Greetings!

If you are like me you are probably wondering how Easter got here so quickly - it seems we have only just finished packing away the Christmas lights ! However, I think most of us are ready for a small breather round about now, so if you are one of the lucky ones I hope you have or had a good break.
  
I have spent a bit of time travelling back to past projects to photograph them for upcoming awards . It's always good to reconnect with 'old friends' ( both the occupants and their homes) to see what has been working and what could be improved ( not the clients, the homes!)  In this field of sustainable design there is no one formula that can be rolled out time and again, and so the learning process is a lifelong quest.

In that regard I am very fortunate to have clients prepared to go the extra mile to create something unique, and sometimes push even my imagination beyond where it would normally roam ! This openness to invention coupled with some challenging sites means that I can never be bored with what I do, and that is a blessing I am enjoying more and more.

So let my Easter wish to you be " may you never be bored with what you do" - but if you are, hopefully there are compensating factors at play!


  
Latest News - Port Denison home featured in two articles                              
Our rammed limestone courtyard house in Port Denison was featured in two articles this month, the Sunday Times Home magazine and the Builders Choice magazine. Because of the local interest the home is generating my client Dr. Nan Broad will be hosting an 'Open Home' during April.
  

  
Architecture without architects - the beach shacks of Grey, Western Australia                                

On a recent trip up the new Indian Ocean highway I made a left turn where most tourists were turning right to see the Pinnacles. This brought me to a slice of Western Australia's history that is under threat, the beach shacks of Grey.I spent an enjoyable couple of hours walking among these unique 'constructions' and marvelling at their inventiveness and use of recycled/found materials.Having seen them for myself I am firmly in the camp of preserving the shacks for their heritage value rather than demolishing them as eyesores. Take a look at a small selection of the shacks in the following images and see what you think - but nothing beats actually 'turning left' to see them for yourself.
  

  

On the boards- current projects

Home with valley views, Bridgetown

A small new home we are designing on a hill overlooking Bridgetown has the added challenge of complementing an existing turn of the century weatherboard cottage. Rather than do a period addition, we are adding a separate 'pavilion' that maximises views while at the same time being solar passive, and reflecting the lightweight character of the existing.

 

Solar passive home and 'granny flat' on a hill in Mullaloo

We are designing a solar passive home with 'ancillary accommodation' (granny flat)  on a steeply sloping block with treetop and ocean glimpses in Mullaloo. We are using the existing terraces to create two independent but complementary homes that face north and will have the full range of 'green options' such as greywater, rainwater harvesting, universal access and low allergen design.

 

Upside down home with west ocean views, Burns Beach

 

The client on this project wanted large entertainment areas on the upper floor maximising west views to the ocean. We have created a large balcony under a parasol roof that will be able to be closed off from the west sun with movable louvres. The living room has a raked roof that pitches to the north to still allow solar access without any overshadowing from neighbours.

                                                                              

The Final Word
"I just do the pretty drawings"
a day in the life of a sustainable designer.
 
To end this months newsletter I was inspired by a post from a blog I am following, "Coffee with an Architect", which examined the role of sketch drawings in a project.

Sometimes it seems I am having such fun doing what I do that some people may not regard it as 'real work' or adding significant value (over and above, say a project home designer) . In doing the 'pretty drawings' you see above, however, I have to juggle Design Codes with local council peculiarities; have to consider 'building height envelopes' and 'line of sight privacy cones' for overlooking neighbours; ensure overshadowing is minimised while solar access is maximised -  all at the same time as making something that is distinctive, sustainable and cost effective. The 'pretty drawing' you see is a culmination of countless hours of juggling these competing requirements to arrive at something worthwhile. The 'real work' doesn't start after the 'pretty drawings', it starts with them.

That is why I emphasise to all my new clients, without getting the concept right you are facing an uphill battle. And is why I spend countless hours drawing, and redrawing, to leave no angle unexplored. Besides, I like 'pretty drawings' !

 
 

sustainably yours,
'the green team' at arcologic.

Suite 63 City West Centre
102 Railway Parade
West Perth WA 6005
You are receiving this newsletter because you have requested to be kept updated on Arcologic's news at one of our seminars or home shows, are an existing, past or prospective client, or we just think you are the sort of person who would enjoy learning more  about sustainable homes. 
 
Issue Number
8


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In This Issue
featured article
featured article
on the boards
the final word
Quote of the Month
" destiny is not a matter of chance, its a matter of choice. It is not a thing to be waited for - its a thing to be achieved "
William Jenning Bryan