Ecopolis Architects

EnviroDome

Kanako — Thu, 20 Dec 2007 05:47:45 +0000

In a major upgrade to the Zoos SA Education Centre, the Westpac EnviroDome will be constructed in the old Ape Block at the Adelaide Zoo in 2008. The underlying approach to the design is based on the idea that all of the ecologically responsible aspects of the building are ‘made visible’ and that as part of its role as an environmental education centre, connections are readily made between the building, its place, and its functions. Major features include both intensive and extensive green roofs with camping area, translucent PV skylights, and the vegetated EnviroDome.

Christie Walk Ecocity

Kanako — Mon, 10 Dec 2007 07:01:02 +0000

Christie Walk is named for the long-time social and environmental activist, Scott Christie, partner of Joan Carlin, part of the community of people who have initiated and sustained this unique development. This community has contributed to the design, development and construction of Christie Walk in a commitment to the human values of urban living and ecological responsibility.

The project, located in Adelaide City’s south west quarter, was designed to test and demonstrate the processes, plans and principles contained in the ecological city vision of Urban Ecology Australia (UEA), a non-profit association for environmental education. It is part of the Whitmore Square EcoCity Project – a conceptual strategic framework adopted by UEA for mapping the southwest quarter of the city as a future piece of ecocity. The design brief was based on energy efficiency, the use of renewables and a high overall ecological performance allied to user-participation in the design and development process. It was intended to set the parameters for a project able to demonstrate both the physical and organisational aspects of community and ecological development.

Christie Walk Project won the Silver Prize in the 2006 Ryutaro Hashimoto APFED Awards for Good Practice (an international environment and development award), and was a 2005 finalist in the international BSHF World Habitat Awards.

Stay tuned for more information about Christie Walk…

Whyalla Ecocity Information Feature

Kanako — Mon, 10 Dec 2007 06:24:45 +0000

The Whyalla EcoCity Information Feature represents, in microcosm, the principles of ecologically responsive urbanism at work in which the environments behind and between buildings are as important as the buildings themselves, and in which energy, water and resources are conserved whilst maintaining human comfort and nurturing the spirit.

Multiple, layered shade elements and non-traditional forms are part of the EcoCity Information Feature design. A 1:20 scale model was the ‘working drawing’ equivalent to inform the mud-brick builder about the curving, three-dimensional form. The roofs and walls, pergolas and water features, vegetation and choices of materials are all intended to create a micro-climate of a moderated, comfortable environment in a hot, arid place.

Stay tuned for more information about the Whyalla EcoCity…

Private Homes

Kanako — Mon, 10 Dec 2007 05:06:57 +0000

All designed to high levels of ESD performance, utilising construction systems ranging from timber-framed strawbale to Autoclaved Aerated Concrete and steel clad, steel-framed structures. Many dwellings are designed for self-sufficiency and are integral to land care and ecological restoration projects being undertaken by their owners.

Buddhist Meditation Centre

Kanako — Mon, 03 Dec 2007 06:19:26 +0000

The Buddhist Meditation Centre is destined to take shape over many years. The first of the five buildings planned for the Whyalla EcoCity site has been built thanks to the spirit, dedication and hard work of Bruce Muhlan and his cohorts. Steel framed, strawbale construction makes this an unusual project, with the scale being larger than the usual domestic scale associated with strawbale. Particular colours are used for each compass orientation, in line with Buddhist philosophy. The project has been designed in close consultation with the Sakya Yigah Choeling group, and scrutinised and approved by HH Sakya Trizin.

Hall of Conciliation

Kanako — Mon, 03 Dec 2007 05:26:04 +0000

The Hall of Conciliation is a timber & strawbale special purpose structure, constructed in just 5 days during the first International Straw Bale Conference, in NSW, December 2002.

Ramsay Rebuild

Kanako — Mon, 03 Dec 2007 04:33:24 +0000

Ecopolis Architects, in association with Emilis Prelgauskas architect and in collaboration with Taylor Cullity Lethlean, won a design competition held through a partnership between Paraquad SA and Archicentre Ltd to build three wheelchair accessible, 2 bedroom homes on a standard suburban block in Hillcrest, Adelaide. The brief included a desire to achieve four key aspects; accessible design, sustainability, affordable innovation, and creating a healing and nurturing environment.

Rawnsley Park EcoVillas

Kanako — Mon, 23 Apr 2007 02:14:06 +0000

Rawnsley Park is located 430km north of Adelaide in the spectacular outback landscape of the Flinders Ranges. The client, whose brief included a requirement for a high level of environmentally responsible design, are award-winning tourism operators with a reputation for service and innovation.

The three villas are steel frame and rendered straw bale with double glazed windows. They have a natural ventilation system, concrete floors to maximise thermal mass, and recycled timber with 0 VOC level stains. The villas feature extensive balconies for panoramic views and a bedroom skylight.

The accommodation has achieved Advanced Ecotourism Accreditation, the highest level possible in the Ecotourism Australia certification program. Winner of the Eco Sponsor Prize in the IDEA awards 2006, the project was listed as a great example in the ‘Design Guidelines for Sustainable Tourism Development’ in South Australia.