MIND
WIDE
OPEN
ARCHITECTS
WEST AUSTRALIA
We IMAGINE sustainable development
As society evolves, so does our thinking around the impact of the decisions we make, we never stop learning. Our approach is holistic, how we run our business, treat our people, communicate, and produce our work, is intrinsically interwoven. We consider sustainable development as a process, the designs we produce as architects are highly researched and considered from a sustainability perspective and the result of that process but not the only outcome.
When considered against the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and targets we realised that sustainable practice and design is about much more than energy, water, air and light, materials, waste efficiency and greenhouse gas emissions. Its about how we can make a difference. Our suppliers (upstream), clients, consultants, authorities, and the like (downstream activities) and our internal staff and operations are all part of that process.
Our design is human centred with health and wellbeing at the forefront. If our processes are right, all aspects of environmental, social and our client’s economic return on investment are considered in balance. Results are achieved, often to exceed expectation and the journey of design and procurement is both enjoyable, enlightening and rewarding.
Sustaining relationships is equally important and has resulted in clients with multiple assets leveraging this sustainable approach for mutual benefit.
It is this type of forward thinking that sets us apart.
What must be achieved
The Building Code of Australia (BCA) requires:
a minimum 6-star energy rating using housing energy rating software, accredited under the National Housing Energy Rating scheme (NatHERS)
minimum Insulation R values
How we achieve energy efficiency
North facing habitable zones achieved through orientation
Controllable solar pergola for windows and walls
Insulation to roof walls and floors
Air tightness
Mechanical Ventilation Heat recovery
High performance glazing
Thermally bridging
Ceiling fans - minimum room area
Energy Efficient appliances, lighting
North facing roof at ~ 28 - 32 degrees to optimise renewable solar energy for power and water
Heating with battery backup. (Perth is latitude 32)
IT monitoring including night power outlet shutdown except for nourishment appliances
What we considered for IMAGINE
A higher NatHERS rating
Living Building Challen
Energy 7 - Energy & Carbon Reduction
8 - Net Positive Carbon
Living Key
Design features and fixtures that conserve and/or produce energy
HIA Greensmart & Liveability
Energy Management
Heating and Cooling Homes Naturally
Limiting space heating and cooling demand Preventing thermal bridging Insulation and windows
Limiting space heating and cooling demand
Preventing thermal bridging
Insulation and windows
What must be achieved
The Building Code of Australia (BCA) requires:
Heating Energy if obtained from a source that has a greenhouse gas intensity, it does not exceed 100g CO2 -e/MJ of thermal energy load (where -e means CO2 equivalent). Note this does not prevent the use of electricity because greenhouse gas intensity is related to thermal load rather than energy consumption.
How we achieve low emissions
Eliminating fossil fuel
Minimising greenhouse gas emissions
Eliminate Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC’s) from materials
What we considered for IMAGINE
Living Building Challenge
Energy 7 - Energy and Carbon Reduction
Energy 8 - Net Positive Carbon
AusZEH
Australian Zero Emission House
A 4-bedroom 8-star demonstration home with a net zero footprint, demonstrating technologies and innovations to reduce greenhouse gas emission.
What must be achieved
The Building Code of Australia (BCA) requires:
Watermark Certification - certifies products are fit for purpose in plumbing and drainage installations
A drainage system for the disposal of surface water
Weatherproofing including electrical boxes.
How we achieve sustainable water use
Reduction in potable water use
Reduction in overall water use
Rainwater harvesting and re-use, sized to supply all internal fixtures and appliances with mains back-up.
Grey water treatment and reuse for laundry, bathroom, and landscaping
Integration controlled reticulation for food production and landscaping via a for a grey/rain storage/mains supply
Water efficient appliances and fixtures - high WELS rated
Drinking water filters and purification
Natural low demand waterwise native and locally sourced landscaping
What we considered for IMAGINE
WELL W01 - Fundamental water Quality
Additionally, “W” series elements considering contaminants, moisture management, non-potable water reuse.
Living Building Challenge
Water 5 - Responsible Water Use
Water 6 - Net Positive Water
Living Key
Design features of the house, appliances and fixtures and the garden that conserve and re-use water.
HIA Greensmart and Liveability
Water Management
Water Conservation and Alternative Supplies
Hot Water Systems
Well living Lab
Filtration to reduce the risk of poor water quality and improve taste.
What must be achieved
The Building Code of Australia (BCA) requires:
minimisation of air leakage of the external fabric
air movement to habitable rooms
How we achieve a healthy resilient air quality
Ventilation
Indoor air quality low humidity environment
Air tightness tested by blower test
Air movement comfort
Air temperature at comfortable range
Air purification
No Volatile Organic Compounds
What we considered for IMAGINE
WELL
Air A01 - Fundamental Air Quality
Additionally, “A” series elements considering ventilation, windows, monitoring
Filtration and VOC control
Living Building Challenge
Health & Happiness 9 - - Healthy Interior Environment
10 - Healthy Interior Performance
HIA Greensmart and Liveability
Indoor Air Quality Management
Passive House
Mechanical Ventilation Heat Recovery (MVHR) for extracting kitchen and bathroom moist air with heat recovery and supplying fresh air
Air tightness
Living Well Lab
Reduce and remove particle matter along with other air pollutants such as VOC’s and CO2.
What must be achieved
The Building Code of Australia (BCA) requires natural light to all habitable rooms.
How we achieve comfortable and healthy lighting
Abundant thermally controlled natural light to all habitable areas:
LED lights
Circadian based lighting cycle
Light controllable by task and function
Movement detection option
References we considered for IMAGINE
WELL
Light “L” series elements consider light quality and exposure, visual lighting design, lighting control, circadian lighting (day & night cycle), glare control.
Living Key
Liveability - natural light
HIA Greensmart
Lighting the Way
Well Living Lab
Lighting synchronised with the solar day, designed to keep the circadian rhythm in sync with nature.
What must be achieved
The Building Code of Australia (BCA) requires insulation against the transmission of airborne and impact generated sound sufficient to prevent illness or loss of amenity.
How we achieve sound insulation
Create zoned areas of sound insulation by use, particularly high frequency outputs from audio equipment
Appropriate material selections to achieve effective sound insulation
Limit transmission through building elements
References we considered for IMAGINE
WELL
Sound S01 - Sound Mapping
Additionally, “S” series elements considering noise levels, barriers, absorption, and impact noise
HIA Greensmart and liveability - Zoning
Living Well Lab
Minimise stressful noise pollution and introduce biophilic sounds.
What must be achieved
The Building Code of Australia (BCA) requires a level of thermal performance to facilitate the efficient use of energy for artificial heating and cooling.
Passive House
Well Living Lab
How we achieve thermal comfort
Refer “Energy” and “Air”
References we considered for IMAGINE
WELL
Thermal Comfort T01 - Thermal Performance
Additionally, “T” series elements considering zoning, individual control, monitoring and humidity control
Living Building Challenge
Health & Happiness 10- Healthy Interior Performance
Living Key
Liveability
HIA Greensmart & Liveability
Heating and Cooling Homes Naturally
Passive house
Thermal comfort temperature criteria to be met.
Living Well Lab
Thermal programming for sleep
What must be achieved
The Building Code of Australia (BCA) requires
How we achieve sustainable material use
No VOC’s
Life cycle analysis including recycle potential
Fire safety in material selection and condition of use
Effective and compliant thermal and sound insulation
Moisture proof
Minimise waste in construction
Local sourcing
Low ongoing maintenance and energy impact
References we considered for IMAGINE
WELL
Materials X01 - Material Precautions
Additionally, “X” series elements considering hazardous materials including VOC’s
Living Building Challenge
Materials 12 - Responsible Materials
13 - Red List
14 - Responsible Sourcing
15 - Living Economy Sourcing
Living Key
Long life buildings with low energy content and sustainably sourced materials.
HIA Greensmart & Liveability
Material Selection
Glazing and Frames
Insulation
Using raw, reconstituted o recycled Materials
How we consider waste
We aspire to minimise waste in construction, day to day operation, progressive adaptive reuse, and end of life
The initial design is influenced by the available sizes of locally sourced materials. By example, the passage width is 1220, not only to meet the movement platinum standard but the ecoply ceiling panel is 1200mm wide with a 10mm recommended installation gap each side. The panel is easily removed for recycling.
Food waste is composted wherever possible to become the nutrient for the nourishment cycle.
A three-bin system is allowed in design spacing for non-recyclable, recyclable, and green waste bins.
Waste grey water is treated and recycled for laundry, bathroom, and landscaping.
References we considered for IMAGINE
Living Building Challenge
Materials 16- Net Positive Waste
WELL
Materials X4 - Waste management
HIA Greensmart & Liveability
Waste Management
Resource Efficient Practice
Reduce landfill
How nourishment is integrated
We incorporate a seed to plate food cycle food cycle in our design. Food production is planned based on:
Seasonal produce based on yield and growing cycles to feed the number of residents year-round and possible spare capacity for relations or community
Planting beds designed for access, crop rotation soil quality
Compost beds including waste recycling
Variety for full sun, and greenhouse shading including seed germination
Easily accessible workshop stores for gardening tools, organic fertilizers, soil conditioning and general maintenance equipment
Kitchen design for storage, bottling of preserves, preparation, cooking, plating, serving, separate scullery and pots, pans and utensil stores
Biophilic setting for kitchen with natural light, adjacent café type facility for interaction and/or IT inputs
Alfresco option with renewable energy electric cooking
Waterwise reticulation utilising grey water ruse
References we considered for IMAGINE
WELL
Nourishment N01 - Fruit and Vegetables
Promotes the consumption of easily accessible fruit and vegetables
N07 - Nutrition Education. Create an environment where continuous learning to improve dietary habits and increase nutritional knowledge
N11 - Responsible Food Sourcing
N12 - Food Production
Living Building Challenge
Place 2 - Urban Agriculture
Living Key
A rating out of 10. Provides a higher rating under Liveability for local food production. Vegetable gardens and fruit trees with dedicated composting and waterwise irrigation.
Square Metre Gardening - Mel Bartholomew - staggered food growing and harvesting to suit family needs.
How we incorporate Movement
Clear and inviting movement paths with a view front to back.
Zoned to achieve appropriate movement between activities and function: -
Office and workspace facilitate visitors
Connection between indoor and outdoor entertainment
IMAGINE adopts the “Gold” standard as a minimum aspiring to “Platinum” wherever possible and practical.
References we considered for IMAGINE
WELL
Movement V01 - Active Buildings and Communities
Additionally, “V” series elements considering design aesthetic circulation, physical activity opportunity, spaces and equipment, and exterior active design
Living Building Challenge
Equity 17 - Universal Access
Living Key
Proximity to public transport, walking and cycle paths and bicycle storage.
Also provides a higher rating under Materials for accessibility of occupants with disabilities and limited mobility and can be adaptable to changing uses and needs.
HIA Greensmart
Universal design: Principles and Practice (basically covered in the liveable House Design Guidelines)
Liveable House Design Guidelines
Fifteen housing design elements covering plan and elevation dimensions for each room and type of function, hardware and switches and power points for reach, accessibility, manoeuvrability, and safety.
These features make the house: -
Easy to enter
Easy to navigate in and around
Capable of easy and cost-effective adaptation, and
Be responsive to current and changing needs of residents and guests
Gold level achieves all core elements plus additional elements in kitchens and bedrooms. Platinum level achieves all 15 elements for aging in place and higher mobility needs with more generous dimensions.
Include a specific Movement plan showing how these standards are applied
How we consider Community
IMAGINE is an exploration of sustainable design initiatives for a lot to be developed in a community setting. In selecting an actual lot, we would research the market having regard to budget and availability of a site with the size, orientation, and aspect we desire, close to:
Local shops, services, health and care facilities, education and day care, and parks, and
To foster and promote engaged and interactive community activity
The Street
We would investigate the function of the street having regard to:
Traffic, cycling and pedestrian movement and separation
Visitor parking
Access to and for modes of public transport
Safety and security, including views and vistas and traffic calming devices
Visual appearance, including opportunity for public art and sculpture
Opportunity for social interaction and recreation
Creation of public spaces
How could:
Local carpooling work?
Shared community renewable energy work?
Creation of community gardens, work?
References we considered IMAGINE
WELL
Support an inclusive integrated community through social equity, civic engagement, and accessible design
Community C01 - Health and Wellness Awareness
Additionally, “C” series elements considering family support (ability to work/study at home), comm8unity engagement and support, (planning to grow food to share in the community, and accessibility for people of all abilities
Living key
Rates facilities within a walkable distance of 400m and short bike ride.
The site is located close to:
Local shops, services, health and care facilities, education and day care, and parks
The aim is to foster and promote engaged and interactive community
HIA Greensmart & Liveability
Element 2 is Living Locally, close to cafes, markets, cultural events, green spaces like parks and community gardens. Drive less and be able to walk or cycle.
How we consider Nature and Biophilia
Biophilia and connection to nature is core to IMAGINE.
Each habitable space is adjacent a landscape setting with controlled solar access to facilitate desired, natural light, thermal comfort, and ventilation.
Landscaping is designed with diverse local varieties selected for aesthetic, water sensitive appeal to promote health and wellbeing for all habitable spaces. Species and settings will also promote biodiversity for insects, birds, and healthy soil regeneration.
Core habitable areas of kitchen, café, lounge, and dining are designed where possible to closely relate to the outdoors on one or both sides depending on lot size and setbacks.
References we considered for IMAGINE
WELL
Mind - M02 - Access to Nature
Living Building Challenge
Health & Happiness 11 - Access to Nature
Beauty 19 - Beauty and Biophilia
Green Star
Land use and Environment
Living Key
Provides a higher rating for local native plants, diversity, local fauna habitat and significant landscape features.
Aim is to support and promote native vegetation and biodiversity health including street verges.
How We consider the Mind
IMAGINE:
Aspires to delivers an environment designed to improve light, thermal comfort, enhance connection to nature, biophilic sounds to help prepare for sleep, stay asleep and wake feeling refreshed in a natural cycle
Considers ease of movement, spatial relationships, colours, textures, and materials to promote wellbeing
Promotes areas of passive and active enjoyment, play and interaction
Creates separate areas for work and study, including a kitchen learning area
Mind and body health are closely related. IMAGINE includes opportunity for indoors and outdoors structured training and exercising
References we considered for IMAGINE
WELL
Mind M02 - Access to Nature
Well Living lab - Delos
Sleep is one of the most important factors affecting mind, health, and wellbeing. Poor sleep can lead to slower reaction times, imparted emotion regulation, increased irritability, difficulty concentrating, learning and problem solving and decision making. Longer term issues can include chronic health issues.
Curated environments that improve light, thermal comfort and biophilic sounds.
Living Key
Liveability - enhanced human and environmental health
How we consider aesthetic
We consider the aesthetic impact on the community, neighbours, residents, and visitors acknowledging that people are connected to nature and influenced by climate and culture.
We cannot define beauty, but we can aspire to create an aesthetic where health and wellness can flourish.
We consider the biophilic aesthetic of IMAGINE can achieve this.
We aspire to acknowledge country and culture through inspirational design for human delight.
References we considered for IMAGINE
WELL
Movement V03 - Movement Network and Circulation - Design for aesthetic circulation network.
Living Building Challenge 19 - Celebrating design that uplifts the human spirit
Recognises the connection to place, climate, culture, and community is crucial to creating a beautiful building. Its process involves embracing biophilic design.
Contain design features for human delight and the celebration of culture, spirit, and place appropriate to function.
What must be achieved
Compliance with the BCA (National Construction Code - NCC)
State Planning Policy 7.3 - Residential Design Codes Volume 1 - Low and Medium Density
What is not considered in these generic considerations but would need to be considered based on:
Locality:
Local Planning Scheme and Policies
Statutory Authority codes, regulations, standards, and the like
Trade:
Australian Standards
Trade Regulations and certifications
How we set aspirational targets exceeding codes and regulations
Through a continuous cycle of research, design, and review.
References we considered for IMAGINE
Local government schemes and policies generally having regard to residential development standards, noting that IMAGINE is not specific to any locality.
Codes and regulations often require a minimum acceptable standard. In many instances we aspire to exceed requirements to achieve the more aspirational requirements.
How innovation, inspiration and education is achieved
Bi-Directional Electric Vehicle (EV) charging where the charger can redirect any leftover energy remaining in the car’s battery back into the grid, the owner is paid for surplus energy at the peak time and rate.
Inverter settings with battery back up to export energy to the grid during the 3 - 9pm period when away on holidays or low use periods.
Create and disseminate educational material about the performance and operation of IMAGINE. This site is one such example.
If built, an open day to inform interested people about IMAGINES sustainable and cultural design and processes.
References we considered for IMAGINE
WELL
Innovations I01 - Innovation Well
Living Building Challenge 19 - Beauty - Beauty & Biophilia
Celebrating design that uplifts the human spirit
Exploration of historical, cultural, ecological, and climatic references
Tracking biophilia at each stage of the design process
Develop and share an educational website about the project
AusZEH
An energy monitoring and management system with touch screen house display and monitoring data for:
Power use by appliance and zone
Power generation and storage
Power drawn from the grid
Water drawn from the mains, and
Water drawn from on site retention, re-use, and storage
Passive House
Mechanical Ventilation Heat Recovery design for energy efficiency, thermal comfort, and air quality.
Enhance life by the design that surrounds it.