Council House 2 (CH2)

Council House 2 (CH2) of the City of Melbourne and Design Inc. Melbourne sets a new world standard in green building design and many of the processes used by the building are highly relevant to us in our own Domus design work. As a council project, detailed research and information into the processes of certain principles used by the building are provided on their webpage: http://www.melbourne.vic.gov.au/info.cfm?top=171&pg=1933 and definately worth a look. They also provide diagrams and tables for good reference. I have posted some of the examples i found particularly valuable.

SUSTAINABLE DESIGN - ZEN ARCHITECTS

MODERN PRACTICE OF SUSTAINABLE DESIGN

I know we've had discussions on how modern design/open plan living can be sustainable, so i thought this might interest some of you.

For a closer look/more projects visit www.zenarchitects.com.

Zen architctects is a practice based in North Fitzroy, their focus is sustainable and contemporary architecture.

They are committed to producing sustainable architecture 'Through the innovative application of established principles of ecologically sustainable design (ESD.)'.

Their expertise in natural heating and cooling, sustainable materials and water conservation maximizes the environmental performance of our buildings whilst informing our unique architectural aesthetic.

THE NORTH CARLTON GREEN HOUSE

An example that really interested me was the North Carlton Green House. Inspired by the clients intuitive connection with landscape and the sun, it utilizes passive heating, through north orientation; shading through deep eaves; passive cooling through natural cross ventilation; rainwater collection; and grey water recycling. 

It really linked to Domus and many of the suggestions we had to providing a comfortable environment in Kakadu. The only thing they didn't need to address that we do is electricity, all the sustainable design ideas can all be translated.

For photos you can visit http://www.zenarchitects.com/project6.html, the site wouldn't let me copy any. (really interesting)

Ecologically Sustainable Design (ESD)

At Zen Architects, principles of Ecologically Sustainable Design (ESD) are integral to our design approach and inform our unique architectural aesthetic 

We are committed to energy efficiency by employing innovative passive solar design to decrease reliance on heating and cooling, and encourage use of energy efficient products and alternative energy systems. We select materials that maximise thermal performance while minimising carbon emissions produced through embodied energy. 

We are committed to water conservation, integrating rainwater harvesting and grey water recycling to our buildings. We design buildings to respect and enhance their landscape and ecology, while connecting the occupant with the natural environment.

Sustainable materials are selected on a life cycle basis, considering environmental impacts during procurement, manufacture, use and end of life. We investigate the use of prefabricated materials and structures to maximise speed and efficiency of construction, improve affordability and minimise material wastage. 

We are dedicated to increasing social sustainability through designing buildings that encourage creation of community and are imbued with the spirit of equality. 

Some precedents we have been looking at-

Both these architects capture a strong Aussie aesthetic.

TROPPO ARCHITECTS.

Rozak House, Noonamah, NT

-looks over Lake Bennett.

Reflects the rugged inhospitable terrain.

3 small scale structures linked by decks.

Essentially a series of verandahs.

Uses glass, timber, clear corrogated poly carbonate, fly screens.

And GREGORY BURGESS...

who has designed the cultural centres at many of Australia's significant landmarks (such as Uluru and the Twelve Apostles).

This series of images are from a variety of his works.

We were exploring forcing the rain to dance between our roof forms, making a spectacle, a feature out of the rain. I think that rain falling on Burgess' roofs would create a very dramatic affect.

His roof forms flow and bulge similarly to this picture taken at the site.

MINIMA POSTERS

Tablinum Posters

Project 2: Minima (30%)

Concept Map:

Final Design:

Waterfront Environment Analysis:

Poster 2:

Floor Plan:

Functions:

1. Cooking:

Water Tank:

Shower & Toilet

Sleeping Arrangement:

Fold-down Bed:

Eating & Study Arrangement:

The Model:

Groups

by the way, who doesn't have a group yet?