"For anyone wanting interesting, environmentally sound buildings that are good to be in, with a minimum of complicating issues, I can highly recommend Alvyn and his people at Soft Loud House Architects."
Richard.M
Soft Loud House Architects provide an extensive range of professional architectural services from ecovillage projects through to individual homes and community spaces. For a typical project we create, develop and document unique one-off building designs, then coordinate the planning and building approval process, then the tendering and construction processes on our clients behalf.
We spend considerable care developing a project brief for each client, to inform the design, planning and construction process. For each project, we explore the unique needs and wants of each client, including experiential, emotional, practical and budget requirements as well as the specific qualities of each site.
Typical Architectural Services
Brief preparation – A thoroughly prepared brief is prepared, emphasising the client’s requirements including functional, budget, experiential and lifestyle needs, perception of architecture, experience of space from childhood to present, and the client’s aspirations and values.
Site analysis – Mapping the physical features of the site including topography, heritage or archaeological significance, vegetation, traffic and circulation, as well as less tangible features such as energy flow, water currents and ’sense of place’.
Sketch design – The creation of a series of inspiring design options, followed by consultation and further refinement with client input towards the preferred design option.
Planning and building applications – Preparation of drawings, documents models and reports for planning, funding and building approvals. Ensuring compliance with Australian standards and building codes, OH&S and other legislation.
Design development and contract documentation – Preparation of contract drawings based on the completed design, including coordination of structural drawings and detailing for building approvals, tender and construction.
Contract administration, tendering, and cost control – Overseeing the building process, coordinating builders and consultants, and budget monitoring. Preparation of colour schedules, finishes, design detail and problem solving utilising ethical, healthy sustainable materials.
Additional Services
The list below outlines additional services we offer as stand-alone advice or in addition to typical services. We often provide specialist support, integration and advice on an 'as needed' basis, covering such areas as sustainability, planning and design, problem solving, materials and finishes etc.
Landscape character studies – Preparation of townscape and site character studies to inform design and provide support to planning applications.
Project feasibility studies for grant applications – Preparation of concept designs, costing, regulatory and other feasibility information, for presentation in report form to relevant funding agencies.
Masterplanning – Creation of integrated landscape, infrastructure and building designs for individual houses, schools, farms and communities. Includes coordination of the masterplan process with clients, user groups, landscape architects, engineers and other consultants. Preparation of masterplan drawings and reports.
Post occupancy evaluation - Evaluation of design and construction process, using measurable criteria, created in consultation with client to inform future projects.
Architectural model making – Construction of scale models using recycled and other materials for both conceptual and completed projects.
