Sustainability

Sustainability is not a recent phenomenon to most architects. It is a fundamental part of an architect’s core training and can be regarded as sensible and responsible design.

In today’s language, the term sustainability has a broad reaching and diverse application. From the soft technology ‘mud brick’ approach, to the ‘high tech’ commercial green star rating. Each approach is valid and each contributes to reducing the impact of the built environment.

Bauhinia Architects have experience in both approaches.

We have worked with owner/builder clientele wanting to utilise alternative building technologies eg straw bale and mud bricks.

And at the other end of the scale we have worked with specialist Environmental Sustainable Design (ESD) consultants in achieving a NABERS accreditation.

At the core of Bauhinia Architects design approach to each project is the basic principles of solar passive design. They are significant contributing criteria to the early site analysis and conceptual phases of the design process. Get these right and the need for many of the energy hungry climate control systems can be negated.

In 1994, Bauhinia Architects were engaged by a Canberra based ethical investment company to design affordable, low budget, ‘eco-design’ houses on the Max Lindegger permaculture designed estate, Kookaburra Park, just outside Gin Gin in regional Queensland. This all encompassing project analysed the broad spectrum of the design/build process eg: embodied energy of all materials; use of non-toxic products; running costs; marketability, to name a few.

The exercise gave Bauhinia Architects a thorough knowledge base which it has continued to build upon and bring to each project undertaken.

Prior to, and at commencement of each project, Bauhinia Architects identify particular sustainability objectives and advise upon options available to achieve these objectives.