ENVIROTECTURE

The things humans make - whether buildings or any other purposeful object) only work properly if they are designed to meet the needs of the user. Envirotecture uses a particular process to ensure we understand exactly what those needs are.

In most instances, the two most fundamental needs are those of the occupant, and the environment the building sits in – these are the highest priority. Other needs to be carefully considered include local planning controls.

After an initial site investigation, a Site Analysis is drawn up by Envirotecture, which shows graphically all of the environmental influences which come to bear on the site – both natural and man-made. If the project involves the renovation of an existing building, an Appraisal of that structure is carried out, showing its potential and drawbacks.

This is possibly the most critical step in the whole process: it asks the question “what does the building need to do?” Get that answer right and all subsequent steps should fall into place. Get it wrong – or fail to ask the right question – and everything that follows will be wrong. Test all preconceived ideas, and eliminate any false assumptions.

concept design

A design concept may be expressed in several ways – butter paper sketches drawn with big soft pencils, or 3D computer modelling – each project will use whatever is most appropriate. Regardless of the medium used, the concept must address the Design Brief. This is where the rubber meets the road: if the concept works, it will satisfy the Brief. Using the Brief to test the concept balances the inevitable subjectivity involved with assessing design, and provides more useful information for a reflective analysis of the concept.

Thus the client is able to ask both “Do I like it” (the subjective), and “Does it work?” (the objective).

We approach the Concept Stage with the understanding that it is the ideal opportunity to get the project off to a flying start, especially in regard to its sustainability goals. If the lines are in the right place on the page at this stage, everything else tends to fall into place, allowing more sustainable buildings to built more economically. Otherwise it is all too likely that sustainability will not be achieved, and will be much more expensive, as the solutions will always be “playing catch-up”.

3D CAD modeling

Envirotecture uses sophisticated 3D CAD software from an early stage in each project to test and demonstrate the real look and workability of the concept. Increasingly called BIM (Building Information Modelling), we create a virtual model of the building complete with any amount of detail, which is used to generate all subsequent documentation and information. One live model is kept current through all design changes, so every partner in the project (consultants, engineers etc) always have up-to-the-minute information.

3D modelling also allows clients to see the evolving concept in full detail, including interiors. Shadow casting and solar access can be accurately predicted for any site in any location on earth. This can be modelled room by room. Whole neighbourhoods can be modelled to assess broader impacts, and to demonstrate bulk and scale impacts etc.

Once again, the Design Brief is used to check that the design is still meeting its intended purpose. If any changes are needed, it is much easier and more cost-effective to make them on a computer model, than as a Contract Variation once construction has started.

Final documentation for development consent (as may be required by the various local and state planning authorities) is prepared from the BIM source (the single 3D computer model). Requirements vary between municipalities, and each project is documented according local requirements. This can mean there are 5 or 6 drawing sheets for simple residential projects, or several dozen for larger residential or commercial projects – or even more on much larger projects.

If required on international projects, we partner with local Envirotecture Network Partners in the preparation of detailed documentation.

Preparing written specifications for construction is part of the detailed documentation process. The Specification must match the detailed plans, and the intent of the Design Brief. Specifications are always written in collaboration with our clients, and are reviewed with them before being issued to builders or councils.

sustainability issues in the design

Because we approach the fundamentals of design with sustainability as a fundamental and guiding principle, the technical solutions to things like water and energy tend to come naturally and economically. Nonetheless, we use specific numerical targets and measurement systems to check that the design is on target. Click here to see how these are considered and measured.