An affordable sustainable designer home Awar A Aw war ards ds www.lifehousedesign.com.au info@lifehousedesign.com.au telephone 03 5470 5584
What is a LiFEHOUSE? LiFEHOUSES A flexible, sustainable, designer home The LiFEHOUSE is our answer to building a home that addresses your needs, is beautiful, comfortable, highly efficient to run and designed for the future. The LiFEHOUSE was developed as a sustainable designer home for those who want to save on design fees and building costs without compromising on aesthetics or environmental credentials. Designed for the environment & efficiency We have used our extensive experience to develop a design that optimises passive-solar principles, reduces heating and cooling needs, and creates a functional pavilion for modern living. The LiFEHOUSE has been developed to produce less waste during the construction process. Standard material dimensions are incorporated into the design to minimise off cuts. Efficient space planning ensures minimal use of materials. Materials and finishes that require minimal or no coating or finishing are used thereby saving further on resources and maintenance. Flexibility The LiFEHOUSE is a new concept that allows you to personalise the design in a number of ways to suit the orientation of your land, number of rooms required, the external finishes, outdoor living spaces, and interior joinery preferences. This is all included within a highly cost effective design fee. The LiFEHOUSE concept includes the flexibility of a modular design: The adaptable module based design allows extra rooms to be easily added to the house, even long after the initial build...* One, two or three bedrooms Add a living or a deck module You choose which to include now or add later Add to design Build for your needs now and add extra rooms when required, with minimum fuss, minimum waste and minimum interruption to your life. Start, grow, and remain in a sustainable home. The house of the future. The LiFEHOUSE package When you purchase a LiFEHOUSE, you purchase a complete LiFEHOUSE Design + Documentation package, optimised to your block and ready for issue to builders for quoting, permits and construction. Why a LiFEHOUSE? Save 80% of our design costs Save on building costs Reduced overall project timeline An architecturally-designed sustainable house Small physical & environmental footprint High green credentials - lower running costs 6-8 star energy rating (depending on your site) Who is Lifehouse Design? Lifehouse Design is a successful partnership of like-minded designers based in Castlemaine, Victoria. We are a multi award-winning design firm specialising in environmentally responsible homes. Since 1997 Lifehouse Design has been at the forefront of sustainable and innovative building design, and continues to focus on creating buildings that have a smaller footprint, both physically and environmentally. Lifehouse Design is Paul Hassall & Robyn Gibson. * Modification to standard designs will alter construction costs and design fees as outlined Pg 1
Steps to owning a LiFEHOUSE LiFEHOUSES Step 1 a) Select the LiFEHOUSE roof style & cladding option that you like LiFEHOUSE 1 (pitched roof) or LiFEHOUSE 2 (flat roof) b) c) Select the LiFEHOUSE floor plan that suits your family s needs & budget View the options you want or add extra modules if necessary (we can help you put this together in our first meeting) 1.1 - One bedroom 2.1 - One bedroom 1.2 - Two bedroom 2.2 - Two bedroom 1.3 - Three bedroom (2 bed + study) 2.3 - Three bedroom (2 bed + study) Refer to next page for options & inclusions Step 2 First meeting with Lifehouse Design Fixed fee $300 Please bring the following with you: Copy of title Photos of your site Outline of your budget Step 3 Once you re happy to proceed, you sign a contract of sale and pay a deposit of of $3,000 + GST You re now on your way to owning a LiFEHOUSE! Step 4 Preparation of the design concept We prepare a design concept to ensure your LiFEHOUSE suits your brief & site Step 5 Second meeting with Lifehouse Design At the second meeting will will present you with the design concept & related information. An estimate of probable cost will also be outlined Preparation of the LiFEHOUSE Design + Documentation package Once you have approved the design concept we will complete a full LiFEHOUSE Design + Documentation package This will form the end of our arrangement - the balance of the LiFEHOUSE Design + Documentation package fee is due prior to hand over. Refer to page 3 for relevant fees. Upon completion we hand over the package to you. You can now issue your package to builders for pricing, application for permits, approvals (see below) & construction Other considerations Pg 2 We understand that each site will vary & will require resolution of specific issues related to permits & approvals. While we do not allow for resolution of these elements in our Design + Documentation package, we are happy to carry out these tasks on your behalf on an hourly rate basis. We will discuss these requirements with you in the first meeting. Modification to standard designs will alter construction costs and design fees. Should you require any addional consultation or meetings, our time will be charged at an hourly rate of $150. Meetings on site can be arranged - travel costs may apply.
LiFEHOUSES Design + Documentation fees: First meeting is carried out for a fixed fee of $300. The LiFEHOUSES Design + Documentation package - deposit of $3000 + GST LiFEHOUSE Design + Documentation package is a fixed fee dependant on model selected: 1.1 or 2.1 1 Bedroom option $4,500 + GST 1.2 or 2.2 2 Bedroom option $5,500 + GST 1.3 or 2.3 3 Bedroom option $6,500 + GST Should you require any additional consultation (ie. to incorporate required modifications) our time will be charged on an hourly rate of $150. Estimate of construction costs: Based on the inclusions listed, these prices need to be confirmed by obtaining a builder s quote: LiFEHOUSE 1 From 1.1 1 Bedroom option $ 210,000-240,000 1.2 2 Bedroom option $ 240,000-280,000 1.3 3 Bedroom option or 2 bedroom + study $ 270,000-320,000 LiFEHOUSE 2 From 2.1 1 Bedroom option $ 210,000-240,000 2.2 2 Bedroom option $ 240,000-280,000 3.3 3 Bedroom option or 2 bedroom + study $ 270,000-320,000 Note: a) These prices are industry indicators only current for February 2014 and are subject to change without notice. b) These prices are based on levels of finish and specifications as outlined on this website and are therefore only a guide. c) These costs refer to LiFEHOUSES as shown on the LiFEHOUSE models page. If you wish to modify these layouts, construction costs will change accordingly, and will be determined by obtaining a builder s quote. We can assist in finalising a layout that suits you after an initial consultation and determining your requirements. d) Design + Documentation fees are subject to change without notice. LiFEHOUSES - inclusions*: Sealed concrete slab on ground Double-glazed windows (optional timber or aluminium frames) High levels of insulation 6-8 star energy rating (site and material dependent) Bosch hot water service (5.5 star energy rating) Laminate finish to joinery generally Low VOC painted plasterboard walls and ceilings Tiled shower recess A Glass kitchen splashback Fisher & Paykel cooking appliances Bosch dishwasher Low flow tapware Low energy light fittings Downpipes (to ground only) LiFEHOUSES - options: Choose from the following standard options to suit you: External cladding - corrugated iron, Ecoply, shiplap hardwood timber boards or compressed fibre cement sheet Joinery - extent of built-in joinery is up to you Window type - frames can be either hardwood timber or thermally improved aluminium Floors - sealed high-trowel concrete slab or lightweight timber construction Configuration - choose from two configurations for bathroom and kitchen layouts Interior Features - plasterboard or plywood ceilings; tiled, glass or marble kitchen splashback; woodfired heater optional * Modification to standard designs will alter construction costs and design fees as outlined. LiFEHOUSES construction cost estimates do not include : Any element beyond the building envelope eg. rainwater tanks, fences etc. Individual site infrastructure eg. driveway, services connections etc. Permits and surveys etc. as outlined on page 4. Pg 3
All sites will require the following: LiFEHOUSES Who What Where You / Builder Building Approval permit Required prior to start of building. Obtained from your local Building Surveyor. * You / Lifehouse Bushfire Attack Level rating (BAL) This will categorize your site and determine materials use. Obtainable from your local * Building Surveyor. Required to obtain a Building permit. You / Lifehouse Soil test This will determine the design of footings. Carried out by a Geotechnical Engineer. Required to obtain a Building permit. Lifehouse Structural engineering This is required if non-standard model selected or non-standard soil conditions exist. Carried out by a Structural Engineer. Required to obtain a Building permit. Lifehouse Energy rating Minimum of 6 Stars required. Actual star rating will depend on material selection, site location and final design solution. Required to obtain a Building permit. Some sites will require the following: Who What Where * You / Lifehouse Septic permit Required for sites not connected to a reticulated sewerage system. Obtainable from the Health * Department of your local Council. You apply for this once you have approved a design. You / Lifehouse Land capability assessment (LCA) Required for non-sewered sites to determine appropriate waste treatment system. Carried * out by a Geotechnical Engineer. If required, this forms part of the Planning permit. You / Lifehouse Planning permit Required for any site with a Planning overlay, or within particular zoning. Obtainable from Council. * You / Lifehouse Features survey This determines contours, fall of land and locates any significant features on the site. Carried out by a Land Surveyor. Pg 4 * We are happy to carry out these tasks on your behalf on an hourly rate basis
LiFEHOUSES Choosing your block of land North orientation This is crucial to achieving a house that is really comfortable throughout the year. If looking at small town blocks, look for a block that has long north-south boundaries and short east-west boundaries. This allows us to orient your LiFEHOUSE towards the north, maximising sunlight into the northern windows in winter. Vegetation Look for a block that has good solar access on the north (ie. No tall trees on the north side). What you want is maximum sunlight penetrations during the colder months when the sun is lower in the sky. Note that your local planning department will need to be consulted if you plan to remove any vegetation. Access The best access points are from the south-east or south-west corners of the block. This allows a carport or garage to be located on the east or west side of the house without compromising solar access to the north side of the house. Size Check that the size of the block suits how you want to live (ie. is it big enough for that veggie patch you want to start, or for the kids to have space to run and play? Or is it too big for you to maintain with the time you have available?) Also check that the block size is appropriate for good solar gain (see North Orientation). Zoning Check with your local Council that the block of land has the appropriate Zoning and Planning Overlays to accommodate a house. Drainage / fire / flood hazards etc. Check with your local Council regarding drainage, easements and any potential natural hazards for the site. Topography The most cost-effective block of land to build a LiFEHOUSE on is a flat one! The greater the slope, the more cost is involved in accommodating the sub-floor design of the house. Sites with an east to west slope or diagonal slope create the most design and cost challenges. Pg 5
LIFEHOUSE 1 has a characteristic pitched roof and raked ceiling allowing for a mezzanine / overhead storage. The options shown are: - Corrugated iron roof - Fiber cement sheet / ecoply cladding LiFEHOUSE 1.3 North elevation East elevation South elevation West elevation
LiFEHOUSE 1.1 9 3 8 4 5 6 10 7 11 2 1 Porch 2 Entry 3 Bedroom 4 Kichen 5 Dining 6 Living 7 Laundry 8 Bathroom 9 Pergola 10 Verandah 11 Mezzanine over 1
LiFEHOUSE 1.2 9 3 8 4 5 6 3 10 7 11 2 1 Porch 2 Entry 3 Bedroom 4 Kichen 5 Dining 6 Living 7 Laundry 8 Bathroom 9 Pergola 10 Verandah 11 Mezzanine over 1
10 3 7 9 4 5 6 3 11 8 12 2 12 1
LIFEHOUSE 2 has an elegant flat roof and a bold blade wall emphasizing its long pavilion form. The options shown are: - Corrugated iron roof - Vertical shiplap timber cladding - Rendered sheet blade wall LiFEHOUSE 2.3 North elevation East elevation South elevation West elevation
LiFEHOUSE 2.1 10 5 3 8 4 6 9 7 2 1 Porch 2 Entry 3 Bedroom 4 Kichen 5 Dining 6 Living 7 Laundry 8 Bathroom 9 Verandah 10 Pergola 1
LiFEHOUSE 2.2 10 5 3 3 8 4 6 9 7 2 1 Porch 2 Entry 3 Bedroom 4 Kichen 5 Dining 6 Living 7 Laundry 8 Bathroom 9 Verandah 10 Pergola 1
LiFEHOUSE 2.3 11 6 3 4 9 5 7 10 3 8 2 1 Porch 2 Entry 3 Bedroom 4 Study 5 Kichen 6 Dining 7 Living 8 Laundry 9 Bathroom 10 Verandah 11 Pergola 1