I remember visiting Anna on a cold Melbourne winters day, sitting in her cramped little kitchen drinking tea with our jackets on. Anna had long dreamed of a cosy, light-filled home but didn’t know where to start.
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We engaged Gardiner Architects for the design and they were up for the challenge of transforming this north facing home into the dream sustainable home Anna had long desired.
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A tight site with little access we’ve become accustomed to, presented its challenges yet again. On this occasion, in consultation with the Architect and Client it was decided to opted for a concrete slab rather than facing drainage issues on the low lying land.

The open plan, light-filled home maximise the northerly aspect with large windows. Windows were also maximised to the east to bring the greenery of the garden into the home.
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Internally the home is complemented by recycled Messmate timber floorboards and an assortment of timber veneer benchtops throughout. This transformation is as far from the original as can be, from a cold, leaky, dark and cramped home. To a home of light, space and comfort with an earthy feel. Anna’s dream sustainable home is brought to life.

~ Simon Clarke
Managing Director
Meet our team

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Project Features

Materials & ESD (Ecological Sustainable Development) Features
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• Small footprint with considerate and condensed design
• Preservation of the heritage of the existing home
• Cutek to cladding and timber windows
• Ironbark and Blackbutt benchtops throughout
• Silvertop Ash cladding
• Recycled Messmate flooring
• Bona Traffic HD (Water-based internal floorboard solution)
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Passive Design Features
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• Central courtyard to allow the northern sun into the home in winter
• Only 1 west facing window
• Large north and east facing windows
• North facing windows protected by large overhang
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Heating and Cooling
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• Hydronic panel heating
• Fans for cooling

Windows & Glazing
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• Double glazed timber windows - PEPC certified KD hardwood frame with blackbutt sills
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Renewable energy
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• 4kwh solar system
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Water Saving
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• Bosch Combi Boiler for hydronic heating and hot water usage
• 1/2000L Slimline water tank with pump to flush toilets
• WELS 4-star rated tapware throughout

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Suppliers

Joinery - MTR