one greatly increases the flexibility of the site.
One larger family can function as one or the secondary dwelling can be rented out to family
or others - the dual access to the site further enables this functionality. The maximised central courtyard was important to provide both dwellings with access to light, ventilation, and landscape outlooks. Also serving as an intermediate space, each dwelling can passively interact with one another from across the courtyard.
Built to the Passivhaus Standard, using durable materials and high-performance detailing means the dwellings are future proofed to withstand extreme weather events, whilst being net zero in operational use, the high-performance design of the building envelope as well as solar energy and rainwater collection additionally decreases the operational costs of the building over its lifetime.
Unnecessary luxuries such as large bathrooms, bedrooms and laundry were efficiently incorporated into the floor plan to
maximise the living, working and courtyard spaces with all habitable rooms having a relationship with the private courtyard. The heritage conservation area front of the house remains unchanged, with thermally improved envelope and windows. This retains the dwellings original character, nestled amongst the leafy street.
The rear dwelling frontage is to a lane consisting of high rear fences and garage doors. The secondary dwelling provides a more engaging frontage to the lane with recycled sliding timber screens and a balcony in which a dialogue can commence between the lane and dwelling in its various forms. Developing the rear of the site as a dwelling means the street becomes more interactive for pedestrians and residents rather than being a corridor for cars.
Sponsored by Deco.
Design Alexander Symes Architect (ASA)
Project Location Darlington, Sydney
Project Lead/Director Haigen Sykes & Alexander Symes
Completed 2024
Engineered with the reliability and performance that you’ve come to know from Rinnai, the new Efinity Electric Continuous Flow hot water systems offer superior user comfort and energy efficiency.
Automatic flow control adjusts water flow to ensure precise temperatures and consistent comfort.
Slimline construction makes this perfect for residential apartments and offices.
Built with market-leading components for unmatched reliability.
3 phase models available in 14kW, 19kW and 29kW, with a choice of either 50 °C or 60 °C temperature limits to suit varying site requirements.
Easy to use touch screen display allows users to easily customise water temperature and flow.
Lock function to prevent accidental operation.
PHOTOGRAPHER KATHERINE LU
As a secluded, single-storey residence that embraces its natural surroundings, Earth House balances a contemporary presence with an environmental consciousness.
From the architect:
Tucked away from the streetscape as part of a battleaxe-style allotment, the design approach balances a low-profile structure with bold material choices that also connect to the raw and robust natural surroundings.
Throughout, rammed earth has been used as both a statement and a reference to the ancient, labour-intensive technique as well as for its organic beauty and enhanced thermal performance. Combined with polished concrete floors and an industrial-inspired roof structure, the result feels richly textural and grounded.
The design departs from convention, foregoing a traditional front door in favour of a more relaxed entry through the courtyard and verandah. The L-shaped layout wraps around a central courtyard, dissolving boundaries between inside and out with the home opening into the courtyard, setting a tone of openness from the outset. From the outset, a tone of informality is established with elevated details combining with sustainability as the core focus on how the home came together.
Not immediately evident or present from
approach, Earth House reveals itself as an intimate retreat, thoughtfully designed to respect its surroundings while asserting a distinct architectural presence. The decision to proceed with a single-storey structure, crowned by a skillion roof, complements the landscape without imposing on it, encouraging the architecture to insert itself harmoniously within the natural surroundings. This subtle integration of built form amongst the elements further emphasises a desire to live consciously and deliberately by the owners.
At the core of the uniqueness of Earth House lies a commitment to material integrity and sustainable design. The centrepiece of which is the encasing rammed earth construction methodology - a time-honoured technique selected for both its textured surface and its environmental performing ability.
Wrapping around an internal courtyard space, each space has access to both natural light and air and can be passively tempered as a result. The intentional arrangement dissolves traditional boundaries between inside and out.
The planning comes together in an L-shape, as a means to maximise privacy and ensure optimised visual connections internally and to the surrounding landscape at the same time. Through strategic orientation and optimising the thermal mass of the rammed earth walls and polished concrete floors, internal temperatures can be stabilised easily, with the integration of high-level louvre openings that act as key shading devices that alleviate heat gain. A Structural Insulated Panel System (SIPS) roof adds further thermal performance while also reducing construction waste and time for manufacture. The integration of additional systems such as in-slab hydronic heating, solar systems, water collection and reuse, and energyefficient appliances and lighting, all reinforce an overarching intention to use less.
The aim was to create a relaxed and resetting backdrop for a sustainable life, with Earth House bridging thoughtful design and environmental stewardship, while also offering a contemporary setting that felt timeless and grounded in place.
Architects Sandbox Studio, Laura Rees
Project size 177 m 2
Site size 551 m 2
Completed 2024
Building levels 1
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This home is set on a serene 1.341-hectare lot surrounded by lush nature and bushland. This property provides a perfect haven for a couple to enjoy family life and create cherished memories with their grandchildren.
From the architect:
Originally built in the 1980s with a subtle Federation aesthetic, the home was transformed to seamlessly blend Hamptons elegance with heritage charm, addressing the clients’ needs for a more functional floorplan that accommodates their large family.
The design vision included enhancing the existing style while infusing the interiors with a fresh Hamptons-inspired atmosphere. Inviting spaces were created for the grandchildren to play and for family gatherings, with a renovated granny flat to house their son and his family. Key features of the renovation include a
stunning outdoor entertainment area with a stone fireplace and exposed trusses, a thoughtfully updated kitchen with shaker panel cabinetry and a refreshing colour palette, and a revitalised terrace with stylish tiling and an upgraded pool, surrounded by low-maintenance Millboard decking. The pergola was enhanced to create a seamless indoor-outdoor flow.
The result is a beautifully renovated property with three distinct buildings, fostering a strong connection to nature and embodying a timeless farmhouse aesthetic that will bring joy and comfort for generations.
Architect dion seminara architecture
Completed 2024
Welcome to Sections2, where we highlight the very best section drawings from architecture and design students from our universities.
WORDS & DRAWINGS DANIELLE LEE
Palm oil, derived from Elaeis guineensis, is a land-intensive industry prominent in the global South. It has caused significant environmental degradation, including wastewater and air pollution, and contributed to a wasted renewable energy resource due to much of the energy not being recovered in its current form of practice and production.
Malaysia, the second-largest producer, and exporter of palm oil, accounted for half of the world’s palm oil production between 1990 and 2000, producing a total of 10.8 million tonnes.
Despite the primary focus on oil production, the palm tree itself yields only 10% oil, with the remaining 90% of the tree constituting biomass waste. Palm oil or its derivatives are present in up to 50% of everyday products in our grocery
stores, including toothpaste, soap, shampoo, chocolate, etc.
Moreover, the growing global demand for palm oil raises serious concerns about labor rights for migrant workers and the plight of stateless children in rural communities.
This thesis explores how architecture can transform the energy flows and operational practices within the agro-industrial palm oil sector. It seeks to engage with the production landscapes of Kuala Selangor through the innovative use of palm biomass waste across three key phases:
1. Visibility: Expanding a primary school;
2. Monitoring: Constructing an ecological jetty; and
3. Reinstating: the rural landscape through
community workshops that promote material storytelling, strengthen sociocultural relationships, and encourage sustainable spatial practices for future generations.
The cultural identity of place can be restored if we begin to acknowledge the various forms of life, matter, and landscape. Architecture, in this context, encourages a new transition or liminality towards a space for radical discussions and responds to the calling of extractive landscapes.
DANIELLE LEE is a recent graduate of the Master of Architecture program at the University of Melbourne, an enthusiastic designer who believes we can positively shape our future environments through deep listening and an openness to discovery. Her passion lies in exploring the intersection of architecture with social and cultural narratives through material storytelling that reflects identities and addresses societal needs. She takes on an innovative spirit combined
with humanistic values and craftsmanship involved in creating enduring, meaningful work. Lee’s thesis project, “Beneath the Shadows of Palm: Blueprints for Rural Palm Oil Territories” have won the Summer 2024 Bates Smart Graduate Prize for Outstanding Design, for demonstrating excellence in research, and inventive exploration which represents a graceful and hopeful remedy for the post-industrial tropical landscape.
Blum, a pioneer in furniture hardware solutions, proudly introduces AVENTOS top and AVENTOS HKi lift systems into the Australian market.
These revolutionary systems are redefining how designers perceive and create cabinets, combining seamless integration, aesthetic appeal, and exceptional performance. Blum’s AVENTOS top and AVENTOS HKi lift systems offer a perfect blend of style and functionality, ensuring that modern interiors not only look good but are also functional.
The AVENTOS top range impresses with its compact design and continues to offer the familiar advantages that homeowners have come to expect from Blum. Designed with a sleek and minimalist look, it is perfect if you are after clean lines and subtle elegance. The lift mechanisms are concealed behind silk white, light grey, or dark grey cover caps, blending seamlessly with the furniture or standing out as a charming contrast.
Ideal for overhead wall cabinets, AVENTOS top provides freedom of movement and easy access without occupying too much space. Be it fold up, swing up and over, lift up or pivot up – there is a lift type to suit nearly any design requirement.
The AVENTOS top range comes with Blum’s BLUMOTION soft-close as standard. Or for an enhanced experience, choose Blum’s SERVODRIVE electrical opening support system.
AVENTOS HKi is the first of its kind and capable of being fully integrated into the cabinet side thanks to its extremely slim construction. This lift system fits perfectly into cabinet sides with a thickness of 16 mm or more, making it virtually invisible from the outside. It’s ideal for those who want a seamless, uncluttered appearance without sacrificing functionality.
The integrated lift system remains invisible when closed, even with glass fronts. The visible parts of AVENTOS HKi, seen when the front is open, shows elegant onyx black hardware.
Fronts can be made from various materials, such as wood, MDF, and glass, featuring narrow or wide aluminium frames.
Despite its slim profile, the AVENTOS HKi offers the same high-quality motion, symmetrical fittings, opening angle stop, easy adjustment, and easy assembly that the AVENTOS lift system range is known for.
Both AVENTOS top and AVENTOS HKi lift systems invite designers to push the boundaries of their designs. These systems align perfectly with current trends towards concealed hardware, ensuring maximum accessibility and customizability.
Whether you’re drawn to the visible elegance of the AVENTOS top or the subtle integration of the AVENTOS HKi, these systems provide the tools to create truly remarkable interiors. Embrace the future of cabinet design with Blum’s innovative lift systems.
WORDS STEPHANIE STEFANOVIC
Bathroom and shower design that seamlessly integrates safety, accessibility and hygiene with comfort and style.
For many of us, the bathroom is one of the most important rooms of the house. Bathroom renovations are in fact the most sought-after form of home improvement in Australia, followed by kitchen renovations, according to data from Compare the Market.
This is not surprising, considering that bathrooms and kitchens are both essential spaces with ever-evolving technology and innovations in design. This article will focus on showers, exploring the latest design trends and innovations, and how they can be used to create bathrooms that will stand the test of time.
If you’re looking for inspiration, eco-luxury is a growing style trend that represents an effortless blend of sustainability and sophistication, creating spaces that are environmentally friendly without compromising on luxurious finishes and materials. This can be incorporated in bathrooms in several ways, for example:
• Use of renewable, recycled or responsibly sourced materials like bamboo, reclaimed wood or recycled glass.
• Installation of water-saving fixtures such as low-flow showerheads, sensor-activated faucets and recycled water systems.
• Inclusion of smart technologies to regulate water temperature and lighting.
• Addition of spa-like features such as rain showers, steam rooms and aromatherapy systems.
• Inclusion of biophilic elements such as plants suited to high humidity, and even the use of natural light and nature-inspired colour palettes.
As mentioned above, one key element of ecoluxury design is the creation of a zen, spa-like experience in the bathroom, and the inclusion of a luxurious shower is certainly one way to achieve this.
“In contemporary bathroom design, twin showers — featuring dual shower heads —
PREVIOUS Nero Tapware.
LEFT Methven’s Kiri Low Flow has a WELS 5 Star Rating (5 litres per min flow) that does not compromise spray performance by integration.
are gaining popularity for their enhanced functionality and luxury,” says Clint Field, National Sales Marketing Manager at Nero Tapware.
“These setups often include both a fixed overhead rain shower and a handheld unit, providing versatility and a spa-like experience.”
Nero Tapware’s Air Shower is a good example of this. According to the company, it creates an elevated showering experience by blending technology with luxurious design to create resort-style ambiance. It uses air infusion technology, mixing air with water to produce a softer, more voluminous spray that mimics the feel of natural rainfall.
“Outdoor showers are also gaining popularity in Australia, offering both functional benefits and aesthetic enhancements to residential properties,” adds Field.
“Recognising this trend, Nero Tapware introduced the Zen Outdoor shower range, [which] provides a convenient and stylish solution for rinsing off after swimming or enjoying a refreshing shower in nature.”
Lead free tapware available to specify.
From 1 May 2026, relevant plumbing products used for drinking water will be required to meet the new Lead Free Watermark requirements. Without this certification, affected products will not be allowed to be installed. Make sure you’re ahead of the transition and update your specifications with Caroma lead free tapware.
Low-flow showers are another growing trend in eco-luxury design. This represents a departure from previous ways of thinking, with the emphasis being on high flow at the expense of sustainability.
“There is increasing pressure for showers to have a higher WELS (Water Efficiency Labelling and Standards) that is achieved through lower flow rates,” notes James Cocking, Senior Brand Manager, Portfolios at GWA Group.
“This [creates] a significant technology challenge, with perceptions that lower flow rates are undesirable for personal shower experiences.”
According to Cocking, it is possible to implement a low-flow shower system without impacting performance. For example, Methven’s Kiri Low Flow has a WELS 5 Star Rating (five litres per min flow) that does not compromise spray performance by integration. The shower utilises Methven Satinjet, a patented spray technology that combines colliding twin jets which produce over 300,000 droplets of water per second.
For those looking for a unique shower experience with an eye-catching design, Methven is also challenging traditional shower forms with its Aurajet shower technology, which uses hidden nozzles to generate individual jets of water against angled surfaces, creating a controlled fan of water. This increases coverage and droplet density while delivering a new shower experience and adding a sculptural piece to the bathroom.
ACCESSIBLE AND AESTHETICALLY PLEASING
“As part of universal design principles, bathrooms should be accessible to all,” adds Cocking.
“Traditional grab rails have often posed a design challenge as they have a distinct look,
causing people to hesitate to choose them.”
Caroma has sought to change this with the introduction of its Urbane Universal Accessories line. For example, the Universal Rail Shower with VJet hand shower addresses this with a vertical rail that subtly integrates the hand shower, while also providing 110kg load rating for multidirectional force.
“The fastest growing trend is the rail shower with overhead, which adds a more luxurious element to a traditional rail shower by incorporating a rain shower while still maintaining the rail shower’s benefit of being easy to retrofit to a single outlet.”
Once limited to commercial structures, designers and their clients are increasingly recognising the benefits of modular and prefabricated design, making it another popular choice for residential bathroom projects.
These pods integrate modern showers that feature:
• Seamless design: Frameless glass panels and walk-in shower zones for a minimalist look.
• Sustainability: Water-saving showerheads and smart technology for temperature control.
• Customisation: Options like dual showerheads, LED-lit niches, and integrated storage cater to diverse preferences.
“We have noticed the growing design preference for open plan/walk-in showers,” says Ema Grima, Marketing and Digital Media Manager at Hickory.
“This design choice fits perfectly within a prefabricated bathroom pod as the glass reinforced concrete (GRC) bases in the pods ensure a watertight seal, durability and efficient water drainage.”
The time and cost savings associated with prefab bathrooms make them an ideal choice, especially for multi-residential structures.
One good example of this is Nine by Mirvac, a luxury multi-residential property development in Sydney’s north.
For this project, prefab manufacturer SYNC produced 769 pods (with 28 unique types) to be used across the two buildings. The pods feature bespoke designs with premium fixtures, natural stone-clad walls and advanced feature lighting.
“Our focus on prefabrication allows us to deliver high-quality, bespoke bathroom solutions while significantly reducing waste and improving efficiency,” says Chris Ong, Managing Director of SYNC.
With the use of Design for Manufacture and Assembly (DfMA) principles, SYNC was able to significantly reduce waste, while improving recycling rates, with 99% of materials recycled within the factory. Off-site fabrication of the bathroom pods not only streamlined the construction process but also significantly enhanced site safety and efficiency, while simultaneously mitigating risks associated with traditional construction methods due to less trades required on side and the use of specialised machinery for material handling.
“By building prototypes and manufacturing off-site, we can control quality and safety to a higher degree, ensuring that each pod meets our stringent standards before reaching the site,” adds Chris.
The overall result was the creation of a timeless and opulent multi-residential building featuring bathrooms with luxurious natural materials, artisan lighting and top-ofthe-line fixtures.
SUPPLIERS Caroma architectureanddesign.com.au/ suppliers/caroma Methven methven.com/au/home Nero Tapware architectureanddesign.com.au/suppliers/ nero-tapware Hickory (SYNC) hickory.com.au/sync/
WORDS CLÉMENCE CARAYOL
In the world of residential architecture, sustainability is no longer a passive pursuit - it’s an active choice. Passive House design is gaining ground in Australia, where innovative brands are leading the charge.
Passive House is reshaping Australian homes, delivering both style and substance for a greener architecture and future.
The Passive House standard is a rigorous, voluntary standard for energy-efficient buildings that prioritises comfort, health, and minimal energy use.
Originating in Germany in the late 1980s, the principles are based on five key elements: a high-quality insulation, a thermal bridge-free design, an airtight construction, a mechanical ventilation with heat recovery and a highperformance windows and doors.
By focusing on passive measures rather than energy-intensive systems, Passive House buildings use up to 90% less heating and cooling energy compared to conventional structures.
Mechanical ventilation with heat recovery is a key Passive House principle that ensures efficient energy conservation by extracting stale air while recovering and transferring heat to incoming fresh air, maintaining indoor air quality and thermal comfort.
According to Trevor Lorge, Director at iSwirl, throughout Australia and other parts of the world, many residential homes have installed rooftop ventilators. The most common of these is the onion-shaped whirlybird. The benefits of rooftop ventilators are well known.
Most importantly they help ensure a reduction in heat build-up in the roof cavity and a reduction in moisture build-up in the roof cavity.
A reduction of heat in the roof cavity provides for a more comfortable and cooler environment in the living or working space below while a reduction in moisture in the roof cavity leads to less opportunity for mould and mildew to flourish.
“Unfortunately, most conventional rooftop ventilators/whirlybirds are powered and operated only by wind,” says Lorge.
“They require the wind force to rotate wind vanes to ensure the extraction of air from the roof cavity. Their disadvantage is that they fail to extract air if there is no wind.”
Fortunately, iSwirl has launched a unique and patented product that utilises both wind and solar energy, to increase the efficiency of the air-extraction process.
The iSwirl utilises wind force to drive the rotation of wind vanes, like a whirlybird. In addition, it utilises solar energy, captured via a photovoltaic panel that powers a 24v motor that is connected to a fan blade to extract air at a much greater volume than traditional singlepowered wind ventilators.
The solar panel and wind vanes are directly integrated within a moulded head and are easily attached to the roof via a collar.
“A few new products on the market have tried to address this issue, by utilising solar
cell technology so that the ventilator operates using sunlight energy when ventilation is most needed, rather than relying on wind,” says Lorge.
“Unfortunately, the aesthetics of most of these products is sub-optimal and “unsightly”. These also operate on sunny days as they are solar only. There are no roof ventilators that use both wind and solar in combination to address this issue within the same product.
“This was seen to be a real deficiency of design in ‘wind only’ or ‘solar only’ ventilators. Hence the design and launch of the innovative iSwirl product.”
Thermal bridge-free design eliminates areas in a building’s envelope where heat can bypass insulation, such as around windows, doors, and structural elements. This Passive House principle minimises heat loss, prevents cold spots and condensation, and enhances overall energy efficiency.
“Paarhammer Passive House windows and doors are the only Australian-made timber windows with International Passive House Component Certification from the Passivehaus Institute in Germany, while at the same time having been tested and approved to all relevant Australian Standards,” says Paarhammer Business Development Manager Edith Paarhammer.
“We are also in the process of getting our composite Wood-Alu Range (timber inside, aluminium outside) certified for International Passive House Component Certification.”
Paarhammer has been a member of the Australian Passive House Association for many years.
The company’s timber windows as well as Wood/Alu composite windows are available custom-made for Passive House buildings, with a range suitable even for high bushfire areas.
“Several of the buildings Paarhammer has supplied windows and doors for have had a blower door test performed with excellent results,” Paarhammer says.
“Some of these are certified Passive Houses, others are built to Passive House principles.”
High-performance windows and doors are a fundamental Passive House principle, designed with advanced glazing, airtight frames, and optimal thermal insulation to minimise heat
loss, maximise solar gain, and maintain a comfortable indoor climate while reducing energy demand.
“At BINQ, we believe windows are the most important element in a building, having a dramatic impact on the design, aesthetics, functionality, liveability, and performance of a home,” says BINQ Managing Director Jacob Cosentino.
Key features of European high-performance windows include low U-values, optional triple glazing, low-E coatings, argon gas, warm edge spacers, air-tight construction, and quality frame materials.
“As much as 25 - 40% of energy loss can be attributed to leaky walls and windows. Even if a home has high R-Value insulation installed behind the floors, walls, and ceiling, underperforming windows and poor installation can be detrimental to the building’s thermal performance,” Cosentino says.
The design of the operable sash and how it interacts with the frame is also carefully considered to ensure minimum air leakage is achieved. This is tested and quantified during the AS2047 testing cycles and is published.
BINQ’s Australian-made high performance windows are an outstanding option for Passive Houses.
homes, proving that being “passive” can lead to big energy savings.
“A key element in this outcome is to have windows that perform well but it’s important to reiterate that high performance windows alone may not prevent condensation from occurring,” Cosentino says.
Airtight construction is a core Passive House principle, ensuring the building envelope is sealed to prevent uncontrolled air leakage, reducing heat loss, improving energy efficiency, and maintaining a comfortable and consistent indoor environment.
Fisher & Paykel Home Solutions helps deliver Operational Net Zero Homes by integrating solar generation, battery storage, space & water heating, and top-tier appliances from Fisher & Paykel and Haier.
“With support from our in-house design service Fisher & Paykel Homes Solutions has been established to provide an integrated approach to solving the challenge of managing energy in the built environment. This holistic approach to energy management sets a new standard in energy efficiency,” General Manager Marketing - Home Solutions Nicole Stock says.
The Home Solutions design team aims to bridge the gap between the theoretical application of passive design and holistic design solutions by quantifying the impact of design decisions on the home energy consumption.
The design service quantifies the impact of design decisions when designing using Passive House principles at a specific site. By providing
insights through the accurate modelling of the household specific to its site, occupancy and location, the home can be tailored to the specific needs and requirements of the owners.
“We work alongside architects, designers and homeowners for the duration of the project to provide insights and guidance around how best to achieve the energy goals of the project. When the home’s energy is optimised, we then work together to specify, supply and install the right appliances for the home,” Stock says.
“With a single point of contact for the duration of the project, and nationwide coverage providing support and service for all of the products we offer, we provide a unique offering in the marketplace.”
High-quality insulation is a key Passive House principle, providing continuous and effective thermal resistance throughout the building envelope to minimise heat loss, enhance energy efficiency, and ensure a stable and comfortable indoor climate year-round.
Bondor Metecno’s SolarSpan is an all-in-one insulated roofing panel that combines roofing, insulation, and a pre-painted ceiling, providing high thermal efficiency essential for the Passive House high-quality insulation principle. The product ensures airtightness, a critical factor in achieving Passivhaus certification, as demonstrated in projects like the Hamptons Passive House.
With architectural appeal, offering higher ceilings for spacious living areas, clean roof lines and superior comfort, SolarSpan creates
a thermal barrier over the home, delivering better energy-efficiency with less reliance on heating and cooling to lower energy costs for homeowners.
SolarSpan insulated roof panels are lightweight and easy to install. The panels feature insulting core material held in place by two steel facings, this creates a continuous insulating envelop that will not crumble or sag over time like other forms of insulation.
The panels lock together forming an airtight seal, that does not require any taping or other fillers. This continuous building envelop reduces air leakage, improving energy efficiency and saving on heating and cooling costs.
“Replacing four individual products (roof trusses, ceiling, insulation and roof sheeting) with one insulated panel also means a better outcome for the environment with less site waste and fewer site deliveries to manage,” says Hudson.
“From a design perspective, eliminating the need for traditional roof trusses means home designs can adopt higher ceilings, offering open and spacious living areas, especially important with the design and space limitations for smaller lots and infill developments.”
Passive House principles are actively transforming Australian homes, proving that being “passive” can lead to big energy savings. With innovations from iSwirl, Paarhammer, BINQ, Bondor Metecno, and Fisher & Paykel Home Solutions, these homes combine style and sustainability, building a greener future with ease.
Gently integrated into the hillside right above Pearl Beach, NSW, this stunning Central Coast dwelling redefines the concept of coastal living. Naturally weathered hardwood and accents of charred Shou Sugi Ban reinforce the home’s connection to the landscape, while the rooftop spa offers an exceptional vantage point to soak in the exquisite views.
“The brief was to create a home that captured the waterfront views, but the property is not waterfront,” says Glen McLeod, Architect at Osmond McLeod. The architectural challenge of capturing extensive vistas despite the proximity to the neighbouring dwelling provided a creative foundation for a remarkable build that flawlessly balances the sense of seclusion and expanse.
“We had to design a home that brought the ocean view into full focus, but also obscured the neighbouring dwellings and less desirable features to give the property the feeling of being isolated within its context,” Glen explains. “It’s a sensitive coastal area, and we wanted to get as close as possible to the beach, but also the creek that wraps around the property.”
Glen adds that addressing the structural requirements of touching the ground lightly was a significant consideration, although designing the spaces, forms, and glazing to incorporate these features into the home proved challenging.
To transform the Pearl Beach View House into a true conduit between the land and sea, the architects collaborated with AVS Windows and Doors to devise innovative glazing solutions. “The whole focus of the home was around the views and outlook and creating a coastal home that felt as if you were sitting on the beach or at the edge of the creek,” says Glen. “Having large expanses of glass in minimal frames that disappeared into the backdrop was critical in bringing the spaces to life.”
The oversized Series 704 SlideMASTER™ Sliding Doors, which extend up to 9 metres and disappear into wall cavities when fully opened, seamlessly integrate the natural environment and the living space. In the upstairs living room, the wall-to-wall doors offer breathtaking water views and invite the refreshing sea breeze to flow through the entire house. This sense of
indoor-outdoor connection is enhanced by the FlowTHRU Pro™Drain, which provides an uninterrupted transition between both environments with its innovative, sleek design. Additionally, Series 400 Single Glazed CentreGLAZE™ Framing is used throughout the home, accommodating various sizes of fixed windows. A stand-out element is the courtyard, where oversized fixed windows usher in abundant natural light. Here, when faced with a significant technical hurdle in creating a unique 90-degree angle corner stacking door, AVS devised a bespoke solution that reflected the architectural vision and worked for the builder.
The Pearl Beach View House exemplifies the potential of creativity, collaboration and innovation to craft dwellings that thoughtfully integrate into their environments. The expansive Series 704 SlideMASTER™ doors and Series 400 CentreGLAZE™ windows capture the essence of seaside living, emphasising AVS Windows and Doors’ ability to transform architectural blueprints into awe-inspiring structures that resonate with the beauty of the Australian coastline.
WORDS MATTHEW MCDONALD
One of the main attractions of solar roof tiles, particularly when included in residential applications, is their aesthetic appeal.
ABOVE
Delivering all the carbon reduction benefits of better-known (though more cumbersome) alternatives, solar roof tiles also come with the promise of sleek design and seamless integration.
Though well-established, and continuing to increase in terms of popularity, traditional solar panels are not without their drawbacks. Often criticised for their bulky appearance, their installation also requires external mounting systems, which typically require drilling or cutting into the roof. This process can compromise the roof’s integrity, make it more prone to leaks, and potentially lead to other complications, like voiding builder warranties.
Additionally, the extra weight of solar panels and their mounting systems, along with the
potential for higher uplift forces (caused by wind getting underneath the panels), must be factored into the building’s structural design (which, in turn, increases costs).
Products like Volt Solar Roof Tiles provide an innovative, building-integrated alternative to solar panels. Unlike those more traditional products, solar roof tiles sit seamlessly within the roof structure, eliminating uplift risks and reducing the overall weight of the roof.
Advanced solar modules, solar roof tiles operate on the same principle as standard solar panels. They convert sunlight into electricity that can be consumed in the home – to power appliances, heat water, charge electric vehicles, and so on. Then, as is the case with solar panels, excess energy can be stored in a battery system for later use or returned to the grid (though recent tariff reductions have made this practice less attractive).
Solar roof tiles make it possible to integrate solar generation capacity, without compromising the home’s design aesthetic.
Blends naturally with Nulok slate while delivering seamless beauty and modern solar power.
Optimised airflow beneath the solar tiles ensures natural cooling, efficiency and cutting edge performance.
Hidden
Brands like Volt offer black and compact solar tiles that sit flush against and complement conventional roof tiles, creating a sleek and cohesive look (particularly when paired with darker roof tiles).
Because they do not require external mounting systems, like those required by solar panels, the installation of solar roof tiles eliminates the need for roof penetrations, or any modification to the roofing structure.
Given that solar roof tiles replace standard roof tiles, the weight of the roof is reduced. In addition, as the solar tiles form part of the roofing structure, the risk of wind uplift is significantly reduced. According to Volt, both these factors reduce the structural complexities and cost of a roof and its structure.
In Australia, solar roof tiles are primarily used in new home builds to comply with the National Construction Code’s (NCC) ‘Whole of Home’ energy requirements. Introduced as part of NCC 2022, this inclusion requires owners of new homes to either ensure their energy remains under a specified cap or is offset by on-site renewable energy generating systems, such as rooftop solar systems.
Considering this requirement, integrating solar tiles becomes a clear choice; one that provides sustainable energy while maintaining the home’s aesthetic integrity.
For homeowners already making a significant investment in a new home, the incremental cost of solar tiles is minimal and more easily justified as part of the overall project. This also applies to major renovation projects that involve reroofing.
Beyond aesthetics, solar roof tiles provide long-term value by future-proofing properties to meet the highest energy efficiency standards, enhancing their market appeal and sustainability.
In specific cases, solar roof tiles provide a practical solution for heritage homes, where traditional solar panels may be prohibited due to aesthetic regulations. In these instances, solar tiles offer a way to incorporate renewable energy, while preserving the architectural integrity of the building.
One of the main attractions of solar roof tiles, particularly when included in residential applications, is their aesthetic appeal.
As used successfully in numerous projects of this type – including Bedfordale House, an award-winning residence by Suzanne Hunt Architect – they represent a discreet and sleek alternative to more traditional (and more bulky) solar panels.
A sophisticated yet unobtrusive home situated in the Perth Hills, the project blends cutting-edge sustainability with architectural elegance.
Achieving this goal required not just the inclusion of suitably durable materials and the incorporation of a well-conceived, environmentally sensitive aesthetic, but also reliable energy capabilities.
To satisfy this final requirement, the architects used the Nulok Roofing System.
Innovative and versatility – and blending the well-recognised appeal of natural slate with solar energy generation capacity – the tiles blend seamlessly with the natural aesthetic of Bedfordale House.
As integrated solar tiles, they essentially form part of the roof itself. This provides a flush, seamless installation that reduces the risk of wind uplift and prevents water from seeping through gaps. The result is a robust, weatherproof system that can withstand even the fiercest storms.
Because the Nulok Roofing System is designed to ensure natural ventilation is maintained under each slate, each individual tile is kept cool. In this way, consistent energy production can be ensured over time.
In addition, given that the system is tested to withstand Category 4 cyclones and rated A1 for fire safety, it also scores well in terms of durability. Manufactured with cradle-to-cradle certified materials, the system significantly reduces the home’s carbon footprint. Completing Bedfordale House project was not without challenges. In the main part, these were associated with its relatively remote location and bespoke design. As far as the Nulok system was concerned, it helped
overcome these difficulties. Its light weight meant that transport and installation were as simple as possible, while its modular design allowed for seamless integration with the home’s intricate layout.
A model of sustainable design, and a home that has achieved energy independence while maintaining architectural integrity, Bedfordale House has earned numerous accolades and awards.
These include awards for: Timber Design Interior Fitout – Residential, Australian Timber Design Awards, 2015; HIA CSR Australian Home of the Year, 2015; HIA Best Australian Custom Build Home of the Year, 2015; HIA National Peoples’ Choice Award, 2015; AIA Architecture Awards WA: Architecture Award for Interior Architecture, 2014; and MBA Most Livable Home Award, Gransden Constructions, 2014.
According to Alspec Solar, an organisation committed to not just supplying quality solar products but revolutionising the building integrated renewable energy domain in Australia, solar roof tiles sit comfortably alongside various other environmentally focussed roofing innovations, like the incorporation of Green Roofs on residential buildings to improve insulation and aesthetics; or Cool Roofs, which employ reflective materials to reduce heat absorption and improve energy efficiency.
Likewise, they have arrived at a time in which trends like the introduction of more and more recycled roofing materials, including options like recycled rubber, plastic, or metal; and ‘Living Roof Systems’, which provide environmental benefits like air purification and rainwater management are making an impact.
As illustrated at a residence in Brisbane, products like Alspec Solar Sunshine Series – Sunshine Tiles have the capacity to significantly reduce the carbon footprint of residential buildings.
In this case, rising energy costs and the desire for a sustainable, aesthetically pleasing energy solution led the homeowners to explore solar solutions for their property.
With limited roof space and the property’s location near a main road, they required a photovoltaic (PV) system that seamlessly integrated with the architecture while maintaining high efficiency and safety standards.
After considering various factors, both aesthetic and functional, they settled upon Sunshine tiles from the Alspec Solar Sunshine Series (a state-of-the-art photovoltaic system) as the best option.
Durable and ensuring long-term safety and functionality, the tiles blend unobtrusively into the existing roof and therefore have no negative aesthetic ramifications. On top of that, and most importantly, they are efficient. Despite the limited roof space, the 2.1kW system generates 3400kWh annually, optimising energy output.
Now installed and fully operational, the homeowners have begun to reap the benefits of this choice. They can enjoy a sustainable energy source that complements the property’s
appearance and reduces utility expenses. Generating 3400 kWh annually, the system provides reliable energy and reduces dependence on grid electricity. On top of that, over its lifetime, it can be expected to offset 53 tonnes of C02 (which is the equivalent to planting 479 trees).
Then from a design perspective, the Sunshine Tiles integrate seamlessly with the roof, allowing for passive design whilst maintaining structural integrity.
There are, of course, negatives associated with solar roof tiles. Requiring specialist skills to install, they are also not suitable for all types of residential applications (such as houses with curved tiles or metal roofs). Then of course, as is often noted, their installation involves high upfront costs.
However as is also often noted, and as is illustrated by the above-mentioned Brisbane installation, these initial costs are invariably more than accounted for by reduced energy consumption and carbon footprint reductions.
WORDS MATTHEW MCDONALD
Specifiers
are spoilt for choice when it comes to shading systems. With a wide range of options available, there is something for every residential application.
Given the breadth of choice and the need, for example, to decide between internally and externally mounted options, it is worth asking what factors should be considered when specifying blinds, curtains, and other sun control systems.
According to Verosol, a manufacturer and supplier of performance-based window coverings for architects and designers, safety should always top this list of considerations.
In the case of shading systems, this relates mainly to the chords and chains found on manual blinds and curtains, and their capacity to harm young children.
In response to this state of affairs, manufacturers and regulators around the world have started to act. Window coverings with cords are on the way out and are being replaced by motorised or automated options.
In fact, in many countries they have been made illegal altogether. While this is not yet the case in Australia, most believe it is case of not if but when.
Moving to other considerations when choosing shading systems, the provision of privacy is an obvious factor. Here, choice depends on personal requirements, and the function of the space involved. Depending on this, specifiers can choose between transparent, translucent, or even block out materials, for complete privacy.
Temperature control is another clear variable. The capacity of shading systems to control internal temperature correlates directly with their ability to block heat and light. This involves measurements like U Value, Visible Light Transmittance (VLT), Solar heat gain
coefficient (SHGC), Solar Absorption, Solar Reflection, etc.
Another factor, which is related to this is light and glare control. Shading products that can control UV rays help minimise the degradation of décor and furnishings; while glare control is important in rooms where screens, devices, televisions, and so on are used.
Then – particularly in the case of homes situated near major roads, train tracks, industrial sites – the acoustic properties of shading systems are also worth noting.
Which brings us to another key consideration, and one that continues to become more and more prominent, not just within the built environment but across all aspects of society. Like all types of buildings products and materials, shading systems should be environmentally sustainable.
When choosing shading systems, specifiers should be aware of the carbon footprints of the products in question, as well as other impacts like manufacturing by-products, pollution, their contribution to resource depletion, and so on.
On top of that, they should be aware of their capacity to improve thermal efficiency and reduce the home’s energy needs.
An organisation with a demonstrated history of commitment to sustainability, Verosol is the inventor of a process of vacuum bonding reflective metal alloy with fabrics to create curtains and blinds that can reflect up to 85% of solar radiation. Known as Silverscreen, these fabrics find use in all types of residential applications.
According to Shade Factor, a specialist in custom made shading systems for commercial and residential applications, climate responsive automation and architectural integration are two important considerations for those involved in residential projects.
In line with this, the company offers various solutions, including motorised blinds, awnings, and external venetian blinds from Warema; concealed roller blind boxes and recessed curtain tracks from Blindspace; and Warema Climatronic, a smart system which facilitates whole-home automation and enables shading systems to adjust automatically, according to climatic conditions.
Highly versatile, external blinds and shutters offer significant benefits when motorised and paired with control systems. Acting as a protective layer, they shield buildings from the sun, enhancing comfort, privacy, and preserving furniture and artworks.
On top of that, innovations like Warema ProVisio slats provide precise light control, privacy, and clear views. With proper design and specification, these systems suit most residential applications without notable limitations.
Shade Factor was recently able demonstrate this expertise in residential applications at Burnt Earth Beach House, an Anglesea home designed for his own family by Architect John Wardle.
BELOW Window coverings with cords are on the way out and are being replaced by motorised or automated options. / Verosol
Positioned on a coastal cliff, and including extensive glazing, the home’s design focuses on capturing sunlight and framing specific views of the Victorian coastline.
Because of all the windows, thermal performance was a key consideration. Wardle had, by necessity, to pay close attention to not just insulation, but the placement of these windows and the provision of shade. He needed to manage sunlight while preserving views.
In collaboration with Shade Factor, he installed advanced shading solutions throughout the home. Each area of the house required a different approach based on the room’s function, the time of day, and the intensity of the sun. The exterior blind systems were customised to ensure optimal light control without unnecessarily obstructing views.
Within the living area of the house, two fabric awning systems – drop arm awnings and vertical awnings – were installed to protect the home’s art and furnishings from direct sunlight.
These tailored shading solutions ensure that Burnt Earth Beach House is not only comfortable and functional in various times throughout the year, but also that its design in sympathetic with its surrounding environment.
Now complete, the home not only achieves aesthetic excellence, but also maximises comfort and environmental performance.
According to Sydney-based manufacturer Horiso, the market is currently experiencing a renewed interest in specialty venetian blinds and rack arm systems for external applications. Versatile and compatible with various architectural styles, these systems have become particularly popular in coastal settings. According to the company, this can be put down to the fact that homes in these types of locations benefit from the ability to control light and privacy, while at the same time, handling the harsh coastal weather conditions. Additionally, the company reports increased use of these systems in inland regions, where the management of intense sunlight and variable weather are important considerations. Both new and existing homes are incorporating venetian blinds, tensioned shading systems and rack arm systems. In new constructions, these systems are often integrated into the design from the outset, ensuring seamless functionality and aesthetic appeal.
Meanwhile, in the case of existing buildings, retrofitting modern blinds and shutters plays a role in enhancing energy efficiency and comfort.
Venetian blinds and rack arm systems are suitable for both modern and heritage architecture. In modern homes, sleek and minimalistic designs complement contemporary aesthetics, while in heritage buildings, more traditional styles (featuring, for example, timber blades) can be employed to maintain historical character.
Rack arm systems and tensioned shading systems are also recommended for uniquely shaped areas, such as skylights, which require specialised shading solutions. Ensuring effective light control and insulation, custom tensioned blinds and rack arm systems can be customised to fit these non-standard spaces.
Large windows, especially floor-to-ceiling ones, are another common application. Venetian blinds for these expansive glass areas help manage natural light, reduce glare, and improve thermal performance, making the living spaces more comfortable and energy efficient.
That said, venetian blinds are generally not recommended for installation on windows with non-standard shapes. Typically designed for standard rectangular windows, they may not provide the necessary coverage or functionality for these types of windows.
Rack arm systems, on the other hand, can be adapted to almost any window shape. Whether the windows are circular, triangular, or indeed any shape, these systems can be customised to ensure effective shading and light control. This flexibility makes them a suitable choice for buildings with diverse architectural features. Overall, according to Horiso, the versatility and functionality of venetian blinds, rack arm systems and tensioned shading systems makes them a popular choice across a wide range of residential applications.
Though they have been available since the late 1960s, automated roller blinds have now really come into their own.
As the case of a luxury residence Sydney’s
Dover Heights illustrates, when specified thoughtfully and integrated with home automation systems, the best of these systems can be relied upon to not only enhance comfort and privacy, but also deliver benefits associated with improved efficiency, sustainability, and more.
Supplied by Norfolk Blinds, the blinds were chosen to complement the home’s open-plan layout, floor-to-ceiling windows, and sleek finishes.
Part of a broader re-build and interior renovation, the project was not without its challenges.
Firstly, given that the home features expansive areas of glazing – including large floor-to-ceiling windows, sliding doors, and multiple skylights – custom sizing was necessary. In short, the architects had to ensure that the blinds would provide complete coverage.
Then, as per the homeowners’ wishes, the blinds had to be discreet and elegant. Their colour, texture, and fabric choices needed to be versatile enough to blend seamlessly with both the broader décor and home’s overall minimalist aesthetic.
In addition, to facilitate control via voice commands and apps, they wanted to be able to integrate the blinds with their home automation system. This required the roller blinds to be motorised and compatible with advanced smart technologies.
And finally, given the home’s large windows, energy efficiency was a key consideration. The blinds had to provide thermal insulation in summer and allow for plenty of natural light during the cooler months.
The fabric selected was a premium solar screen material that delivered a combination of light filtering and UV protection.
The roller blinds were motorised for ease of use and connected to the home’s Control4 Connect home automation system. Compatible with Google Home and Amazon Alexa, this allows the homeowners to control the blinds via voice command or through a mobile app.
Additionally, the motorised blinds were programmed to adjust according to the time of day and ambient light conditions, optimising energy efficiency and comfort.
To maintain the home’s sleek, modern aesthetic, the roller blinds were specified in a neutral, light grey. The fabric was chosen to complement the clean lines and minimalist furniture while adding an element of sophistication.
The solar screen fabric not only provides light control but also acts as a barrier to heat. Then, in winter, the fabric has the capacity to retain heat, helping maintain a comfortable indoor temperature and, thanks to its acoustic properties, reduces excessive noise from the outside.
Established in 1983, Ricky Richards is a family owned and operated business that has grown to become a leading distributor of technical textiles, sun control fabrics and print media.
The company has recently noted a trend towards the use of side retention systems in external residential applications.
Drop awning systems with soft skin materials, which is tensioned between left and right channels, these shading products essentially provide homes with additional space in which to live entertain, and so forth.
Blurring the indoor/outdoor distinction, side retention systems find use on patios, barbeque areas, at pool sides, and so forth. Protected from the elements, they combine the benefits of the dining room or living room with those of traditional outdoor spaces.
Ricky Richards’ Outlook series is available in three different openness choices. Outlook Zero provides 100% protection from the wind, rain and the sun; while Outlook Mode 95% allows for more light and airflow.
As colours match over the different openness factors, they can be mixed and matched. For example, the customers might want their view and have more light and airflow on one side, in which case they would use Outlook Mode 95%. Or they may prefer complete privacy, and this is where they have the option of the Outlook Mode 0%, which delivers a complete visual block out.
So beyond ensuring privacy and keeping things cool, the best of these also help satisfy aesthetic and environmental goals.
Located adjacent to Penrith in Sydney’s west, Kingswood Institute of Applied Technology Construction (IATC) is a TAFE NSW campus whose core focus is the future of innovation and leadership in the Construction Industry.
Striving to design and deliver market-leading training that quickly adapts to evolving industry needs, it offers a vast array of courses and operates in collaboration with TAFE NSW, Western Sydney University, and CPB Contractors.
This innovative, distinctive build represents the exciting new premises at which building industry apprentices will learn the practical skills required for using construction equipment and working with simulated heavy machinery.
To match the Institute’s innovation-focused courses and subject matter, the client sought a high-end industrial aesthetic for this campus.
To achieve this, Network Architectural created bespoke ceilings using durlum ceiling panel products, comprising 80% expanded metal mesh panels.
The epitome of versatile bespoke ceiling design, durlum manufactures innovative metal ceilings, mesh ceilings, and acoustic ceiling solutions suitable for both interior and exterior applications. From sporting venues to shopping centres, offices to universities, and hospitals
to airports, no project is too challenging, and - working with durlum - Network Architectural can create and install truly unique, customised ceilings in a variety of textures, perforations, colours, and finishes, with or without integrated lighting solutions.
“Initially, durlum ceilings were not specified, but due to their shorter lead times and flexible approach, we quickly switched to durlum through Network Architectural,” said Will from Dunrite Linings.
Striking, powerful tones of grey and black were used throughout. Black expanded metal mesh was installed in classrooms and meeting rooms to affect more intimate spaces, while lighter grey tones were chosen to open up public areas. For the corridors, durlum S1 ClipIn tiles were installed for lower-height ceilings to achieve perfectly straight lines. Externally, black durlum S7 double hook-on service panels were used around the building soffit to create a perfectly aligned, seamless transition between bays.
Within practical training rooms, vibrant yellow powder-coated expanded metal mesh panels were used to brighten and enliven the space and help motivate learning and active participation. “durlum are excellent at colour matching anything, which made it easy to
create feature ceilings throughout this project”, mentioned Will.
With this majority mesh ceiling approach, an open, airy industrial effect is achieved whereby natural light is admitted throughout the building from above. Meanwhile, the functionality of these mesh panels was enhanced with durlum opaque acrylic backing panels to make them impervious to vermin, insects, and other materials that may otherwise fall through.
Underneath the soffit, which is the building’s loudest area, a combination of durlum S7 perforated mesh panels and opaque acrylic panels were installed. This acoustic ceiling approach helps mitigate noise from machinery while maintaining natural light permeation throughout.
The result is a truly impressive learning environment that has delighted both the client and the students. “This is one of our most aesthetically pleasing projects,” says Will. “Working with Network Architectural was a pleasure. Their flexibility and professionalism were outstanding.” This project demonstrates the power of durlum’s innovative ceiling solutions to create functional, inspiring, and visually stunning spaces that enhance the learning experience.
Residential: Looking at the issues affecting the design and rebuild of our residential structures and all that is needed to design the most liveable and sustainable homes possible.
Launched in 2017 as part of the Architecture & Design publishing and news network, Talking Architecture & Design interviews industry leaders, innovators, personalities and a range of industry movers and shakers. With no subject that is off-limits, we talk to those that not only make change happen, but also those that turn that change into industry norms and trends.
EPISODE 235: TINA TZIALLAS ON PROMOTING BEHAVIOURAL CHANGE TO PROMOTE SUSTAINABILITY
Recently elevated to Fellow by the Institute of Architects, Tina Tziallas graduated from Sydney University in 2003 and launched her own practice, Tziallas Architects in the Southern Highlands of NSW.
In this podcast, Tziallas talks about some of those passions, design ideas, concepts to do with sustainability and a whole lot more.
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EPISODE 233: JANSEN CHE ON WINNING A COMPETITION TO HELP REDESIGN KHARKIV, UKRAINE
The Norman Foster Foundation along with the City Council, UNECE and Arup launched an international competition to create a new landmark for the city, which was requested by the Mayor in April 2022.
Jansen Che was announced as the winner of The Norman Foster, Kharkiv Freedom Square Revival design competition.
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EPISODE 227: DOMINIC GAETANI, THE DKO LEAD ARCHITECT ON THE PENTRIDGE PRISON URBAN REHABILITATION PROJECT
Dominic Gaetani is a senior associate from DKO Architecture, who as a Tasmanian-born architect, left the sleepy Apple Isle more than 10 years ago to pursue his dream of shaping Melbourne’s skyline.
In this exclusive interview, Gaetani outlines how he overcame the unique challenges in master planning such an iconic site.
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EPISODE 222: ROTHELOWMAN SYDNEY PRINCIPAL BEN POMROY ON LEGACY FOR A BETTER DESIGNED FUTURE
Celebrating their 10th anniversary in Sydney, along with 33 years in Melbourne, Rothelowman Sydney Principal Ben Pomroy talks about the years that have passed, what influences their residential designs and what the future holds for the design sector.
EPISODE 213: TRIVESS MOORE ON HOW GREEN BUILDING MATERIALS CAN HELP US REACH OUR CARBON TARGETS
Trivess Moore is an Associate Professor in the School of Property, Construction and Project Management at RMIT. He is also Associate Director of the Sustainable Building Innovation Laboratory and co-chair of the Fuel Poverty Research Network.
EPISODE 1: Talking with Robin Mellon, CEO of Australia’s Supply Chain Sustainability School
EPISODE 2: Talking with Helen Lochhead, President-elect of the Australian Institute of Architects
EPISODE 97: My sustainability journey by 2021 Sustainability Awards Lifetime Achievement winner, Tone Wheeler
EPISODE 91: Stephen Choi talks about biophilic design and the opportunities it brings to architects
EPISODE 52: Koichi Takada talks about sustainable design and how COVID-19 has forever changed how we work, live, and design our buildings
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Founder of Tziallas Architects and Fellow of the Australian Institute of Architects Tina Tziallas is passionate about designing homes that are built to last.
The Southern Highlands based architect says she wants to see longevity in the things she designs.
“We want to see our buildings stand the test of time. I love the idea that our buildings today are tomorrow’s heritage. I would love to see them last and be maintained and loved and repurposed and have a life beyond the occupants we are designing our buildings for,” she says.
While Tina has never claimed that her practice specialises in sustainable design, she says sustainability has always been integral to her work as an architect.
“I do really love the idea that you build it once and it stays and that’s why I have a real passion for heritage architecture and adaptive reuse of heritage buildings because the most sustainable thing we can do is keep and reuse buildings”.
She doesn’t think a sustainable house needs
to be a high-tech house, it just needs to be a house that is going to perform well.
“If technology can come in and augment that performance and find ways we can measure our improvements that’s fabulous but that base building needs to be sustainable on its own”.
Double glazing is one of the key things Tina specifies to enhance the thermal performance of the homes she designs.
“We work in quite beautiful sites where we have views to capture so glazing becomes so important. I can’t tell you the last time we did a house that was single glazed.”
“And sealing those window openings correctly has been part of our methodology for years and years”.
When it comes to waste management during construction, Tina has a theory on how to reduce it substantially.
“I actually think a lot of waste byproduct during the build happens when you haven’t been able to easily estimate materials, mistakes happen and things need to be changed and things are happening on the fly.”
“We are always thinking about sheet
sizes, off cuts and what we do with the remaining material”.
“If we can document and put a lot of care into the documentation for the builder and the builder is also invested in taking care when planning the project and ordering the materials and working out quantities those are really big steps towards minimising waste”.
Tina says responding to place is an essential part of her design philosophy; connecting occupants to what is beyond the house.
“You can design a very beautiful room to sit in but how you move from place to place is important. So view lines that connect you to corridors from outside.”
“Your circulation areas become really joyful and you’re always connecting with the outside. I think it’s really nice to get a sense of where you are”.
Ultimately, Tina believes that we need to be connected to where we live because when we are connected to something, we care for it, value it, nurture it and protect it.
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METAL ROOF NEED A THERMAL BREAK? CSR BRADFORD ANTICONTM IS THE ANSWER!
NCC 2022 requires metal roofs, under certain circumstances, to have a thermal break installed between the metal roof sheeting and the steel structure beneath it. One of the easiest ways to achieve this requirement is to specify Bradford AnticonTM.
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The FLOR Collection by Interface offers architects and designers limitless possibilities with modular carpet tiles that seamlessly pair with resilient flooring. Perfect for commercial and residential spaces alike, it combines timeless style with eco-conscious innovation. From welcoming receptions to refined guest rooms.
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INVISI-GARD SECURITY SCREENS BY ALSPEC
Enhance your projects with InvisiGard, Australia’s premier security screen solution. Featuring marinegrade 316 stainless steel mesh, it offers unparalleled strength, precision, and durability. Trusted for over 50 years, Invisi-Gard ensures safety whilst looking good.
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In pursuit of increasing noise attenuation via a single light unit, the approx 8sqm surface area of our Breeze acoustic light unit is suspended perfectly to interfere with and absorb the varied frequencies of reverberate noise within any given area.
DoorBird is the smart solution for your house entrance. Simply connect your DoorBird IP Video Door Station to your smartphone and talk to your visitor – anywhere you are. The IP Video Door Station can be used as a stand-alone unit or can be integrated into an existing Smart Home platform.
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Credit: Architecture & Interior Design by Lisa Breeze Architect/Photographs by Cathy Schusler)
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GALINTEL OUTDOORS SLEEPERS
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The portfolio of Weldlok Access Products encompasses grating, flooring and handrail systems, designed with safety and longevity in mind. Weldlok can provide the complete solution with products available in a variety of materials, finishes and sizes, fabricated to project specifications.
STAY COOL THIS SUMMER WITH HONEYCOMB BLINDS!
Investing in honeycomb blinds ensures your home stays cool in summer and warm in winter, reducing energy costs. Available options include; Blockout or Light Filtering fabrics, motorisation and versatile designs, honeycomb blinds are a stylish, practical solution for window coverings.
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Enhance your space with Reapor acoustic panels! Crafted from recycled glass, these lightweight, stone-look noise absorbers perform efficiently outdoors and indoors. With excellent drainage and effortless cleaning, they combine sustainability and style for any challenging environment.
PETERSEN KOLUMBA BRICKS CAPTIVATE IN WOOLLAHRA
The beautiful proportions and delicate texture of handmade Petersen KolumbaTM bricks deliver an intimate, tranquil space at Woollahra Village House. “This brick is somewhere between a stone and a concrete, it’s quite wonderful, we’re really happy with it,” Matthew Krusin, Principal, Tobias Partners.
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UMBRA EXXEN: RETRACTABLE BIOCLIMATIC LOUVRED ROOF STRUCTURE
Exxen is a high-end scissors bioclimatic aluminum pergola system that performs the most desired function in outdoor living spaces with its fully retractable feature. Perfect fusion of functionality, redefinition of outdoor living areas.
THE PERFECT CARPORT
Roof Extenda brackets, available in 316 stainless steel or zinc-nickel, create the perfect carport for parking your Ute, caravan or boat. Ideal for wooden-framed homes, they are adjustable, allowing various carport heights.
AMPLIMESH STORMGUARD SECURITY SCREEN FOR CYCLONE REGIONS
Featuring ultra-high tensile stainless steel mesh and a patented isolated screw clamp system, Stormguard exceeds Australian standards, offering uncompromised security, ventilation, and visibility.
TIMBER INNOVATION FOR BETTER LIVING
Crafted Hardwoods’ wall linings combine natural beauty with innovative material utilisation, creating interiors that captivate, foster wellbeing and contribute to lasting positive impacts. Beautiful, responsible, and designed to enrich daily living.
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Trusted.
LYSAGHT® products are tested to meet all relevant Australian Standards and NCC provisions. Scan the QR code for more information on Lysaght’s product range and services at lysaght.com
Partnering with you in simplifying the process and inspiring your creativity from concept to completion.
