Alex Bruce, co-founder at eTool I often get asked by home-owners and owner-builders what really makes the biggest difference to the carbon footprint of a home design. As you’ve probably experienced, the response can be pretty confusing when all you really want to know is “How do I build low Read More
Andrew Webb, Principal at WD Architects Author Justin Cronin, in a 2006 lecture about fiction writing, makes the distinction between form and “its cheesy cousin, form-ula.” I find it useful to understand the distinction as it applies just as well to building design. Form is the framework for ordering the Read More
Andrew Webb, Principal at WD Architects Having read a couple of articles from the professional architecture media yesterday, it struck me that I am committed to and passionate about two related concepts that very few people understand with any complexity. Unfortunately, it appears from these articles as well as some Read More
Andrew Webb, Principal at WD Architects Apart from it being somewhere you like and can afford, here are some things that affect construction costs and design opportunities: Soil stability and classification Poor soil means that your footings and foundations will be large, deep and expensive before the building is even Read More
Andrew Webb, Principal at WD Architects Rather than give quick generalisations or ‘design tips’ as such, I would like to firstly lay the groundwork of understanding of the issues – It is virtually impossible to design anything if you don’t understand what the parameters are. I can get to ‘design Read More
These are some key points to consider for any good design. I first wrote this summary a few years ago but thought it might be of interest here. Although I wrote it based on my company’s principles, it happens to be well aligned to the principles of the Green Building Read More
To begin a design, start with the big picture. Prioritise your needs, desires and would-be-nice-to-haves. Establish either a set of design parameters that must be fulfilled or a budget that must not be exceeded; ie. either you want your dream home or you want to work to a budget…the two Read More
This is my first foray into the world of blogging and I have a lot to say. Firstly, I will introduce myself to give you an idea of where I’m coming from and how I might be able to help you on your OB journey. My name is Andrew Webb Read More
