• Logan Architects Office | Commercial Architecture | Logan Architects
  • Logan Architects Office | Commercial Architecture | Logan Architects
  • Logan Architects Office | Commercial Architecture | Logan Architects
  • Logan Architects Office | Commercial Architecture | Logan Architects
  • Logan Architects Office | Commercial Architecture | Logan Architects
  • Logan Architects Office | Commercial Architecture | Logan Architects
  • Logan Architects Office | Commercial Architecture | Logan Architects
  • Logan Architects Office | Commercial Architecture | Logan Architects
  • Logan Architects Office | Commercial Architecture | Logan Architects
  • Logan Architects Office | Commercial Architecture | Logan Architects

Limited budget studio / office.

 

This studio / home office has used concrete as the primary component of its structural, cladding and finishing materials to meet sustainable, financial and aesthetic requirements

 

Built on the second street frontage of the 800m2 steeply contoured coastal property the building provides for multi- purpose use and has the potential to generate alternative income. It represents the belief that good design can be economical and sustainable for all.

 

Meeting social sustainability criteria the building needed to initially be used as a design studio but able to convert to a future living environment as a one or two bedroom residence with outdoor living suitable for future generations. Another requirement was that the building could be tenanted separately but contains cohesion when used as a single unit. Providing for further diversity the lower level of the building was to be capable of conversion into a potential community art gallery. The building form is consistent with the existing format of the community and sits comfortably adjacent to one of the original beach baches. The multiuse design encourages work from home options that reduce traffic and fuel consumption to protect our environment.

 

The steep site was maximised by removing approximately 700 m3 of soil, with the creation of a cave type structure utilising concrete block walls as both the retaining and wall structure maximising building footprint and minimising material usage. Extensive North glazing and roof light wells maximise natural lighting and solar gain. Energy consumption is minimised due to the thermal mass properties of the concrete walls and flooring. The east and west walls are slotted to allow morning and afternoon natural lighting and provide cross flow ventilation. Internal walls are limited to the service area only and possible living and rest areas are defined by a variation in floor level. This increases the spaciousness and allows natural light to penetrate to the rear of the building.

 

Environmental and economic sustainability is achieved by the use of the light coloured roof and concrete serving as the finishing materials. Water resistant concrete block walls have been left exposed on both the interior and exterior surfaces. The concrete floor has been highly polished reducing the need for surface coverings or sealing products. Concrete rib beams that support the upper level are exposed as the lower level ceiling. The driveway has been etched to expose the stone aggregate and provide grip resistance on the slope. The building design used modulated dimensions to avoid wastage of materials during construction.

 

Located in a harsh coastal environment and set amongst native bush on the west coast, concrete was a first choice for durability and low maintenance. As concrete does not rot, corrode or attract mould its low maintenance properties further adds to this buildings sustainability.

 

The completed building has 200m2 interior floor area and was very economical to build. The building form has been received well in the local community and by public interest that has been shown by people photographing the building