How we help

Specialising in the design of environmentally sensitive buildings and sustainable property planning to live in harmony with the natural environment.

Sustainable Design

At Ecolibrium our sustainable building design incorporates established sustainable architecture principles such as passive solar design, excellent ventilation and high thermal mass. All materials specified in the design are carefully considered to minimise environmental impacts before, during and after construction.

Our goal is to provide designs that are not only energy and cost efficient in terms of construction and day-to-day living, but also create environments that are comfortable and healthy to live in. Our designs are underpinned by the core principles of sustainable architecture:

Natural Materials With Low Embodied Energy

Minimising the carbon footprint throughout the life-cycle of the building.

Energy Efficiency

Creating year-round thermally comfortable environments that minimises energy required for cooling or heating.

Healthy Materials

Low/non toxic materials that provide a safe and healthy environment

Renewable Technologies

Including solar electrical and hot water generation to eliminate fossil fuel reliance, Passive house methodologies to eliminate mould and improve efficiencies, home automation to optimise electrical usage.

Sustainable design is no longer optional. Our designs are clever, efficient, resilient and climate-responsive for the changing weather patterns we must be prepared for.

Property Planning

Sustainable property planning designs aim to guide you (short or long term) to create a productive system that provides you with a sustainable food and resource supply that enhances your lifestyle and the health of your surrounding environment.

Property planning is relevant to any sized block. Through holistic planning, the potential of your property can be realised to create a self-sustaining, productive environment that supports you and the natural habitat.

The combination of building design and property planning goes a long way towards the ultimate in sustainable design and living that respects the natural environment, but also seeks to make efficient use of its resources.

When the built environment works in harmony with the natural environment (the garden/property) and vice versa; resource, water and energy usage can reach its highest efficiency.

Depending on the desired outcomes and site characteristics, property planning can utilise a number of approaches including permaculture design, revegetation, renewable energy generation and tree farming.

Working With You

We offer a complete service from concept design, through to construction documentation. Starting with an initial consultation to understand your needs and aspirations, we then provide a design proposal with fees aligned to your construction budget.

Generally fixed fees are agreed prior to commencement of design. We liaise directly with engineers and other consultants, certifiers and council. We will give you an indication of all fees and charges so you can budget more accurately. Small or speculative jobs can be billed at an hourly rate.

The next stage involves an in-depth briefing to fully capture requirements to inform the concept design stage, be it for a new build or renovation project. Once fully satisfied the design meets expectations we move into design development and construction documentation. We pride ourselves on high quality documentation which allows builders to accurately price a project and reduce discrepancies and uncertainties on site.

As a client you will be encouraged to be highly involved in all aspects of the design process to ensure that you are happy and comfortable with the design, and the process (and costs) required from concept to construction.

We use sophisticated 3D computer modelling throughout the design and the latest technology in image rendering and virtual reality to allow clients to fully visualise concepts and the design intent.

Our services can include ongoing liaison with the builder and inspections of the construction to ensure the level of finish and quality.

Other Services

We also provide a range of services that can help with considerations before and after our design process. These include:

Pre-purchase inspections

Review of land and any existing buildings. Independent assessment of a property’s potential to meet your needs and sustainability criteria. Desk-top and/or site visit analysis to identify issues and scope for design and development.

Regenerative design

Identifying opportunities for the building / site to go beyond sustainable and to have a net positive environmental and human impact. As an accredited member of the International Living Future Institute.

Interior design

Selection and scheduling of all internal finishes and fixtures. Full detailing of joinery including kitchen and bathroom cabinetry. Selection of energy efficient appliances. Creation of colours and finishes board.

Contract administration

Negotiations with chosen builder prior to and including building contract. Availability for meetings with the clients and builder throughout the construction period. Visit the site periodically to inspect the quality of workmanship as agent for client. Help to resolve issues that are related directly to the construction. Assess builder progress claims against work actually carried out.

Community consultation

From community spaces and gardens to communal living planning.