Build Architecture Awards

Build Architecture Awards 2015 91 Planworks Architects specialises in designs which com- bine functionality and style with sustainability to pro- duce constructions which both enhance the area they inhabit and sustain it. We speak to Clive Ducker for his comments on sustainable architecture practice on the Mornington Peninsula. Planworks Architects is a sole practitioner Architect practice, with occasional drafting staff when required by the project. This practice provides architectural services to an area which is known as a holiday destination for Melbourne residents. Residential projects therefore are the staple for this practice, as larger projects are usually awarded to Melbourne architecture practices, which are seen to have staff to handle these projects. Therefore, potential clients have been either seeking to relocate from Melbourne to a permanent home on the Pen- insula, or upgrading existing holiday homes to suit changing circumstances. This area has a population with a changing demographic: previously one in four were per- manent residents, but this has since changed to a population of one in three permanent res- idents. A new freeway has also provided com- muters with easy access directly to Melbourne, allowing more permanent residents to live in an area without the usual big city problems. Planworks Architects offers a number of services which include: Feasibility studies; Preliminary and Approved Design; Town Planning Application; Project Documentation; Building Permit Application; and Project Tender to selected Builders. We also offer Contract Administration upon request. The philosophy of our office is to satisfy both a client brief and budget, which is not an easy task but one which we take very seriously. As building prices rise every year, the cost of building a new house or altering an existing one, places constraints on the budget of many clients. Every potential client has a different wish list and a different budget with which to achieve their goal. This wish list covers how they see their future home in appearance, how it will work for their family, and how much they can afford to spend to satisfy their wishes. If the wish list and the budget cannot be satisfied, it is imperative to let the client know as quickly and inexpensively as possible, in order to avoid disappointment and potential litigation. The building industry commonly has stories of clients outlaying both time and money, only to find themselves in serious trouble because projects fail to meet expectations because of poor budget and planning advice. It is therefore an imperative of this office to provide budget advice which is sincere, logical and truthful. The Mornington Peninsula has a harsh climate – hot summers where temperatures can reach 40 degree Celsius and cool winters where day temperatures average around 10 degrees Celsius. As a consequence of this environment, advice on materials selection, energy efficiency within the home, and ongo- ing consumer costs forms an important part of the advice this office provides. Ensuring comfort without high energy costs requires careful consideration and selection of external and internal materials and fixtures, and every client is guided in making these choices for their home. The design influences of this Practice is 21st century contemporary, energy efficient homes to fit a budget. Best for Contemporary Sustainable Design 2015 - Australia Planworks Architects Company: Planworks Architects Name: Clive Ducker Email: [email protected] Web Address: www.planworksarchitects.com.au Address: 6 Somerset Drive, Dromana, Victoria, 3936, Australia. Telephone: 061 3 59873311 As a small practice, we ensure that we keep up to date with the latest building information by ensuring it is seen and filed by the person making the materials selection for projects, so new materials information can readily be evaluated for their potential. For this Practice, new materials and emerging trends in the housing industry must satisfy not only the conditions to which they will be utilised but also the cost of the product compared to existing products on the market. Future maintenance costs in a harsh envi- ronment are not usually considered by home owners, but if a new product offers superior future maintenance characteristics, it should be considered and brought to the attention of clients. This approach means our clients always receive the best value and quality. As a firm we see integrity and honesty of ad- vice as a key to our Practice on the peninsula. Because most potential clients are not sure of the difference between what an Architect offers and what a drafting service offers, we must compete by offering and delivering more than our competitors, at a price which is also competitive to theirs. Advertising for Planworks is now limited to a website and word of mouth referrals, other methods have been tried in the past but found to be unsuccessful and a waste of money. In that regard the best reference is always a project well done, and one on which a client will pass our name on to others. With regard to the future, we intend to fulfil the desires and wishes of a client while delivering a project within the agreed budget, to offer practical advice and solutions for a project so that a client is more than satisfied with the outcome is a reward when the pro- ject is completed.