Sustainability - Steffen Welsch Architects

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Light, balance and beauty are the cornerstones of Steffen Welsch Architects, a Melbourne based sustainable design studio with over twenty years experience. We have a proven track record in delivering low impact, energy and cost efficient designs that are well planned, sensible and versatile.
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Our projects recognise that sustainable design and construction are a collective endeavour that requires collaboration and respect between clients, consultants, authorities, contractors and suppliers.

As professionals we understand that climate action will result in cost reduction through a design that reduces operational and embodied energy. We love developing low impact and socially focussed buildings; we love re-use, recycling and working with sustainable materials like rammed earth and Hempcrete.

We combine our professional expertise with our responsibility to serve our community. We pledge to climate action through our work and are an integral part of the Australian Architects Declare movement.

This informs our belief and focus that sustainable design is affordable and leads to a more comfortable and more beautiful environment.

Our team at Steffen Welsch Architects provides architectural services for a variety of projects. They range from interiors, renovations, homes, townhouses and units to schools, child-care and community centres.

We provide both full and partial services, tailored to suit the project intent and budget.

Our work includes early consultations, feasibility studies, concept and detailed design, town planning, budget control, contract drawings and building permit applications. During construction we administer the building contract for our clients.

Sustainability has always been at the core of all project stages.

Any project starts with analysing the site and reviewing regulations This identifies the opportunities that arise from these conditions.

Together with our clients we establish the project brief to determine functional and space requirements, program, budget and sustainability objectives.

A brief goes beyond the pragmatic and functional. It should articulate personal likes and dislikes, plus priorities that will make the process and outcome unique.

From the outset it should consider the immediate and wider environmental impacts of the project.

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Our concepts are created through design studios within the office. Team members prepare and present concept ideas that we review and discuss collectively.

The combined expertise and ideas of the group generate a range of options to enable us meeting the project brief.

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After agreeing on a preferred option with our clients, the concept is reviewed against the budget and sustainability goals.

This is an opportunity to refine brief, budget and design. Layout and building form are adjusted to ensure affordability, thermal comfort, energy efficiency and low environmental impact.

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We refine the design and measurements to ensure effective circulation, functionality and convenience. Furniture placement is being considered.

At this stage we develop the aesthetics, character and feel for both the interior and exterior. Material selection and combinations plus key details for fit-out and façade evolve.

Construction materials are assessed for their environmental credentials. It includes their performance during operation and recyclability at the end of the building’s life.

We often refer to this stage as the moment where the design becomes alive and the project develops its unique character and spirit.

To produce construction documents, collaboration with the engineer, building surveyor, sustainability consultant and landscape architect are crucial.

Their knowledge and expertise make certain the building is constructed with economic structural systems and details, achieves compliance, has low environmental impact and maintains biodiversity.

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Having completed projects for nearly twenty years, Steffen Welsch Architects has established trustworthy relationships with suitable builders.

During construction we administer the building contract. It includes inspecting the works and collaborating with the builder, consultants and owners to provide advice and additional details as necessary.

We prefer working with contractors with a sustainab construction who are signatories to Australian Builders Declare.

Practical completion is the day the builder hands over the works. This is usually a sad and happy day for us. We inspect the works for their completion and compliance with the architectural documents.

Being sad see it go, we are also happy to release the project for all clients to enjoy.

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Quote from the owner, July 2022 ‘Hi Steffen,

Yes we do love living here. We had 20 people at Christmas and the space worked really well. It was just lovely. And yes – the sun pours in in winter. Next week we are having some local clean fill delivered so that we can build out the ground around the end wing there. We have also had an idea to create a low wall around the edge of the turning circle with seats built into it. That way we won’t have to chase the soccer ball down the hill so often and the exposed stacked wood would make an attractive wall.’

Buildings derive from our natural environment and are living organisms. They are not static, but will evolve over time as they accommodate new uses and adapt to changing environmental conditions.

Part of an architect’s service is post construction evaluation to ensure our buildings are enjoyable and make a positive contribution to our environment.

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