Symbiosphere

Rogue reflection from a car windscreen outside streaming across the exposed recycled joists that support the loft. It wouldn't look like this if it was lined in plasterboard (it would also be too low). By thinking outside the box for this space we can reduce material use, increase the sense of height, create changing atmosphere in what is a utilitarian hallway. That's what design can do ... more thinking = less building = cost savings + more interesting (tricky maths!)

Going tropical - Watching TV from the deck with the ceiling fan on.
On Summer nights with no breeze it's cooler outside so we can move out there until it cools down more inside.
Lately it would even feel hot outside with no breeze but the ceiling fan makes all the difference, and it keeps the mozzies under control.

Moth angel

Glow

From our home to yours, happy holiday season everyone!

Framed landscape + skyscape
The western sunscreen wall (on the right) doesn't just block Summer arvo sun from the deck and the windows and stop rain from all but the worst of storms, it also creates the feeling of a "room-like" outdoor space which frames this tall view to the south as well as a lower and longer panorama to a ridge line to the North. This is all made possible by a simple skillion roof and a wall of reused corrugated metal on a recycled timber frame (with some sheet mixed in), low cost and durable. This is what holistic design can do, delivering much more than the sum of it's parts or its limited budget.

Presenting a story of The Ecovillage at Currumbin to the .architect.nsw yesterday (I felt very honoured, thanks to John Kurko for the invite).
I think I could do 3 or 4 talks about different aspects of the Ecovillage community, design and environment. There are so many lessons to be learned from this place that could be scaled up or down to apply to cities, towns, suburbs and individual lots. So hit me up if you want to find out more.

Thankyou Steph Skyring Renovation Collaborative for sharing this story about what we're about. Check out the podcast, there's so much great info there!

Reusing existing buildings, instead of demolishing, is often the most sustainable solution. In this week’s podcast episode I have a fantastic chat with Architect Rob Norman, director of Symbiosphere Architects about his Bambery Bungalow renovation project in Fingal Head, Northern New South Wales. We explore renovation and reuse and talk about the benefits of reusing what is already in place. Rob shares heaps of ideas, including info on numerous environmental Australian made products and materials that he uses, such as: Cutek Penetrating Oil Osmo Polyx Oil Sussex Taps Grab a CPD point while you’re at it. LISTEN HERE https://renovationcollaborative.com.au/podcast/renovation-reuse-rob-norman-symbiosphere-architects/ #Sustinabledesign #SymbiosphereArchitects #ArchitectsCPD

Renovating on a budget? Don’t let that stop you creating a beautiful, inspiring and sustainable home. In this upcoming episode, architect Rob Norman, director of Symbiosphere Architects discusses the design and construction of his Bambery Bungalow renovation project in Fingal Head, Northern New South Wales. Rob shares why he decided to renovate rather than demolish. And he gives us heaps of ideas for affordable environmental products and materials. Tested and trustworthy solutions you can use on your renovation projects This episode is coming soon. Sign up for the newsletter to find out when it’s live and get the key point summary. Architects can claim formal CPD hours for the Renovation Collaborative Podcasts. Jump on to the website to find out more. #AffordableRenovation #sustainablehouse #ArchitectsCPD

Black Cockatoo, my favourite bird
I love there super slow flight and their call. This one is a female yellow tail (I think). They're always around in the Ecovillage and seem to love the tree regent along the creek and gullies

Late Winter sunlight on the inside of our front door.
Well aged natural brass door handle (they don't always have to be new)