Archive for the ‘Subtropical Design’ Category

Apr
25
2011

Dealing with Extremes: Designing for Life in Queensland

‘Bloom where you are planted!’ is a saying that can be applied equally effectively to both people and houses. Before a professional architect can begin a design he/she will want to know as much as possible about the place where a proposed home will be situated. This is true on a micro-level (size of the block, orientation etc.), intermediate-level (make-up of the neighbourhood and community) and a macro-level (environmental and climactic factors peculiar to a particular region, state or country). At Dion Seminara Architecture we can help you to clearly think through the issues related to all of these levels as we work with you to design a home that will be a ‘perfect fit’ for you and your family. One of the things that we can help you with is to design a home that will truly ‘bloom’ in the climactic conditions that prevail in Brisbane and the State of Queensland.

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Posted in Architectural Advice, Architecture Advice, Building Advice, Eco_Housing, New Home, Subtropical Design | Comments Off
Feb
14
2011

Flood Recovery: Emerging Stronger

We could be forgiven for thinking that Mother Nature had it in for Queensland over the summer. We had barely caught our breath after one of the worst floods in history when Cyclone Yasi came bearing down on us! One of the most obvious results is that there are many buildings, including private homes, which are decidedly worse for wear at the time of writing. Questions are being asked all over the state about how we can emerge stronger from the disasters that buffeted us.
By now most people would have moved beyond the immediate recovery phase. Debris has been cleaned away and most homes that were inundated are more or less dry again. This is the time when some of the really hard questions have to be asked. For example, do we rebuild and repair or would it be better to demolish and start over again? We can obviously not provide a final answer to these questions if you have been affected. As professional Brisbane based architects we can, however, help you to make the informed design decisions so that you (or at the very least your home) can emerge stronger from the whole experience.

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Posted in Architectural Advice, Architecture Advice, Brisbane flood levels, Flood damage, Subtropical Design | Comments Off
Sep
19
2009

Creating an Outdoor Room

Outdoor_RoomQueensland has a beautiful climate and one that allows for a largely outdoor lifestyle. But for many people, a simple deck doesn’t quite cut it. They want to enjoy the outdoors in a degree of comfort. The type of comfort that only an outdoor room can offer.

Outdoor living areas are not a new concept, just look at any older style home and chances are you will see large verandahs adorned with outdoor settings. The major difference is that today we do things better. The verandahs of the past have made way for outdoor rooms and alfresco areas with a degree of refinement never before thought of. Read the rest of this entry »

Posted in Outdoor Room, Subtropical Design | Comments Off
Aug
30
2009

SUBTROPICAL DESIGN:

Sub_tropical_designIf there is one thing that I love about Brisbane it is our climate.

Our weather is so much milder than that of Sydney or Melbourne. Our summers lack the intense, dry heat of the southern states, and cooling breezes can be found on most blocks of land in Brisbane. Our winters, whilst having the odd chilly day, seldom produce the icy frosts found south of the border. In general, our weather lends itself perfectly to an outdoor lifestyle. Read the rest of this entry »

Posted in Architecture Advice, Subtropical Design, Sustainable Living | Comments Off