Hunter Valley Architects / Project Managers

[korringal]

Am looking to invest in the Hunter Valley and undertaking a small sub-division or dual occ project in either maitland, cessnock, singleton or muswellbrook.

Has anyone had any experience with good architect & project management firms that service the Hunter that cater to small resi projects?

Cheers
Korringal

 

[akiwinut]

Am looking to invest in the Hunter Valley and undertaking a small sub-division or dual occ project in either maitland, cessnock, singleton or muswellbrook.

Has anyone had any experience with good architect & project management firms that service the Hunter that cater to small resi projects?

Cheers
Korringal

I used Karen at Sheer Designs to draw up some plans for me. Good work and a good price. Based in Cessnock.
http://http://www.sheerdesigns.com.au/

Andy

 

[lizzie]

Hi Andy ... the link doesn't work because your got an extra http thingy at the start ... anyhow ... I too will soon be interested in an architect in the Hunter region. One that specialises in maximum eco-design and has a handle on the products available.

Can anyone recommend - or is Karen good with this too?

 

[Ideo]

Hi Andy ... the link doesn't work because your got an extra http thingy at the start ... anyhow ... I too will soon be interested in an architect in the Hunter region. One that specialises in maximum eco-design and has a handle on the products available.

Can anyone recommend - or is Karen good with this too?

Going from that website, no. Nothing against her, but from what you have said before you want something a lot more bespoke and specialised.

There are some good people in Newcastle in this particular sub-field.

If you need some town planning advice I can also provide some contacts - I don't do small scale much anymore, but still know some good people who do that kind of planning.

I'll shake my industry contact tree and see who falls out.

 

[akiwinut]

Hi Andy ... the link doesn't work because your got an extra http thingy at the start ... anyhow ... I too will soon be interested in an architect in the Hunter region. One that specialises in maximum eco-design and has a handle on the products available.

Can anyone recommend - or is Karen good with this too?

No harm in asking her, depends what you are looking for in eco-design, its a bit of a catch all phrase

 

[lizzie]

Thanks Ideo and Aki

Looking at going very eco ... right down to solar underfloor heating, hydronic cooling (no energy guzzling aircon for me), solar passive alignment and design, large solar panel array, extensive grey water, thermoglazed windows, super insulated, I'd even like to put in a septic reed bed but don't know if council will let me go that far ... basically no footprint ... but will connect to the grid for convinience.

Oh, and don't forget the permaculture paddocks with horse, sheep and steer - and biodynamic vege gardens and organic chooks ... been doing lots of reading lately.

I'd even like to put a roof garden on (roof covered in soil and natural grasses for insulation) but that would make it tricky for the solar panels so probably won't happen - just have to have a white or zinc colourbond roof.

So excited!

 

[akiwinut]

Thanks Ideo and Aki

Looking at going very eco ... right down to solar underfloor heating, hydronic cooling (no energy guzzling aircon for me), solar passive alignment and design, large solar panel array, extensive grey water, thermoglazed windows, super insulated, I'd even like to put in a septic reed bed but don't know if council will let me go that far ... basically no footprint ... but will connect to the grid for convinience.

Oh, and don't forget the permaculture paddocks with horse, sheep and steer - and biodynamic vege gardens and organic chooks ... been doing lots of reading lately.

I'd even like to put a roof garden on (roof covered in soil and natural grasses for insulation) but that would make it tricky for the solar panels so probably won't happen - just have to have a white or zinc colourbond roof.

So excited!

Sounds like you want passivhaus http://www.passivehouse.com.au/PassivHaus_Primer.pdf

Nothing wrong with earth roofs, your solar panels will just be on a frame above the roof. The disadvantage in aus with earth roofs is that they limit your rainwater catchment.

You probably want a pellet boiler or similar to compliment your solar underfloor heating. A wood burner with wet back would do but they aren't very efficient.

If it were me, I would use a draftman or designer and put the effort into finding a builder who is experienced in this type of construction. Plenty say they are eco builders, few actually do it.
Having said that if it were me, I would be owner building with mud bricks or straw bales...

Andy

 

[lizzie]

haha - I'm not quite into the mudbrick/straw thing although hubby would love to be.

Good point re the water collection - water is more important and insulation can be achieved other ways.

The area receives a lot of sun, and with in-slab underfloor heating I think we'll probably be okay as it will retain it's heat for several days without sun. Will also have a combustion fireplace for the cosy effect (and suppliment heating).

Also have solar hot water - but not sure whether to also connect it to a wetback (or even possible), which is why I want to still be connected to the grid ... just in case we get several weeks of filthy weather.

**adnum ** and definately and undercover outdoor clothes drying area!

 

[akiwinut]

Also have solar hot water - but not sure whether to also connect it to a wetback (or even possible), which is why I want to still be connected to the grid ... just in case we get several weeks of filthy weather.

Its possible to connect a wetback to a solar HWS, just like any form of boost for times of inclement weather such as gas or electricity.
Or you can connect the wetback to radiators to compliment the underfloor heating.
Personally I like the look of radiators, probably from living in the UK and the wife used them to dry clothes when it was raining!
I would still prefer a wood boiler over a slow combustion heater as you have more control, like the one I have attached.
Also its becoming more common to attach a buffer tank to the solar HWS, essentially a hot water cylinder but with the heating element. I have seen them up to 2000L, of course they need to be super insulated, but you would never run out of hot water...
Sorry that should say without the heating element...

 

[lizzie]

Also its becoming more common to attach a buffer tank to the solar HWS, essentially a hot water cylinder but with the heating element. I have seen them up to 2000L, of course they need to be super insulated, but you would never run out of hot water...

super insulated ... and inside! In a corner of the linen press, or in the laundry, even the garage. Insulates and protects the HWS while also giving a great warmth for clothes drying ... and the perfect spot to brew beer.

Coming from an inclement weather country I still find it hard to believe (even after 20+ years) that Australians deliberately put their hot water services out in the weather.

I like a wetback on the fire as I like a fire to sit in front of - all cosy and crackly and soothing.

Sooooo - as you can see - I need an architect that understands solar design - in slab solar/thermal heating and cooling - reed beds (if council will let me) - effective water collection - wetbacks - grey water - thermal glass and high insulation - yet be modern, light and very livable - so that the whole thing can be intergrated properly.

 

[akiwinut]

Well you need to with gas, but no reason not to with electric HWS other than to save space.
I grew up in NZ and our house had the electric HWS in a linen cupboard, toasty warm towels in winter...I also remember when it leaked...the drip tray didn't do much. You would want a good waterproof bund bigger than the tank capacity.

 

[korringal]

I used Karen at Sheer Designs to draw up some plans for me. Good work and a good price. Based in Cessnock.
http://http://www.sheerdesigns.com.au/

Andy

Any, thanks for the tip. Wil give her a buzz.

Cheers
Matt