This innovative house proved to be quite a challenging project for Robert Mechielsen and his team at Studio RMA, but was effectively completed with great pride and success.

The EcoHouse has been designed for two families (who have shared the same vision for many years) to come together and share the space. By doing so, this reduces each person’s ecological footprint while enhancing the quality of life by sharing resources, land and the community.

The carbon-neutral, sustainable design collaborates with nature to provide a durable and efficient building, and is truly a spectacular master piece that captures breath-taking scenic views of the Pacific for both families to enjoy.

Located in the tropics where climate control is important, the building allows airflow to filter over the roof to generate negative air pressure. This energizes an innovative and energy saving ‘eco air conditioning’ system.

Altair Louver Windows by Breezway have been critical to the design of this house to assist with the ‘eco air conditioning’ system. The Altair Powerlouvers are linked to a rooftop weather station to allow the louvers to automatically open on cool nights to let in night time breezes. This cools the concrete ceilings to keep the interior spaces at a comfortable temperature throughout the next day. In addition, manually operated Altair Louvers in a Breezway ios Surround Frame have been installed around the house with inside screens to protect the home from insects. Fans are also installed to help distribute the cool air throughout the living spaces of the home.

Overall, the completion of this project represents exceptional performance, reliability, and energy efficiency that will help protect the environment for years to come.

Project Date: May 2013

Designer – Robert Mechielsen Design
+310 455 7504

Architect – Vincent T.C. Tai
AIA
+808 941 3778
studiorma.com/index.html

The client of this attractive home spent numerous hours researching the options available for renovating the building, however eventually decided a rebuild was going to be more of a practical solution.

The home has an intimate street presence and a north eastern aspect with relaxing views to the Noosa River. Displaying a combination of light and airy living spaces, this home also features a plunge pool and a linear outdoor deck which doubles as a passageway to the garage and upper level where the spare rooms are located.

The extensive use of Altair Louvre Windows and Altair Powerlouvre Windows throughout the home allows the living space to comfortably connect with its bird-friendly environment and functions well in both summer and winter.

An external venetian on the eastern wall eliminates the hot summer sun without affecting air flow into the home and the northern facet allows the sun to enter and warm the room in winter. Altair Powerlouvres have been placed up high to allow hot air to escape and cooling breezes to flow in through summer to keep the home at a comfortable temperature throughout the day without the need for air conditioning.

Project Date: July 2012

Builder – Civic Steel Homes
+61 7 3177 4678
www.civicsteelhomes.com.au