OUR WHOLISTIC APPROACH TO SUSTAINABLE DESIGN

ENV Design, pronounced ‘E’’N’’V’ Design, is a building design business started in 2019 by Stephen Dobson as a way to focus on wholistic, first principled design thinking and approach. ‘ENV’ is shorthand for ‘Environmental’ or ‘Environment’ Design.

Environmental Design is the process of addressing surrounding environmental parameters when devising plans, programs, policies, buildings, or products. Which, I hold to be both an ‘Outwards-In’ and First Princples approach to design thinking.

‘Environment’ can be defined as a sum total of all the living and non-living elements and their effects that influence human life. While all living or biotic elements are animals, plants, forests, fisheries, and birds, non-living or abiotic elements include water, land, sunlight, rocks, and air.

‘Holistic Design Thinking’ embraces the multi-faceted complexities of the built environment – a juxtaposition of harmony and balance, light and color, relationship to our surroundings including local and global contexts.

First Princpled Design Thinking: First principles help us solve problems by avoiding generalities that can lead to poor decision making. Applying first principles thinking is a two part process:

1. Question assumptions about a problem or scenario until you’ve reached some fundamental truths. (this approach and deep investigation of the specific project problems and realities helps lead us more directly to solutions that are fit for site, fit for purpose, fit for budget and fit for the environment)

2. Rebuild your solutions from scratch. (in this case in site specific, custom design)

AN EVERYDAY REMINDER

The ENV Design logo acts as an everyday reminder to work from a holistic and ‘first principles/outwards>in” manner and question, consider, work with and develop strategies around these elements: LEAF (Representing site, nature & ‘broader contexts’), WATER (Representing the natural elements), SUN (Representing Energy)

This focus on taking a holistic and a ‘first principles’ design approach has inevitably, naturally, and repeatedly lead us to work with the principles of ‘Environmentally Sustainable Design’

Sustainable design principles include the ability to:

• Optimize site potential;

  • In practice this means we consider the use of the whole site from the earliest stages of design to consider how space may be utilised in the most efficient ways possible be that with built or landscaped forms.

• minimize non-renewable energy consumption;

  • In practice this means we encourage and promote energy efficient building design and the use of low impact renewable energy sources includng solar passive and low energy design strategies.

• use environmentally preferable products;

  • In practice this means we consider carefully the materials we recommend and choose to work with, avoiding products and materials with high embodied energy and encouraging the use of natural and recyclable materials.

• protect and conserve water;

  • In practice this means encouraging the use of rainwater storage both in tanks and where suitable in sub-soil waterharvesting systems, as well as drought tolerant planting.

• enhance indoor environmental quality; and

  • In practice this means promoting light-filled buildings with a connection to the outdoors, or through looking for opportunities to ‘bring the outdoors in’ well considered Plantscaping and internal planting.

• optimize operational and maintenance practices.

  • In practice this means designing with a ‘function first’ mindset and seeking to design buildings and spaces that are functional, adaptable and fit for purpose now and into the future.

1. What services do ENV Design and Drafting offer in Canberra?

ENV Design and Drafting offer a comprehensive range of services tailored to homeowners, builders, and developers in Canberra. Our key services include:

• Custom Home Design: We create unique, functional, and stylish designs for your new home, focusing on your specific needs and preferences.

• Architectural Drafting: Our expert draftsmen provide detailed and accurate plans, ensuring compliance with local building codes and regulations.

• Sustainable Design: We incorporate eco-friendly design principles and sustainable building practices to reduce your home's environmental footprint.

• 3D Modelling and Visualizations: We provide 3D renderings and walkthroughs to help you visualize your project before construction begins.

• Renovation and Extension Design: We help you design and plan renovations, extensions, or additions to enhance your existing home.

2. How can I start the process of designing my new home with ENV Design and Drafting?

Starting your custom home design with ENV Design and Drafting is easy. Here’s how:

1. Initial Consultation: We offer a free, no-obligation consultation where we discuss your vision, budget, and any design ideas you have.

2. Concept Design: Based on your input, we create a concept design that includes floor plans, elevations, and key features.

3. Refinement: Once the concept is approved, we refine the design with detailed plans and 3D visualizations.

4. Final Drafting: We provide a comprehensive set of working drawings and specifications for council approval and construction.

5. Project Support: We offer ongoing support during construction to ensure everything is built as planned.

3. What is sustainable design and how does it benefit my home?

Sustainable design is the practice of designing homes that are environmentally responsible and resource-efficient throughout their lifecycle. At ENV Design and Drafting, we focus on:

• Energy efficiency: Incorporating design elements such as passive solar heating, natural ventilation, and energy-efficient windows.

• Use of sustainable materials: Choosing eco-friendly and low-impact materials like recycled products, responsibly sourced timber, and non-toxic paints.

• Water conservation: Integrating rainwater harvesting, water-efficient fixtures, and stormwater management systems.

• Improved indoor air quality: Using non-toxic materials and ensuring proper ventilation for a healthier living environment.

These sustainable practices result in a home that reduces energy consumption, lowers utility bills, and minimizes your environmental footprint.

4. Why should I choose custom home design over a pre-designed home in Canberra?

Custom home design offers numerous advantages over choosing a pre-designed or cookie-cutter home:

• Personalisation: Custom homes reflect your individual style, preferences, and lifestyle needs. You have complete control over the layout, finishes, and functionality.

• Maximized space: We design homes that make the most of your block’s size, shape, and orientation, optimizing space usage and natural light.

• Long-term value: A custom home is tailored to your needs, ensuring it remains relevant as your family grows or changes.

• Higher quality: Custom homes are typically built with higher attention to detail and higher-quality materials, resulting in a more durable and comfortable home.

At ENV Design and Drafting, we specialize in designing custom homes that are not only beautiful but also practical and sustainable.

5. What is the role of drafting in the home design process?

Drafting plays a crucial role in the home design process by converting your ideas and concepts into accurate and detailed technical drawings. These drawings are essential for:

• Council approval: Architectural plans must meet local building codes and zoning regulations. Drafting ensures compliance with all necessary requirements.

• Construction: Builders use the draft plans to construct your home. Detailed drawings help ensure accurate execution, reducing the risk of errors during the build.

• Cost estimation: Accurate drafting provides a clear outline of the project scope, helping contractors provide more accurate cost estimates.

Our team of experienced draftsmen at ENV Design and Drafting ensures that your home design is translated into precise and buildable plans.

6. How long does a custom design take?

There are many variables here but to cut to it for a fully custom house design expect 6-12 months of design discussion, documentation and approvals (depending upon the level of quality and outcome you wish to achieve), without apology, design is a creative process and thinking, reassessing, improving, developing and documenting in detail all take time. Having said that ENV Design is a business based around the ideal of delivering the highest quality outcome in the most efficient ways, through the use of systems and process.

Summary of average time frames to expect:

• Garage (and associated landscape and building works): 3-8 months from initial consultation to builder ready.

• Secondary Dwelling: 4-10 months from initial consultation to builder ready.

• New House: 7-15 months from initial consultation to builder ready.

From experience the best outcomes are achieved by adhering to a process. All projects we take on, whether part-way or to completion, follow a similar process. Take a look at the ‘Typical Project Program’ diagram at the bottom of this page to see this typical process.

7. How much does it cost to design and draft a custom home in Canberra?

The cost of designing and drafting a custom home in Canberra depends on various factors, including:

• Size and complexity of the home

• Design features (sustainable elements, luxury finishes, etc.)

• Location and site conditions

• Council approval and documentation fees

At ENV Design and Drafting, we provide tailored quotes based on your specific requirements. We offer transparent pricing and work within your budget to deliver the best value for your investment.

There is a big range of services we can provide depending on the specific needs of your project. Maybe you’re just after ‘ideas’ Spatial planning, concept design, or need help with Approval Management, Consultant design coordination or ‘Full Services’ including Detailed documentation, joinery design, project specification’s, tendering, contract preparation and construction stage services) . We’re happy to chat and work assist in various ways to work with your specific project needs and budget. Depending upon the particular needs of your project the our fee might work out to be between 3-12% of the total build cost of your project. Before getting to the stage of Fee Proposals and Agreements e offer a range of fixed price services to allow you the flexibility to ‘gather ideas’ and consider your options thoroughly before committing to further work. We would encourage you to seek a range of ideas and input into your project and thoroughly consider your options in the early stages before committing to any one Architect or Building Designer and design direction…it’s just good process.

8. Do you offer sustainable design options for energy-efficient homes in Canberra?

Yes, we specialise in designing sustainable, energy-efficient homes in Canberra. Our designs incorporate principles such as:

• Passive solar design: Maximizing natural light and warmth in winter while minimizing heat gain in summer.

• Thermal mass: Using materials that absorb and store heat during the day and release it at night, reducing the need for artificial heating and cooling.

• Efficient insulation: Installing high-performance insulation to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature year-round.

• Solar panels and energy-saving appliances: We design homes that are ready for the future, including solar power systems and energy-efficient lighting and appliances.

Our sustainable designs not only help reduce your carbon footprint but also lead to significant long-term savings on energy bills.

9. How does ENV Design and Drafting incorporate sustainability into custom home designs?

At ENV Design and Drafting, sustainability is a core focus of every project. We take a holistic approach to design by:

• Optimizing natural light: We strategically place windows and openings to take advantage of natural light, reducing the need for artificial lighting during the day.

• Using eco-friendly materials: We prioritize the use of sustainable and locally sourced materials, such as recycled timber, low-VOC paints, and durable finishes.

• Green roofing options: We can design homes with green roofs or other eco-friendly alternatives that contribute to insulation and biodiversity.

• Water-efficient systems: Our designs integrate rainwater harvesting, greywater recycling, and water-efficient appliances to minimize water consumption.

Our goal is to create homes that are not only beautiful but also eco-friendly, cost-effective, and future-proof.

10.Do you provide cost estimates?

At ENV Design we always design with a consideration for the efficiency of size, space, materials and scope and will do our best to help you in managing your expectations however we do not, at any stage, provide cost estimations.

We very highly recommend and encourage the early involvement, discussions and engagement with Builders and Quantity Surveyors.

This Concept design report is a preliminary effort to try to capture and describe the project in a broad and wholistic way and is therefore a great time to begin discussions with builders and quantity surveyors regarding getting a 'feel’ for the cost of your project.

We particularly highly recommend seeking cost estimates during the PSP and FSP stage drawings sets as it is at these stages that drawings develop, with dimensions and materials and many of the details that make a ‘take-off’/measurement of areas and materials more accurate and leaves us time to adjust before moving into approvals and detailed documentation.

At ENV Design we specialise in highly considered, thought through and clearly documented drawings to help ensure cost estimations are accurate and can do a lot to help you through the process of costing and helping to manage the cost of your project.

11. How do I get a quote for my custom home design in Canberra?

To get a quote for your custom home design, simply contact us to schedule a consultation. During this consultation, we will:

• Discuss your design ideas, budget, and project requirements.

• Analyze the site and determine any specific considerations (e.g., zoning, environmental factors).

• Provide an estimated cost for the design, drafting, and documentation phases of the project.

We believe in offering transparent pricing and will provide a detailed, itemized quote that reflects the scope of your project.

12: Are you an Architect?

No, I’m a qualified Building Designer. I completed an Advanced Diploma of Building Design and worked for over a decade in architectural practices but am not registered as an Architect.

There are many crossovers between the services of Architects and Building Designers and indeed the vast majority of new homes and small-medium scale (townhouses etc) developments built in Australia every year are designed by non-Architects. There is great variation between skills, focus, experience and approach between Building Designers as there is within any profession, including between Architects and we encourage thorough research before settling on an Architect or Building Designer for your project. We offer free, no obligation initial design meeting and chat to assist you in this search as well as fixed price and seperable early planning and concept design reports if only to explore your options early on. As a business ENV Design focus’s on providing high quality, well balanced and considered custom environmental design outcomes (up to 2 Storeys).

13.Are you a certified Passive House Designer?

No. I get asked a lot about Passive House design however please be aware that, at least as yet, I am not a trained or accredited Passive House Designer. I have a strong appreciation and awareness for the principles of Passive House however passive house is a detailed and complex science and I have not (at least as yet) undertaken a Passive House Training course.

On previous projects I have worked with Passive House consultants, at different stages of the design process toward successful design outcomes.

14. Why choose ENV Design and Drafting for my custom home in Canberra?

Choosing ENV Design and Drafting means working with a team that is committed to:

• Personalized design: We listen to your needs and create homes that reflect your unique style.

• Sustainability: We focus on energy-efficient, eco-friendly solutions to reduce your environmental footprint.

• Experience: Our team has extensive experience in custom home design, drafting, and sustainable architecture.

• End-to-end service: From concept design to final documentation, we support you through every step of the process.

Contact us today to start designing the home of your dreams!