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Renovation Insight: How to Choose a Sustainable Architect
Thinking of going green? Three experts share their advice on finding and choosing a sustainable architect for your build
Lower energy bills, minimal waste, fewer nasty emissions… there are plenty of good reasons to consider designing a sustainable home. But where do you look for an architect specialising in sustainable design, what should you ask them, and are their services going to cost you an arm and a leg? Three green-home design experts reveal all.
How does a sustainable architect differ from a regular architect?
“Sustainability is a way of thinking and designing a home, and it starts from the concept,” says Bridget Puszka, architect and principal at BP Architects. Sustainable architects are focused on designing energy-efficient, comfortable and affordable homes using the principles of passive solar design and featuring sustainable materials, she says.
“Sustainability should be important to all architects – and it increasingly is – but if your design team looks at you blankly when you talk about wanting a home that is comfortable and has low bills, we’d recommend that you keep shopping around as there are many designers out there who provide this as a standard offering,” says Luckman.
“Sustainability is a way of thinking and designing a home, and it starts from the concept,” says Bridget Puszka, architect and principal at BP Architects. Sustainable architects are focused on designing energy-efficient, comfortable and affordable homes using the principles of passive solar design and featuring sustainable materials, she says.
“Sustainability should be important to all architects – and it increasingly is – but if your design team looks at you blankly when you talk about wanting a home that is comfortable and has low bills, we’d recommend that you keep shopping around as there are many designers out there who provide this as a standard offering,” says Luckman.
What does a sustainable architect focus on?
Luckman says:
Searching for an architect who favours sustainable design? Find one here, browse images of their work and read reviews from previous clients
Luckman says:
- Designing for the climate and site: This includes orientating the house for solar efficiency in order to reduce the need for mechanical heating or cooling.
- Future proofing: A sustainable architect will design to your brief, while factoring in your needs both now and in the future. Your home will be designed to be flexible and adaptable, with the ability to accomodate the needs of, say, a growing family or old age.
- Heating and cooling: Heating, cooling and hot water generally use the most energy in a house. A sustainable designer will not only design a home to limit the amount of mechanical heating and cooling energy required, but will also consider the efficiency of the appliances (think electric heat pumps for hot water and efficient reverse-cycle air conditioners that can be run from solar panels).
Searching for an architect who favours sustainable design? Find one here, browse images of their work and read reviews from previous clients
Image by ATA.
- Insulation: A sustainable architect will consider the optimum insulation for the roof, walls and floor of your home in order to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature naturally, and reduce your need for mechanical heating and cooling.
- Glazing: Windows and glazed doors can let in and out substantial amounts of heat, and over-glazing can have a terrible effect on your home’s thermal performance. A sustainable expert will consider the size, location and type of glazing, and use smart shading strategies to reduce summer sun and boost winter sun.
Where should you look?
Puszka says:
Puszka says:
- Search Houzz for a local, sustainable architect.
- Visit the Australian Passive House Association website.
- Contact an organisation such as the ATA.
- Scour magazines and conduct an online search.
- Come along to one of the ATA’s free ‘Speed Date a Sustainability Expert’ events to meet sustainable architects.
- Ask your local council.
Should they be part of an association?
“While sustainable architects are not required to be members of any association, those who are members of the ATA receive ongoing technical advice and resources,” says Day. “Membership of such a group indicates an architect’s commitment to creating comfortable, healthy, low-energy homes.”
“While sustainable architects are not required to be members of any association, those who are members of the ATA receive ongoing technical advice and resources,” says Day. “Membership of such a group indicates an architect’s commitment to creating comfortable, healthy, low-energy homes.”
What should you look for on their website?
Day says:
Day says:
- An outline of the sustainable projects they’ve worked on.
- Details of the building methods they’ve used.
- Which materials they’ve chosen and why.
What else should you ask for?
Day says:
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Day says:
- References from previous clients (you can read reviews of architects, designers and other building professionals on Houzz).
- Energy rating details for the homes they’ve designed.
- The reasoning behind the orientation and materials they chose for previous builds.
See more stunning exteriors
Do you need to ‘click’ with them?
“It’s vital,” says Day. “Co-operation, understanding and mutual respect for the core values you’re working towards are the basis for your project’s success.”
“It’s vital,” says Day. “Co-operation, understanding and mutual respect for the core values you’re working towards are the basis for your project’s success.”
Should you expect to pay more than a regular architect?
“You shouldn’t need to. But, like any service, you will pay more for expertise and experience,” says Luckman.
“Sustainable houses can cost more than regular architect-designed homes due to
the increased cost of insulation in the glazing, some construction methods and the selection of non-toxic materials. But these costs are offset by lower running costs,” says Day. “Sustainable houses are comfortable year-round, which makes them more sought after and increases their value.”
“You shouldn’t need to. But, like any service, you will pay more for expertise and experience,” says Luckman.
“Sustainable houses can cost more than regular architect-designed homes due to
the increased cost of insulation in the glazing, some construction methods and the selection of non-toxic materials. But these costs are offset by lower running costs,” says Day. “Sustainable houses are comfortable year-round, which makes them more sought after and increases their value.”
Where can you bone up on all things sustainable design?
“Pick up a copy of the government’s YourHome book – it’s a bible for sustainable design in Australia, and it’s written in layperson’s terms that anyone can understand,” says Luckman. “You’ll also find very useful advice on the YourHome website.”
“Pick up a copy of the government’s YourHome book – it’s a bible for sustainable design in Australia, and it’s written in layperson’s terms that anyone can understand,” says Luckman. “You’ll also find very useful advice on the YourHome website.”
Image by Strawbale house courtesy of ATA.
Your turn
Have you had experience working with a sustainable architect? Tell us about it in the Comments section below, save the images and join the conversation.
More
Want more practical advice on how to work with professionals? Read this Hired a Kitchen Designer? Here’s How to Prep for Your First Meeting
Have you had experience working with a sustainable architect? Tell us about it in the Comments section below, save the images and join the conversation.
More
Want more practical advice on how to work with professionals? Read this Hired a Kitchen Designer? Here’s How to Prep for Your First Meeting
“A sustainable architect designs homes that are healthy and comfortable year-round while using minimal energy,” says Matt Day, architect and director of Day Bukh Architects. “They take advantage of what the earth provides for free – warmth from the sun, cooling from the air and water from rain.”
“An architect with a good reputation for energy-efficient design will have strategies for reducing costs while still delivering a high-quality house,” says Donna Luckman, former CEO of the Alternative Technology Association (ATA).
“They will be well-placed to give you advice on lowering energy bills, increasing thermal performance and comfort, and creating healthy interiors. They’ll also have contacts for builders and tradespeople who provide environmentally sustainable services.”