Good design is measurable

Cooee homes shoot for the following goals.

Before we commence, these goals are adjusted to your own values, site and budget. They are then used as a review tool at each design milestone.

  • Sustainable

    1. Minimum 7.5 stars Energy Efficiency Rating (EER)

    2. Catchment and use of all roof water

    3. Carbon-zero over the lifetime (life cycle assessment estimate) with solar PV

    4. Consideration of deconstructability and recyclability

    5. Whole-of-house condensation management systems

    6. Air-leakage rating of <6 ACH @50Pa

  • Intelligent

    7. Low VOC, low crystalline silica, healthy interiors

    8. Space-efficient and flexible living (<180m2 for average family home)

    9. Culturally appropriate for the site and the community

    10. Social and activity needs of each household member considered

    11. Visual and physical connection to the outdoors with landscape design considered from the concept stage

    12. Aligns with the client's aesthetic and values

  • Simple

    13. Cross-ventilation and natural light throughout the home

    14. Materials and detailing focus on durability and practicality

    15. Specialist consultants are engaged early for collaborative input

    16. Operation and maintenance are explained to you in a Home Manual

    17. Aligns with client budget based on m² rates from a previous similar projects

    18. Clients feel informed about options and decisions made, and upcoming stages

Learn more

These 18 intentions aren’t meant to overwhelm you; they should do the opposite.

The reality is that for many designers, communicating the value of what they do isn’t their strength, and historically, it has been desirable to appear ‘mysterious’ or ‘abstract’. This has fuelled a society and housing industry that undervalues good quality housing and misunderstands that experienced intelligent design is the way to achieve it.

If the goals above sound like what you want to explore and achieve in your home, then we’re an excellent match. That’s all you need to worry about. I take care of the rest.

When a skilled builder chooses an architect for his own home, including services during construction:

“It was important to have Sarah on hand to collaborate and problem solve, so we could proceed as quickly as possible in the new direction/solution determined. It also made Jacob’s job easier, knowing he had access Sarah’s experience and knowledge especially when issues arouse. She is easy to approach, knowledgeable and made him a bit more relaxed.”

— Clients, Jade and Jacob.

“Sarah not only possesses exceptional creativity, industry knowledge, and environmental focus but also possesses the unique ability to transform dreams into tangible realities, making her work truly visionary and impactful. We thank you, Sarah, for putting so much into what you do in a positive and inspiring way.”

— Clients, Amber and Nick (The Silos Accommodation)