Embarking on a construction or renovation journey in Perth prompts the question: What do architects charge? Architectural fees in Perth vary based on factors like project complexity, location, and the architect's experience. In the city, architects commonly employ two fee structures: lump sum and percentage-based fees.

In this article, we will discuss the key items when it comes to understanding an architect’s fees.

Illustration credit: Matthiessen Architects

Electrifying Your Garage: Key Considerations for Retrofitting with Electric Car Charging Capabilities

The electric vehicle (EV) revolution is well underway, and Perth, Western Australia, is no exception to the global shift towards sustainable transportation. As EVs become increasingly popular, it's essential for homeowners to adapt their infrastructure to meet the needs of this eco-friendly mode of transportation. Retrofitting your car garage with electric car charging capabilities is a forward-thinking investment that not only benefits the environment but also adds convenience to your daily life. In this article, we will discuss the key items to consider when retrofitting your garage for electric car charging.

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Concrete, a versatile and durable material, has been the backbone of construction for centuries. In this article, we will delve into the world of concrete construction techniques, focusing on pre-cast panels, in-situ, rammed concrete, and board-formed methods. We will explore their unique characteristics, benefits, drawbacks, and considerations, ranging from texture and aesthetics to time and cost factors.

Renovating a property in Perth, Western Australia, is an exciting venture, but success hinges on several key considerations. Location, budget realism, and professional advice are crucial. Compliance with local regulations, sustainability, and energy efficiency are essential, and managing time efficiently is paramount. Staying informed about market trends, balancing personal aesthetics with market appeal, and assembling the right professional team are also vital. Due diligence through inspections is necessary before purchasing. Perth's dynamic real estate market offers great potential, and these considerations will help you unlock the value of your property in this beautiful city. In this article, we will discuss the above key items in more detail.

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In a recent case study conducted by Matthiessen Architects, rapid visualising proved to be a game-changer for a client in Victoria. By leveraging AI software and the client's input, the team swiftly transformed ideas into stunning visual designs. Through a collaborative and iterative process, the client's vision was meticulously brought to life, resulting in a design that exceeded their expectations.

The efficiency of this approach not only made the client happy, but it also allowed Matthiessen Architects to offer competitive pricing, making it a win-win situation for all parties involved. Discover how rapid visualising can transform your architectural projects and bring your dreams to reality.

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The modern Australian home is not just a place to live; it's an experience, a reflection of the unique lifestyle Down Under. Open space renovations have become the architectural embodiment of this lifestyle, inviting the outside in and creating an atmosphere of freedom and connectivity. As homeowners tear down walls and embrace the beauty of open-plan living, they discover a world of possibilities: more space, more light, more social interaction, and a canvas for personal expression.

The allure of open space renovations lies in their ability to make better use of space, fostering social togetherness, and harnessing the abundance of natural light and ventilation. These designs not only optimize functionality but also allow homeowners to customize their living spaces in a way that is uniquely theirs. While they present certain challenges, the benefits far outweigh them, making open space renovations a trend that's reshaping the Australian home, creating an environment where the indoors and outdoors coexist in perfect harmony.

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Building a home is a significant investment that requires careful consideration, and choosing the right type of construction is a crucial decision. In Australia, timber frame construction and masonry construction are two popular building options, each with its advantages and disadvantages.

Timber frame construction offers speed, cost-effectiveness, energy efficiency, and earthquake resistance, but it requires regular maintenance, is highly flammable, and is prone to pest infestations. On the other hand, masonry construction provides durability, fire resistance, low maintenance, and natural insulation, but it is more expensive, heavier, and slower to construct.

When deciding between these options, it's essential to consider your priorities, such as cost, speed of construction, durability, and energy efficiency, to make an informed decision. Ultimately, the best choice for you will depend on your specific needs, budget, and preferences.

In the rapidly evolving world of architecture, staying at the forefront of innovation is essential. Matthiessen Architects is paving the way with their cutting-edge A.I. rendering and visualization services. By providing them with your material and spatial inspirations, you can witness your ideas come to life with stunning realism. With quick turnarounds and competitive prices, Matthiessen Architects is ready to transform your vision into a tangible reality. Don't miss out on the opportunity to revolutionize your future projects - get in touch today and experience the power of A.I. rendering at its finest.

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As an architect based in Australia, I have seen firsthand the incredible impact that lightwells and skylights can have on a home's design. These simple additions can completely transform a space, creating stunning visual effects, improving livability, and providing natural light to even the darkest corners of a home.

When incorporating lightwells and skylights into a home design, it is crucial to assess the existing space and identify areas that could benefit from additional natural light. The size and placement of the lightwell or skylight will depend on a variety of factors, including the size and orientation of the home, the surrounding environment, and the desired effect. The materials used in constructing the lightwell or skylight should also be carefully considered, with glass being the most common choice for maximum light penetration and a modern look.

While natural light can be a huge asset in a home, it can also bring unwanted heat or drafts. To mitigate these effects, it is important to choose energy-efficient materials and incorporate shading or ventilation features as needed. Maintenance requirements should also be considered, with easy-to-clean materials and cleaning protocols built into the design.

With careful planning and attention to detail, lightwells and skylights can create a home that is not only beautiful and functional but also filled with natural light and energy. Working with an experienced architect can help homeowners achieve the full transformative potential of these design features.

Image credit: Andrew Burges Architects Photographer: Peter Bennetts

If you're looking to redesign or reimagine your home or workspace, it's essential to find a design team that can create a space that meets your unique needs and tastes. At our design studio, we are committed to staying on the cutting edge of design technology and incorporating the latest tools and techniques into our workflows. We're excited to announce that we have recently incorporated Midjourney/A.I software into our early sketch and design development stages, alongside our traditional hand sketching and 3D modeling methods. The addition of this new tool has opened up endless possibilities and requires a level of restraint and creative inputs.

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Residential modular construction is rapidly gaining popularity in Australia due to its cost-effectiveness, speed of construction, and high-quality standards. Blok Modular is a leading Australian company that specializes in designing and constructing modern modular homes that are both stylish and functional. The controlled environment in which the modules are prefabricated ensures that the construction process is completed much faster than traditional on-site construction, reducing overall costs and enabling homeowners to move in much sooner. Quality control measures are implemented at every stage of the process, ensuring that the modules are built to a high standard of quality, energy-efficient, and sustainable. Blok Modular homes are flexible and easily expandable, with a range of optional extras available to help homeowners reduce their environmental footprint and save on energy costs. For those looking to build a new home in Australia, modular construction offers an attractive alternative to traditional on-site construction, and Blok Modular is an excellent choice for quality and style.

Image credits: BlokModular & Photography: Christopher Frederick Jones

Plastic pollution has been a significant environmental issue for decades, threatening the health of our oceans and planet. With an estimate that by 2050, the amount of plastic in the ocean could surpass the number of fish, there is a growing need to address this problem. Fortunately, there are various initiatives and clean-up projects aimed at reducing plastic pollution and restoring the oceans' health.

One promising solution to this problem is eco-plastic, a recycled plastic material that can be used to create products, furniture, and construction materials. Not only does eco-plastic help reduce plastic waste in landfills and oceans, but it also decreases the amount of energy and resources required to produce new plastic.

Ecocrete.id is one company that has developed a unique technology to turn plastic waste into durable and strong construction materials like paving blocks, wall tiles, and building facades. Similarly, The Ocean Cleanup project aims to remove plastic waste from oceans and transform it into high-quality plastic pellets for creating various products. Meanwhile, companies like Pentatonic create stylish and sustainable furniture pieces using recycled plastic waste.

Overall, eco-plastic is an innovative and sustainable solution to the plastic pollution crisis. By supporting initiatives that promote a circular economy and reduce waste, we can help make our planet a cleaner and healthier place to live.

Image: Ecocrete’s Greenblocks Product

Designing a home that is energy-efficient is crucial for homeowners in Australia due to rising energy prices and increased focus on sustainability. An architect can help design a home that maximizes energy efficiency, reducing energy bills and creating a more comfortable and eco-friendly environment. Natural light, insulation, and air flow are key elements in reducing energy bills. By maximizing natural light, choosing the right insulation materials, and designing a home that takes advantage of natural air flow, energy bills can be reduced and comfort improved. If you're looking to reduce energy bills, consider working with an architect to design your new home in Australia.

Polished concrete floors are a popular choice for their durability, low maintenance and modern aesthetic, but there are several limitations and risks to consider. These floors can be expensive to install due to the various stages of the polishing process. They can also become slippery when wet, making them a hazard for families with young children or elderly individuals. Polished concrete is also more susceptible to staining and can be brittle and prone to cracking, especially in high traffic areas. Homeowners should weigh these risks and limitations before making a decision on whether polished concrete is the right choice for their home. Working with a reputable contractor is crucial to ensuring a successful outcome.

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Solar panels are becoming increasingly popular in new home designs in Perth, Western Australia, as homeowners seek to reduce their carbon footprint and energy costs. Solar panels provide clean and renewable energy, reduce carbon emissions, and increase property value. To maximize the effectiveness of solar panels, it is important to consider factors such as orientation (facing north), size and location (not obstructed by trees or other buildings), and type of panel (monocrystalline, polycrystalline, or thin-film). Incorporating solar panels into new home designs is a smart and sustainable choice for homeowners and an investment worth considering.

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The construction industry uses two common methods to determine the cost of a project, cost plus contracts and fixed price contracts. Cost plus contracts, also known as cost reimbursement contracts, reimburse the contractor for the actual costs of the project and a fee for their services. The benefits of cost plus contracts include flexibility and transparency, but there is a risk of cost overruns and the contractor overspending. Fixed price contracts, on the other hand, are contracts where the client agrees to pay a fixed price for the project, reducing the risk of cost overruns and providing budget certainty. However, fixed price contracts lack flexibility and there is a risk of unforeseen costs not covered by the contract. The choice between the two contracts depends on the specific needs and risks of the business.

As an architect based in Perth, Western Australia, I have been impressed by the durability and versatility of Accoya, a modified timber product that is ideal for external cladding projects. With its patented acetylation process, Accoya offers numerous benefits including durability, stability, sustainability, low maintenance, and aesthetic appeal. Accoya has a service life of over 50 years and is resistant to rot, decay, and insect attacks, making it perfect for projects exposed to harsh weather conditions. Additionally, Accoya has a beautiful natural grain pattern and can be painted or stained to match any color scheme. I highly recommend Accoya for anyone looking for a high-performance, low-maintenance timber product that will stand the test of time.

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Choosing between timber and composite timber products for external cladding in residential homes can be a challenge. In this article, the main advantages and disadvantages of each option are outlined to help homeowners make an informed decision. Timber cladding offers natural beauty and durability, but requires regular maintenance and can be expensive. Composite timber products, on the other hand, are low maintenance, durable, and versatile, but can also be more expensive and may not have the same natural appearance as real timber. The best cladding material will depend on the homeowner's budget, personal preferences, and maintenance requirements. It is recommended to consider all factors and consult with a professional before making a final decision.

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Incorporating native Australian plants into landscaping projects is not only environmentally beneficial but also aesthetically pleasing, cost-effective, and functional. By using native species, architects and property owners can support local ecosystems, conserve water resources, and enhance the visual appeal of their outdoor environment. Native plants are well adapted to the local climate and soil conditions, requiring less water and maintenance, making them an ideal choice for any project. Whether you're looking to create formal gardens or naturalistic landscapes, native Australian plants provide a range of colours, textures, and shapes to choose from. In short, using native plants is a win-win situation that offers numerous benefits to both the environment and the property.

Image source: Tim Davies Landscape Architects

Double glazing is a popular choice for buildings in Perth, Western Australia due to its range of benefits. It offers improved energy efficiency by reducing heat loss in winter and heat gain in summer, leading to lower energy bills and reduced carbon emissions. Double glazing enhances the thermal performance of a building by reducing the amount of heat that can pass through the windows and extends the life of HVAC systems. It also provides excellent acoustic reduction, making it ideal for buildings located in noisy areas. Double glazing is durable, low-maintenance and offers added protection against security risks. Contact a reputable supplier or architect to find the best solution for your next project.