10 -m3087b_6572694_Jones_©TrevorMein2016.jpg

Jones

In built bookshelf, hardwood stairs

In built bookshelf, hardwood stairs

Channel glass atrium and skylight

Double glazed skylight and U-form stained glass atrium

The project involved a complete restructuring to meet the Passive House requirements and the client’s needs, with an emphasis on sustainability.

Although the finished project did not receive official PassivHaus accreditation, it earned a 7.1 Star rating under the Australian NATHERS energy efficiency rating tool, indicating its high level of energy efficiency. The renovation incorporated several energy-saving techniques, such as airtightness, triple glazed glass, thermal bridging, and two types of insulation, to retain thermal energy inside the home and reduce energy consumption.

In addition to energy efficiency, the renovation also paid tribute to the building’s warehouse heritage by combining industrial elements, such as exposed steel beams and metal finishes, with natural timbers.

The ground floor was divided into separate spaces, including bedrooms, a study, bathroom, and laundry, while the first floor featured an open, expansive living area with city views and outdoor living space.

Overall, the renovation successfully achieved a high level of sustainability, energy efficiency, and functionality while creating an aesthetically pleasing living space.

Info
Project Team
Jim Stewart  & Cath Matthews – DiMase Architects
Contractor
PM&R Builders Phil Murdoch
Lighting
Relume – John Ford. 
Structural
Maurice Farrugia & Associates.  
Building Surveyor
RBS / REDDO – Glenn Driscoll 
Land Surveyor
Adept Surveying – Jeremey Pearce
Photographer
Trevor Mein
Recognition
Shortlist – Victorian Chapter Architecture Awards – Additions & Alterations
Shortlist – Victorian Chapter Architecture Awards – Sustainable Architecture
Finalist – Architecture and Design Awards
Publications
Sanctuary Magazine, Issue 34 – Low Energy Warehouse
Architecture and Design 2016 – Low Energy Warehouse
View to light filled brick atrium with bicycle

Bicycle in light filled brick atrium

Daylight interior internal void space

Daylight interior internal void space

Jones

An overview of a major refurbishment project in West Melbourne. No stone was left unturned to create a low energy house for our clients.

Timber cladding, warehouse courtyard and balcony.

Timber cladding, warehouse courtyard and balcony.

Threshold entry, channel glass and timber partition.

Threshold entry, channel glass and timber partition.

Details
Project Type
Warehouse Refurbishment
Completion
2016
Full Architectural Services
Location
West Melbourne / City of Melbourne
Energy Rating
7.1 Stars NATHERS
Site Area
187m2
Building Area
152m2
Client Brief
3 Bedrooms, 2 Bathrooms, 1 Laundry, Living, Dining and Kitchen, 1 Study,1 Car Space
Main Materials
UForm – Translucent glaze, brick, timber
Notable Suppliers
Windows and Doors – European Windows and Doors
Joinery – Design Excellence, David Elliot

Anna Cumming, Sanctuary Magazine Issue 34 2014

John and Kate sought to retain the industrial character of the warehouse, which has had several past factory-based lives while making it a comfortable and energy-efficient ‘machine for living in’.

Continues

For Architect Antony DiMase, one of the real achievements of the project is that though it followed the Passive House approach, “it’s not engineer-driven, which many Passive Houses can be – it’s architecturally pleasing.”

Jones