Zest Architects

31/03/2023

29/03/2023

Heat Recovery Ventilation (HRV) system (Part 2)
The advantages:

Improved indoor air quality: An HRV system can help improve the indoor air quality in your home by removing stale air and replacing it with fresh air from outside. This can reduce the levels of pollutants, allergens, and odours in your home, which can help improve your overall health.

Energy efficiency: It can recover heat from the outgoing stale air and use it to preheat the incoming fresh air, which can reduce the amount of energy needed to heat your home. This can help lower your energy bills and reduce your carbon footprint.

Reduced humidity levels by removing moisture from the incoming air. With a greater difference in temperature between the inside air and the outside air of a well-insulated home, there is a risk of condensation if not ventilated properly. This can lead to mould growth. By installing an HRV system, this can be prevented.
Improved comfort: An HRV system can help maintain a comfortable indoor temperature by balancing the amount of incoming fresh air with the amount of outgoing stale air. This can help improve the overall comfort of your home.

Reduced dust levels due to the air being filtered. This can be a big advantage for asthma and allergy sufferers.

27/03/2023

HRV Heat Recovery Ventilation (Part 1)

If you're seeking to make your new home more sustainable and airtight, it's worth considering a Heat Recovery Ventilation (HRV) system. An HRV system can provide fresh air to your home while simultaneously recovering the heat from the outgoing stale air, resulting in improved indoor air quality, energy efficiency, and overall comfort.

Typical new builds in Perth tend to leak air through poorly sealed window frames, doors, air conditioning units, lights, GPOs, and more, turning over the total volume of air in the house about 15 times per hour on average. However, houses with good quality window frames, well-wrapped and insulated walls can significantly reduce the number of air changes to 3-5 per hour, and even meet passive house standards of under 0.6 air changes per hour with careful taping and wrapping. Such houses require an HRV system to ensure adequate fresh air is being circulated inside.

The advantages of an HRV system are numerous: it improves indoor air quality, increases energy efficiency, reduces humidity, improves comfort, and reduces dust levels.

09/03/2023

Double glazing is an important investment in Perth, as it offers a range of benefits that can improve the quality of life, reduce energy costs, and add value to a property. There are various types of double glazing available in the market depending on the supplier and the specific needs of the customer.

uPVC double glazing: This is a popular type of double glazing in Perth, as it is highly durable and provides excellent insulation. uPVC windows are made from a type of plastic that is resistant to moisture and UV radiation. The frames are designed with a thermal break to enhance their energy efficiency.

Aluminium double glazing: This type of double glazing is also popular in Perth, as it is lightweight, strong, and easy to maintain. Aluminium windows can be customized to fit a variety of sizes and shapes, making them suitable for both residential and commercial buildings. Standard aluminium double glazing isn't thermal break, but some can be upgraded to thermal break at an additional cost.

Double glazed windows with timber frames: Timber-framed double glazed windows are also available in Perth and are a popular choice for those who want a more traditional look for their homes. Timber frames are also an environmentally-friendly option, as timber is a renewable resource.

Thermal break: In the context of double glazing, a thermal break refers to the material used to separate the two panes of glass in the window frame. Without a thermal break, heat can easily transfer from the inside of the building to the outside (or vice versa) through the metal frame, causing heat loss in the winter and heat gain in the summer.

Low-E double glazing: Some suppliers offer this as an optional upgrade to the double-glazed window, which is a type of energy-efficient window that incorporates a special coating on one or more of its glass panes. The Low-E coating is designed to reflect heat back into the room, preventing it from escaping through the window and also to block heat from the sun from entering the room.

Argon-filled double glazing: Good quality double glazing has a layer of argon gas between the two panes of glass. Argon gas does not conduct heat as well as air, making it an excellent insulator. Gas-filled windows also prevent a buildup of frost at the bottom of the window during cold weather.

08/03/2023

Solar passive houses are particularly popular and suitable for Perth’s climate. They offer a range of benefits, including reduced energy costs, improved indoor comfort, and a smaller carbon footprint. Good solar passive homes should prioritize energy efficiency and sustainability while also providing a comfortable and functional living space. However, they may require specialized construction techniques and materials, which can make them more expensive to build than traditional houses.
Here are some general steps to consider when design a solar passive home:

1) Orientation: Position the building to take advantage of solar gain. South-facing windows should be minimized, while North-facing windows should be maximized and properly shaded to prevent overheating in the summer.
2) Insulation: Insulate the building envelope to prevent heat loss in the winter and heat gain in the summer. Use high-quality insulation materials in walls, floors, and roofs, and minimize the number of windows on the south-facing side of the building.
3) Thermal mass: Incorporate thermal mass materials such as concrete, brick, or stone into the design. These materials absorb and store heat during the day, releasing it at night to help regulate indoor temperatures.
4) Ventilation: Design natural ventilation systems that allow for air flow through the building. This can help regulate temperature and improve indoor air quality.
5) Renewable energy: Consider incorporating renewable energy systems, such as solar panels or geothermal heat pumps, to further reduce energy consumption and improve the building's overall sustainability.

Zest Architects with good experience in solar passive design can help ensure that your home is designed to meet your needs and goals.
Design Enquiry : 1800 027 113
[email protected]

03/03/2023

Zest Architects provide services for land subdivision and project management to fulfill the conditional clearance through all government authorities, and obtain final approval for the titles to be separated.

There are two most common types of land titles for residential properties: Green titles and Survey-Strata titles. The main difference between these two types of titles is in how the land is subdivided and how it is managed.

Definition: A green title refers to a single block of land with no shared ownership, while a survey-strata title refers to a group of properties that share ownership of common areas.

Size: Green titles are typically larger in size and are usually used for standalone homes or properties with large blocks of land. Survey-strata titles, on the other hand, are typically smaller in size and are often used for townhouses, duplexes, or other types of multi-unit developments.

Ownership: With a green title, the owner has complete control over their property and can make any changes they want to the land or the building. With a survey-strata title, the owners share ownership of service，common areas, such as driveways, gardens, and other shared spaces.

Cost: Green titles tend to be more expensive to subdivide than survey-strata titles because they offer more land and are typically used for larger, standalone properties. Survey-strata titles can be more affordable and quicker, are often used for group-dwelling such as townhouse or units developments.

Subdivision: Green titles can be subdivided into smaller lots, while survey-strata titles cannot be subdivided as easily, as they are subject to size, codes, and government regulation.

It's important to consider these differences when purchasing a property and to consult with a licensed real estate agent or property lawyer if you have any questions.

02/03/2023

A concept design for a unique and modern farmhouse design that incorporates solar passive principles, you might be interested in the concept we have to share. This design is perfect for a rural block and features a mid-century modern style with a mix of stone, timber cladding, and full-height glass.

The first thing to consider when designing a solar passive home is the orientation of the block. By maximizing natural sunlight from the North, you can reduce energy consumption and create a more comfortable living space. This design takes advantage of the sun's path and allows for views of the surrounding bushland to the south.

To achieve optimal ventilation, we also recommend incorporating cross-ventilation from the south/west. This will help to regulate the temperature inside the home and create a more pleasant living environment.

The materials used in this design are also important. Stone and timber cladding provide a natural, rustic feel that complements the rural setting. Full-height glass windows allow for plenty of natural light and stunning views, while high ceilings and a cantilevered eave create a sense of spaciousness and modernity.

It's perfect for anyone looking for a unique and stylish home that's designed to reduce energy consumption and create a more comfortable living space. If you're interested in this concept, we recommend working with an experienced architect to bring your vision to life.
Design Enquiry : 1800 027 113
[email protected]

02/03/2023

Perth's Popular standalone housing types:
1. Single-Storey Homes: These are one-story houses that offer a convenient and low-maintenance living option. They are ideal for small families or retirees who want a simple and easy-to-manage home.

2. Two-Storey Homes: These houses are great for larger families who need more space. They offer a separate living area on each floor, providing privacy and separation for family members. They are also ideal for those who want to take advantage of views or have a smaller block of land.

3. Narrow Lot Homes: These homes are designed to fit on smaller blocks of land, which are common in many Perth Metro Area. They typically have a smaller footprint but still offer plenty of living space, making them ideal for homebuyers or those on a budget.

4. House behind house: It is a type of development that involves building a smaller secondary dwelling at the rear of an existing property. The idea behind this type of development is to create additional housing options in established homes while the primary dwelling is still occupying, it involves building a secondary dwelling, or granny flat, behind the primary house on a single lot.

01/03/2023

A Concept house design includes 3D modelling, perspective images, Flythrough by Zest Architects
Design Enquiry : 1800 027 113
[email protected]

01/03/2023

If you're looking for a new home that combines luxury with energy efficiency, you might want to consider a long and narrow house design with solar passive principles. This design uses a number of innovative features to create a comfortable and sustainable living space.

One of the key features of this design is the use of cross-ventilation from south/west windows to cool the house in summer, while maximizing the use of natural light from the north. This approach not only helps to reduce your energy bills, but also creates a comfortable living space that's bright and airy.

To further enhance the energy efficiency of the house, lightweight timber frame construction is used for the upper floor, while double brick construction is used for the lower ground level to provide thermal mass. This means that the house will stay warm in winter and cool in summer, reducing the need for heating and cooling. The house is also fully insulated with double glazing throughout, helping to keep the indoor temperature comfortable all year round.

The architectural design of the house features a Japanese industrial style, which gives it a modern and unique appearance. The combination of natural materials and sleek design creates a beautiful and functional living space.

In addition to these features, the house also includes a ventilation system for a fresher, healthier home all year round. This system removes heat build-up from inside walls and floors during the day and provides fresher air on hot, stifling summer days. This not only creates a more comfortable living space, but also reduces wasted energy consumption when used in conjunction with an air conditioning system.

The future backyard of the house includes a green garden and a solar pergola for shading, providing an outdoor space that is both beautiful and functional.

The owner of this house can't wait to see the completion of their future home, which will not only provide them with a luxurious living space, but also help them reduce their impact on the environment. With its innovative design and sustainable features, this house is a responsible and conscientious choice for anyone looking for a new home.

01/03/2023

We are thrilled to announce that our team had the honour of designing and documenting a commercial warehouse for a well-known Australian Energy Saving Electrical Products Company. We are excited to share that the proposal has received council approval and construction is scheduled to begin in 2023.

The design concept was inspired by the light industrial design influence, which perfectly complements the surrounding industrial precinct. Our proposal aims to activate the landmark in an architecturally appropriate manner, which has remained vacant for a significant period of time. The proposed geometric external paint finish is intended to mitigate bulk and mass where the proposal is closest to the secondary street frontage. One of the key features of the proposal is its ability to provide natural surveillance of both the secondary and primary street through wrap-around glazing and a legible pedestrian entrance.

The proportions of the design and high level of detail showcase the architectural merit of the proposal, which will deliver a substantial improvement upon the existing light industrial built form within the industrial precinct. We believe that this project will not only benefit the Energy Saving Electrical Project Company but also the entire community.

As well as providing products which reduce energy consumption, the proposed building itself will showcase many environmentally sustainable design measures which include:
• Industrial scale rooftop PV system;
• Canopies and fixed awnings over all windows to reduce solar gain in summer months;
• Four (4) electric car charging stations;
• Eight (8) bike racks, four (4) internal and four (4) external;
• End of trip (unisex shower) facilities;
• Four (4) ‘Solar pole top’ streetlight to provide lighting of the car park;
• Waterwise landscaping.

Our team has worked tirelessly to ensure that the proposal meets the needs of our client while also considering the wider community. We believe that this commercial warehouse will be a valuable addition to the industrial precinct and look forward to seeing the final product.

01/03/2023

A recent project finish competition featured a contemporary design style, with a focus on a reverse living house that showcases a rear city view. The design of the house incorporated glass curtain walls and huge stacker doors as its prominent features.

The reverse living house design typically has its main living areas and Theatre Rooms located on the upper level, while the lower level houses the garage, all bedrooms and other functional spaces. This allows the occupants to take advantage of the stunning city view from the upper level while maintaining privacy and seclusion from the street level.

The use of glass curtain walls allows for natural light to flood the living spaces and provides a seamless connection between the interior and exterior of the house. Additionally, the use of huge stacker doors creates a sense of openness and allows for easy access to the outdoor living areas, further enhancing the connection between the inside and outside.

Design Enquiry: : 1800 027 113
[email protected]