Designing for Climate

Each project brings it's own challenges and this one was pleasurable in designing a family home on a battleaxe lot south of Mandurah that would take full advantage of solar orientation and the cooling sea breeze whilst utilising some local Australian building techniques such as Rammed Earth construction.   

The property is located on a strip of land near the coast that runs past a large inland lake offering our typical 'Fremantle Doctor' afternoon cooling breeze off the ocean as well as a significant cooling of the hot easterly breeze as it travels over the large body of water of the inland lake.  Solar Orientation dictates facing living areas north (southern hemisphere) with plenty of glass.

The Roof was designed with an overhang to prevent summer sun entering the house at all but allowing the winter sun to stream in for large parts of the day. With bedrooms facing west instead of south, due to the shape and size constraints of the lot, together with the owner we planned shading devices to be constructed after the building is finished to protect them from the harsh setting sun in summer. In winter, the shadings can be removed to allow in the winter sun.

Early on, once I had something of the shape we were interested in I was able to run some quick renders with different time and seasons set to show the effectiveness of the sun control into the living area. High glass on the north side allowed even extra sunshine and I warned the client that it might be hard to watch tv.  "That's what the theatre room is for!" I was corrected, and it was settled.

Rammed Earth walls, are a welcome feature to bring warmth to the entrance to the home.  The domination of the garage is soften by the use of a timber look door. Real timber is quite expensive and I was very impressed when I found that a timber garage door next door was really just painted steel.  They look great for much less and less to maintain.  Shading devices will be used to protect east facing windows to the main bedroom & study.  Not however what I have modelled here ! Which would allow all the sun in.  Not what I meant !

The latest modelling software allows me to enjoy the process of bringing the home to life in the virtual world and give the client a really good insight into what the home will look like.

I placed a 'feature' rammed earth wall between the dining and lounge to create casual separation but also because the wall will capture winter sun heat all day (see path pictures) and release it through the evening.  High-light casement windows are placed to capture westerly cooling ocean breezes and drag hot air out.  

The kitchen is very well appointed and includes a large pantry with extra bench space for those items that create a mess.

My earlier messing with a lower awning to protect the high rear glass proved unnecessary and the the solution became simple and effective.  The outdoor area was specifically positioned on the east side to protect the house from low eastern sun but the roof was sloped up to allow in more low winter sun.  I also like being able to see more sky!











I enjoyed the creation of this home so much I even placed a walk-through up on Youtube for the client to experience travelling through the spaces.

The client is presently discussing pricing with various builders and it does look like we have overstretched the budget which is always a risk with one-off designs. We knew we had time to explore options though.  Some of the add-on options discussed will be solar hot water heating and Solar Voltaic Cell systems to produce electricity.  Also a rain tank !   Regardless of what modifications have to be made, the basic layout should be retained and the home will be a very pleasant, year round home to live in.

Development For Armadale

A proposed group of 6 units split to face the 2 streets has been designed for an Armadale property.  6 new 3 bed 2 bathroom homes will be built, 3 facing each street, with double garages and well appointed kitchens.

These homes are being built by Kidron Constructions.

Intergenerational Living

An Amano Homes client had a large property that was too much effort to look after and it was decided to remove the existing older home and build two new homes. The front one would be the new home for the parents with a touch of the style of yesteryear with a modern twist and the rear lot would be the new home for the younger generation with their own children. Not far to travel to see grandma in safety!

I've have to replace this with my own photo's but GoogleEarth Streetview with the right timing can give you a decent shot of how a project went. Love their choice of the blue roof.

New Display Home

This is a rendering of the new Amano Homes display home I have designed for and in conjunction with the builder.   

A difficult site and a 6 Star energy design requirement provided plenty of challenge. It's North face is mostly parapet walls exept for a lovely living courtyard but not all design brief's are waiting angels. It's six star energy rating was certified by True North.  It does have a lovely outlook over the adjacent park area to the south and on a small size block a very useful outdoor courtyard area that will be fitted out for entertaining.  The design has managed to make the most of the smaller lot size, the strict design parameters of the estate, the adjacent park outlook and the north facing living court.   

The home is presently under construction in Harrisdale and should be open within months. It was the first home to start construction in the new display village in this the latest subdivision in Harrisdale Green.

Amano Homes

is a relatively new player on the market having built it's current reputation building multiple dwelling sites and larger customised homes and they are currently seeking to offer competitive homes to the 'project builder' market with a range of homes suited to the first home buyer or the investor.  Certainly for the investor, their experience in unit developments puts them ahead of the many builders who prefer the easy 1 house 1 block projects.  

I've had the wonderful opportunity of being able to design many of the new home designs that Amano is offering.  You can talk to me directly about your opportunity to build with one of Perth's most exciting new builders for either a custom designed home or unit development project.

Innovative Double Storey Home with Views to the street.

Most homes are designed with the living areas to the rear, where they are private and secure, however sometimes you have views and / or north to the street which may demand a new approach to the design.  This home overlooked manicured parkland to the North, across the street and it was determined to make maximum use of this outlook rather than turn it's back to the best the property had to offer.  In fact this design was so successful and economical it became one of Amano Homes standard designs, The Verde'.

It also made a clever adaption of a typical hip roof to appear to be a skillion roof design presenting a modern, contemporary street face.  Being north facing, there is much open glass with appropriate shading and the developer's existing front fencing together with the natural raised lot and intended landscaping maintain privacy to the open outdoor living area, despite being open to the public street.

Double the Storey, Double the luxury

This 2 storey home on a small lot in Shelley, designed by Mikasa Designs and documented and illustrated (image) by grandesign represents fine living in style.

Double Storey Home in the Midlands

A double storey home for clients of Amano Homes currently being built in the upper swan area. Providing for a young family it suits the requirements of modern living and overlooks parkland to the rear.  

Luxury 2 Storey Home

A new two storey home was created to take maximum advantage of views to the city. With a billiard room on the ground floor and upper lounge with views through a large balcony, the home is designed to look bold and confident.

Unit Developments with an Angle

A quality project for builder Amano Homes, this is the Street front unit of a 2 unit development.  The client wanted a bold contemporary look to the street to capture potential buyers. 

Another project for builder Amano Homes, a 2 unit site and another client wanting a more contemporary look.  The use of stack bond 1c bricks can be a good option for the 'look' without spending too much although the layers do charge extra to get the gridlines looking tight. This project continues to completion.