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Modern Comfort...

ARCHITECT, Adrian Zenere has always been interested in so called 'green' architecture. After graduating from the University of New South Wales in 1984, Adrian worked for a prominent architectural company in North Sydney and completed mainly large scale projects. His main focus now, however, is ensuring that his projects are sustainable and respectful of our environment.

Mr Zenere said it was all about thinking outside the square and staying as close as possible to the inherent designs of nature itself. “If we're doing a renovation, for example, we'll try to retain as much of the existing house as possible to reduce landfill by demolition,” he said.

When he designs a house, or plans a renovation, Mr Zenere really aims to blend the property into its surrounds in an aesthetically pleasing way. “In a bushland setting, for example, I try to stick to more natural colours,” he said. “And I might decide to use a curved roof to compliment a waterside location.”

Holistic Architecture also embraces both Sustainable Design and Feng Shui principles. If sustainable, the structure should meet the needs of the present owners without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

In his designs, Mr Zenere takes advantage of natural resources whenever possible. “The sun is actually higher in summer, so by simply adjusting the size of your eaves, you can help to block the sun in summer. “This same approach can also work to increase the sunlight in winter,” he said.

Mr Zenere also makes the most of natural ventilation and his houses are designed so that air comes in from the south and exits the north face. Solar power, water tanks and skylights are also incorporated into the designs whenever possible.

Article by The Sunday Telegraph

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Feng Shui...

Feng Shui is an ancient Chinese philosophy to do with placement and energy. While the study and practice of Feng Shui are complex and require years of study to master, there are some useful guidelines that can help us all bring some extra harmony into our homes.

The most useful thing is to acquire a bagua map - which will help you to determine the best placement for objects according to energy flow. Certain areas of a structure, according to the direction they face, are connected to certain areas of life - such as love or money. Good Feng Shui design does not allow dark spots since they do not facilitate the free flow of chi energy, so the use of light is always an important consideration. Couches and chairs should always be placed in a way that allows those who sit on them to easily look at the door, and a sturdy back to a chair provides symbolic security and strength.

According to Feng Shui design guidelines beds should not be right across the door and ideally should have a wall at one side as protection. Beds should not have the sleeper's feet facing towards a bedroom door - as this is known as the 'coffin position' and allows valuable chi energy to flow away from the body. Mirrors play an important role is Feng Shui and should be placed strategically, according to the amount of light desired and which objects you wish to reflect.

Article by Jenna Buchanan: - Wollongong & Northern Leader

Eco Friendly Design...

An architect turns a coastal home into a spacious retreat fit for entertaining.

When Joan made some enquiries about having her brick cottage revamped, she was disheartened to find the architect she engaged did not share the vision she had for the home. But when she read a story about Archizen Holistic Architecture's innovative eco-friendly designs, she gave Adrian Zenere a call and found a designer with an imagination as big as her own.

The existing 50-year-old home was humble compared to its grand location facing Botany Bay. Joan wanted to tap into the spectacular views and create separate living spaces for herself and her two adult daughters. The new design has transformed the original space, comprising two bedrooms, a lounge and a lean-to sun area, into a double-storey palatial home, featuring five bedrooms, two bathrooms and several spectacular living areas.

"We're very happy with the design," says Joan of Adrian's work. "It's really liveable and easy to clean - it has a really good use of space."

The external look of the home is a dramatic change from the brick exterior that existed before. In keeping with the eco-friendly philosophies of Archizen, Adrian retained as much of the original home as possible, to reduce the amount of landfill that would result from demolition. The new design also incorporates a curved aluminium roof to reflect the waterside location.

As the home engages passive solar principles, the family is able to enjoy a comfortable temperature within the home most days of the year. The living areas face north to capture the winter sun and the house soaks it up with generously insulated walls and ceilings. This means Joan only has to use her heating sparingly during the colder months.

The thick glass used for the bi-fold doors, both on the upstairs balcony and out to the pool area downstairs, functions as a temperature controller as well as an effective absorber of noise. As the house is on a fairly busy street, Joan welcomes the protection these doors provide from the outside noise.

"We didn't get double glazing, as that would have made the doors too heavy," explains Joan. "But the glass is two-and-a half times as thick as normal glass and comes with special seals, so the noise is cut down by probably 60-70 per cent."

Not that the noise outside bothers the women too much when they decide to entertain. The upstairs dining area, with its fabulous views and extended balcony areas at the front of the house, is perfect for dinner parties. The other entertaining area is situated at the opposite end of the home, downstairs. With the living room opening right up into the pool area, it's great for summer evenings in the garden. The areas are even far enough apart for there to be a dinner upstairs and a party downstairs without one interfering with the other.

Article by Claire Wiltshire: Home-At-Yellow

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Creating Harmony In The Home...

A designer reconfigures an existing home, adding on some new rooms to accommodate a range of requirements.

When Julia and her surgeon husband bought this 70s-style brick home on an inner-city riverbank, they were determined to revamp its look. They also had their children, Julia's mother and a medical office to accommodate, which meant transforming and adding on to existing structures.

By engaging registered architect Adrian Zenere from Archizen Archiects, they were able to avoid expensive and wasteful demolition of the existing building. Rather than knocking down the dated brick exterior, Adrian incorporated it into the new house, which was built around it. This has allowed for large windows to engulf the rear of the home, letting natural light flood in and creating a flow from the indoors to outside. A number of skylights throughout the house also bring light in.

Adrian's objective was to create a design that not only reflected the natural environment around it, but worked in harmony with the elements. Natural cooling has been achieved through the installation of a pergola that shades the windows of the living areas from the sun. The orientation of these rooms also means that heat is captured in the colder months.

Adrian combined separate structures - such as the garage - to create one extensive structure. He created a sense of togetherness by connecting the home, office and other separate living spaces with an interesting roofline. This has been reflected inside the main house with a ceiling that comprises various heights, pockets and angles.

As well as transforming much of the existing structure, Adrian has made the place larger and more livable with the addition of a new garage, craft room, wine cellar and expansive entertainment area.

Julia is pleased that the home is versatile enough to accommodate any changes in the circumstances and requirements of her family. She also notes that many of the rooms may be used in completely different ways if another family were to buy the home.

"It's a house that would accommodate a lot of different requirements," says Julia. "A lot of people could live in it and could each have their own space."

So stunning is this home that it was featured in an episode of the TV drama White Collar Blue. Location scouts in the area tracked down the house and used it for a murder scene in the now-defunct show.

Article by Claire Wiltshire: Home-At-Yellow

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