Dovetailing with Natural Systems Dovetailing with Natural Systems

Archiblox has expressed its passion for sustainability in the ‘Archiblox 5 Pillars of Design’, highlighting the relationships between nature, human biology, and the design of the built environment – where we live, work and learn.

Through this blog, we hope to share with you our Sustainable Design Principles at the heart of our design philosophy. This week, we’re focusing on the importance of integrating various natural systems within the building fabric.

Archiblox homes are designed around the sun, wind and weather patterns of the specific building site. It’s this awareness of natural systems that allow every Archiblox home to be supported by nature in a number of ways.

We aim to incorporate the following sustainable technologies in all of our projects…

Image: Avalon Beach House by Archiblox

Green roofs are used to create healthy, ecologically responsible buildings.

They improve a building’s thermal performance, save energy and support living vegetation. This further helps the greater environment by providing improved air quality and reduced urban temperatures.

Image: Sorrento House II by Archiblox

Solar features are recommended throughout our Archiblox designs which include solar hot water systems, photovoltaic cells and battery storage, allowing the design to naturally sustain itself and provide minimal impact on its environment.

Image: Richmond Extension by Archiblox

Reducing water intake: We only use AAA-rated water consumption appliances and fixtures like dual-flush toilets, low-flow showerheads, and solar and instantaneous hot-water systems to save water and energy.

Re-use: We offer rainwater-harvesting systems such as water tanks or bladders to serve toilets, laundry, bathroom and kitchen utilities.

Recycling and landscaping: We promote sustainable landscaping with drought-tolerant plants, green roofs and permeable pathways for natural filtration. Our grey-water systems can be used to irrigate green roofs and design vegetable gardens, to make every drop of water go further.

Image: Bonnie Doon House by Archiblox

Rainwater Collection: Rainwater is a valuable natural resource, which we aim to capture and treat in all of our building projects. We do so by collecting the rainwater from our roofs, then storing it within rain water tanks. When treated and stored correctly, this collected water may be suitable for any domestic use.

Stormwater Capture: As part of our water sensitive design strategy, we also aim to incorporate Bioswales within our landscaping and gardens. These work to absorb and filter storm water run-off, preventing any pollution from entering our waterways.

Image: Hawthorn Extension by Archiblox

Exposure to natural light serves to balance our hormonal levels of serotonin (linked to our mood), and inhibit the production of melatonin (linked to sleep regulation).

Different intensities of natural light may evoke different emotional experiences, which we are mindful of when we are designing the ambience of each space.

“Really beautifully designed sustainable buildings have an impact on how you wake in the morning and how you go to sleep at night, aligning you with your natural circadian rhythm” says Director and Founder Bill McCorkell.