We do things differently.
The Light House approach combines comprehensive architectural services with scientific testing and advice to create a flexible, professional design package tailored to your specific needs.
Architecture (and Interior Design)
We believe that great architecture should be highly responsive to its place, time and client. It should belong in that location and culture, and respond to its site and climate. The function, materials and spaces in a home should not only meet the clients’ needs, but combine to create a home that increases quality of life and is a pleasure to live in.
During a community workshop we ran in 2011 we distilled participants' wants and needs down to four elements that have become our core design principles:
Light, warmth, connection to the outdoors and good social spaces.
In addition, our unconventional, collaborative business history has led us to integrate the following four points of difference into our architectural services:
Science services
We provide integrated science services to optimise the energy efficiency and comfort of your home.
Cost guides
We provide integrated construction cost guides throughout the design process.
Client communication
We manage your project in a user friendly, online system called Co-Construct.
Quality construction
We support a collaborative tender process, working with a range of experienced builders to produce quality homes.
The steps towards a Light House home:
INITIAL MEETING
We start by getting to know each other. We'll discuss your project, and explain how we work and what you can expect. After this no-obligation meeting we provide you with a suggested project budget and a fee proposal for our recommended combination of the steps below.
STAGE 1: CONCEPT DESIGN
Your project architect will work with you to develop your brief and budget, assess site opportunities and constraints, review regulations relevant to your block, and develop a thoroughly considered sketch design for your home. Our science team will provide a thermal performance modelling report and optimise the sketch design with your architect. Our costing team will prepare a preliminary costing table, with clear options for sticking to your budget.
STAGE 2: DESIGN DEVELOPMENT
Your architect will refine the design as a comprehensive drawing set is developed in three dimensional drafting software. During this stage the focus is on fine tuning layout and sizing, window location and operation, the external form and materials. The thermal performance modeling and optimization is updated, along with the preliminary costing table.
STAGE 3: CONSTRUCTION & APPROVALS DOCUMENTATION
During this stage the broader design of the home and surrounding site is finalised, and necessary construction details for pergolas or carports are developed. Your engineer and any other nominated consultants are engaged to provide construction drawings. The thermal performance modelling is again checked, and the energy efficiency rating finalised. Your costing table is once again updated.
STAGE 3B: APPROVALS
Your initial fee proposal will have highlighted all the possible planning or utility approvals relevant to your project, and their related fees. At this stage, any necessary documentation to apply for these approvals is completed, and we will manage the approvals process on your behalf.
STAGE 4: DETAILING, INTERIORS & SPECIFICATION
Our focus now turns to the internal detail as you work with your architect to design and specify your joinery, appliances, fittings and fixtures, electrical, lighting, heating and cooling. We workshop the interior design for your home. The science team present heating, cooling, and ventilation options specific to the thermal modelling of your home. Information and choices are presented to you through our online communication system so that you can feel well informed whether you are going with our recommendations or making a custom selection. Choices relate to various 'basic', 'standard' or 'upgrade' categories in your costing table.
STAGE 5: TENDERING & BUILDING APPROVAL
We will recommend three builders for your project from our network of trusted professionals whose approaches align closely to our own. We prepare detailed tender packages and manage the process of requesting, receiving and reviewing the builders’ quotes. We then advise you on selecting a builder and coach you through the process of entering a building contract with them. We will also prepare and submit your building approval application, and liaise with your building certifier.
STAGE 6: ARCHITECTURAL & SCIENCE SUPPORT DURING BUILD
We offer two levels of service during the construction of your home: hourly rate advice only or our most popular approach where we do 8-10 site visits with you during critical stages, and we are included in all communication between the builder and yourself to advise on questions, decisions, or clarification of design.
POST BUILD
You're now part of the Light House family! We always hope to stay in touch. If you are keen, we will continue to engage with you to keep spreading the word about beautiful, clever, energy efficient homes.
