The Design Process That Works

So you’re interested in building an energy efficient GreenSmart home….

Take advantage of our one-hour free consultation to discuss your ideas and construction budget at our design office. By making informed choices, you and your family will benefit from a more comfortable lifestyle with cheaper running costs and also from a cleaner and healthier environment.

To design and estimate the cost of your energy efficient GreenSmart home, we take you through a special 7 Step Design Process. The preliminary costings are estimated using a formula based on the square meter area of the various zones of the proposed model, multiplied by the prevailing industry rate from an independent cost indicator for a variety of individual preliminary designs.

Step 1 - SITE INSPECTION

After the initial free one-hour consultation at out design office, a site visit is important to establish the positioning of your new home. We look at the terrain, available solar access and other constraints such as overshadowing, availability of services and set-back restrictions of the land. The structural adequacy of existing homes can also be inspected and we can discuss the various options available to extend or modify the existing structure to make it more energy efficient.

STEP 2 - DEVELOP PRIORITY LIST FOR THE DESIGN BRIEF

Once we have visited your site, it is important to decide what your priorities are with regards to accommodation, style, room relationships, entertainment, garages and storage. Do you require a quiet space for study or reading, or a recreational area for children? Consideration is given to outdoor spaces for leisure and entertainment, and also landscaping and screening for privacy.

STEP 3 - DESIGN SKETCH PHASE

A preliminary first round sketch plan is designed using the information gathered from our design and priority brief. Several variations of this initial plan will be prepared, and from these, the most favourable and efficient will be developed until you feel the design has the features that are most important for your family. As an efficient floor plan is the most essential feature of any building, your input will be paramount and several meetings may be arranged to assimilate your input into the design. It is at this stage that an estimate of the construction cost based on the zones of the floor plan can be calculated.

STEP 4 - THREE DIMENSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

During the later phases of plan design development, the floor plan is then generated in the computer to provide a three dimensional model. The roof style, window detail, deck features, wall cladding and colours are rendered onto the perspectives until a detailed virtual model is completed. This will give you a generally realistic view of how your home will look once completed. These views will be printed along with the floor plan for you to take home for further perusal and comment.

STEP 5 - COUNCIL DRAWINGS AND DOCUMENTATION

Working drawings including foundations, detailed floor plan, elevations, cross sections and a site plan along with timber engineering calculations and an energy-rating certificate are prepared for council. We also prepare all council documentation and specifications, and lodge all of the above on your behalf. We will liaise with council prior to and during the assessment of your application. Any queries from council will be handled promptly.

STEP 6 - CONTRACT DOCUMENTATION

While awaiting council approval, the detailed material list generated from the CAD model is exported into our estimating database where all the components are detailed and priced. All supplier and contractor quotations are reviewed and refined to achieve a work order and purchase order list for all stages of your building. A standard Housing Industry Association Plain English Building Agreement will be written and a copy forwarded to you for your perusal and comment. Our company provides a solicitor who explains any points needing clarification. Upon signing the contract the construction phase begins.

STEP 7 - CONSTRUCTION PHASE

Buildings designed by True North Design Co are accompanied by a detailed set of specifications. These specifications and the working drawings, should not be varied or altered without permission from the designer. Unauthorised variations can compromise the energy rating, integrity and durability of your home.

If you have any questions or would like to to book your one-hour free consultation to discuss your ideas and construction budget, please click here to contact us now