The choice of LED lighting

Schafer Design have been carrying out some cost comparisons to establish the most cost effective nad environmentally friendly light sources.
A simple comparison of two products that offer similar light output with  an average
use of 4hrs per day      
                                                      
  LED PRODUCT                HALOGEN LAMP
product                                                  
  3W, 130lm LED                   20W halogen
useage                                                    
  4hrs / day                               4hrs/day
power consumption per day                  
  0.012kWh                             0.08kWh
running cost (@22c/kWh) per day        
  $0.0025                                 $0.0175
running cost per year                              
  $0.9125                                 $6.3875

annual saving per light                          
  $5.475

saving for average house with 50 lights
  $273.75

carbon emissions per day                        
  0.0095kg                                0.0625kg
carbon emissions per year                      
  3.4675kg                                22.8125kg
life expectancy                                        
  20,000hrs +                            3,000-6,000hrs
efficiency                                                
  approx 85%                            approx 10%
heat generation                                        
  cool to touch                          500 deg

As technology advances the cost of LED lights are decreasing rapidly and the payback period in choosing an LED over a Halogen light is now only 2-3 years. The short payback period plus the environmental advantages now makes the choice of light quite simple.

Bozier Court takes shape

Now that the high level works are completed the void scaffold and external scaffolding has been removed and the true form of 13 Bozier Court Casuarina is now revealed.

The two storey internal and external spaces add incredible volume to the living area and that area will enjoy copious amounts of winter sun but will be protected fromthe harsh summer sun by the 3.6m wide high level eaves

The choice of Scyon wall claddings

One of the major issues with cladding selection is the balance between the materials embodied energy, its longevity and need for ongoing maintenance.
When incorporated into a wall system and compared with other products, fibre cement is at the lower end of the scale for embodied energy and offers excellent longevity. Studies indicate that timber framed construction with timber weatherboards has the lowest embodied energy of 188MJ / sqm. and a typical timber framed brick veneer construction has 561MJ /sqm.
We decided to utilise Scyon Linea Board and Scyon Matrix panels for the majority of the claddings on our Bozier Court house - this form of construction has a minimal 212 MJ /sqm of embodied energy and offers a long life expectancy with minimal maintenance. The fibre cement is a better substrate for painting than most timber products the profiles of the linea board and matrix panel provide nice depth and definition which is lacking on its competitors products.

Pottsville Neighbourhood Centre

The New Pottsville neighbourhood Centre is nearing completion with exterior painting completed and interior fitout underway. it is hoped the new building will be ready for use before Christmas

Terranora house nears completion

The finishing touches will be going on the 400sqm two level home at Sunnycrest Drive over the next couple of weeks with practical completion expected at the end of the month.

The kitchen area

view from sunnycrest drive

the main bathroom

roof on at bozier court

Construction has been proceeding rapidly with the framing nearing completion, internal bagged brickwork completed, plumbing and electrical roughins completed and roof on.

We are expecting a framing inspection tomorrow and from there the external walls will be wrapped with a permeable membrane and external claddings fixed.

plumber installing drainage stack

One of the major issues with cladding selection is the balance between the materials embodied energy, its longevity and need for ongoing maintenance.

When incorporated into a wall system and compared with other products, fibre cement is at the lower end of the scale for embodied energy and offers excellent longevity. Studies indicate that timber framed construction with timber weatherboards has the lowest embodied energy of 188MJ / sqm. and a typical timber framed brick veneer construction has 561MJ /sqm.

We decided to utilise Scyon Linea Board and Scyon Matrix panels for the majority of the claddings on our house - this form of construction has a minimal 212 MJ /sqm of embodied energy and offers a long life expectancy with minimal maintenance. The fibre cement is a better substrate for painting than most timber products the profiles of the linea board and matrix panel provide nice depth and definition which is lacking on its competitors products.

The cleanest building site?

13 Bozier court has a polished concrete slab and one of the potential issues with having a slab polished and basically finished so early in the construction phase was how it can be protected while the other trades are on site.
A big thanks to Don and all the Sanctuary 28 subbies with the care exercised and the cleanup of the slab at the end of the day by either sweeping or cleaning with an garden blower.
I think this is the first site I’ve seen where the slab is completely clear of debris, materials, sawdust etc. The time spent at the end of the day cleaning gives everyone a cleaner and safer area to work in the following day.

Owner, Janelle co-ordinating the bathroom floor tiles with polished slab

framing underway at bozier court

The structural steel frames have been erected and the S28 carpenters  John and Chris are erecting the timber frames. It won't be long until the basic skeleton is up and the buildings form  and massing can be better appreciated.

street view showing the portal frame and cantilevered hood

John & Chris erecting the frames

Its great to see the care taken by the subbies to protect the polished floor from any potential damage or staining.
Tomorrow we meet with JH Williams (Vantage windows) to run over the final details prior to window fabrication.

bozier court - slab polishing underway

The team from Myfloor have commenced the polishing of the concrete slab and the blocklayers have completed the various block walls in the project. The polishing is a slow process starting with a 40 grit rind and gardually getting finer to finish with 3000 grit and a mirror finish. During the polishing process a hardener is applied to the slab - this will increase its strength to approximately 64mPa.

Polishing of the slab should be finished by Tuesday and the carpenters are then scheduled to erect the timber frames. The trick now is to ensure the various trades exercise care with the finished surface of the concrete slab.

The polishing process with a 'hardened' portion of the slab in the background

The cut aggregate and colours are showing after application of the hardener

Construction Update

After last weeks delay, due to rain construction has recommenced with site fencing in place - and blocklayers on site constructing garage & terrace walls.  Termite barriers have also been installed.

slab down at bozier court

The slab area has now been boxed up, drainage services roughed in reinforcement has been laid ready for the concrete pour on Wednesday morning. The weather has been kind being overcast and some light showers expected - this will be ideal for the curing of the concrete before polishing begins next Tuesday.

construction commences at bozier court

Sanctuary 28 projects were awarded the contract to construct the home and the site has now been cleared and construction is underway for what is believed to be the Tweed Coasts first eight star energy rated home.




The owners who are down sizing wanted their home to retain a spacious feel without introducing unnecessary floor area.  To achieve this goal a double storey void has been created over a north facing living zone.  The void and glazing to the north will also ensure the main living areas of the residence receive natural light throughout the day. The plan encompasses three bedrooms with a private master suite on the upper level.  The design reflects the casual nature of the suburb with a sheltered patio to the north and shuttered bbq/outdoor living area to the east. 
 

commercial development at west burleigh

Schafer Design have prepared concept plans and DA drawings for a two level commercial development planned for West Burleigh. The heritage themed design incorporates 510sqm of nett lettable area, 17 car spaces - 10 of which are covered and a lift servicing the upper floor.

We have been working closely with PMH Planning as well as acoustic, environmental and traffic consultants to maximise the yield on a relatively small site. The DA submission is nearing completion will be lodged to Gold Coast City Council shortly.

kamala crescent house handover

Sanctuary 28 projects have completed construction of the three level home in Kamala Crescent, Casuarina and the project has been handed over to the owners. Hard and soft landscaping was excluded from the building contract and is being carried out by the owners.

fingal head beach house

some photos of the finished project - courtesy sanctuary 28 Projects (Qld)

sunnycrest drive approaches lockup

Sanctuary 28 projects are ahead of schedule with the construction of this home at Terranora with roofing and internal linings installed. External cladding is nearing completion and in the coming weeks brickwork and linea board cladding will be completed and fitout of skirtings and architraves will commence.

Residence at Avoca Street, Salt completed

Nu-Wave Constructions have completed construction of the single level house at Salt, Kingscliff and have handed over to the happy owners. The project ran very smoothly and finished ahead of time and to budget.


We would like to extend our congratulations to Luke Harris the proprietor of Nu wave Constructions for the quality of his workmanship and eye for detail.

framing at sunnycrest drive terranora

Sanctuary 28 projects are progressing well at Sunnycrest Drive with the framing nearing completion and windows, doors and roof due to be fixed / installed next week.

veterinary clinic - melbourne

Schafer Design have been busy preparing the design and planning approval drawings for the refurbishment and conversion of an existing office / warehouse building  to house a large veterinary clinic.
The refurbished offices occupy approximately 550 sqm and there is also a  two level extension of 500sqm in area. Off street parking is to be provided for 22 vehicles plus bicycle parking.

scheme for planning approval

It is anticipated that construction documentation will proceed once planning approval is granted with construction to follow shortly after.

Elevation view of refurbished building

basix certificate fee

The Environmental Planning and Assessment Regulation 2000 was amended recently to allow the charging of a fee for the issue of a BASIX Certificate.  The fee generally ranges from $20 to $50 per dwelling and is being put in place to support the BASIX scheme. The fee will be introduced in two stages.

Payment of the fee is required from 1 July 2011 for BASIX Certificates issued for all new dwellings (new single houses, townhouses, apartments and residential flat buildings)

Payment of the fee is required from 1 August 2011 for BASIX Certificates issued for Alterations and Additions (of construction value of $50,000 or more, and for pools of 40,000 litres or more).

Fact Sheets outlining the applicable fee for various types of development, and a downloadable Excel fee calculator, are available from the BASIX website at www.basix.nsw.gov.au/information/whats_new.jsp  

The Fact Sheets also explain how the fee will be used to improve the BASIX system and the benefits, including savings of up to $600 per year in water and energy bills, that BASIX has delivered for NSW households.

Payment of a fee for a BASIX certificate will be required prior to the generation of the certificate on the last page of the tool.

renovations to duplex at pottsville

A development application has been lodged with Tweed Shire Council for alterations and extensions to an existing duplex development in Pottsville. The current development has a dated appearance, which is to be revamped with a more modern look.  The owners are also adding double garaging, new northern courtyards and an upgrade of the interiors. It is anticipated that construction works will commence in the later part of the year

3D image of Duplex after renovation

progress at kamala crescent

The three level house at Kamala Crescent, Casuarina is at lock up stage with the blend of scyon matrix panels and linea board cladding providing a balanced mix of textures and colour. Internal plastering is nearing completion and joinery fitout is underway.  The higher than average rainfall we have experienced recently has slowed the construction and it is anticipated the project will be completed in July.

construction commences at terranora

Sanctuary 28 Projects have been awarded the contract for construction of a 436 square meter two level residence and pool on a sloping site at Sunnycrest Drive in the Azzure Estate at Terranora.
Construction has commenced with the pool shell poured and footings for the house expected to be poured next week.

The project is scheduled for completion in November

pottsville beach neighbourhead centre

Local building contractor, Anthony Adams, has been awarded the contract to construct the new two level Pottsville Beach Neighbourhood Centre Administration Building.
Schafer Design were proud to work with Tweed Shire Council and the NSW Public Works in developing the design and documenting the project tender and construction.

lock up at avoca street, salt

 Nu Wave Constructions are well ahead of schedule with the construction of a single level residence. The project is at now at lockup stage with painting and interior fitout underway.

national design award winner

The Building Designers Association of Australia annual awards were held in the Barossa Valley last Saturday night. The Mermaid Beach entry that won the recent NSW  State awards qualified for the National Awards.

 











The finalists consisted of entries from Tasmania, Western Australia and NSW (ourselves) and we were successful in winning our category (dwellings 251 - 350 sqm).

The success of our entry would not have been possible with design conscious clients and the quality of workmanship provided by the builder, Millenium Building Services.

ecolour - Safe. Sustainable. Superior Paint!

If you care about our planet and your health, using an eco-friendly paint in your home is the only option.

This Australian invention uses re-cycled re-refined waste engine oil to make water based paint. The oil acts as a preservative, providing durability and smooth application qualities to the paint. ecolour paints have been proven in the marketplace for over 10 years. 

ecolour’s General Manager Stuart McPhee says, when choosing paint, you need to consider the health of your family.  Regular paints release toxic solvents and petrochemicals into the air as they dry. These are known as Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) and are proven to contribute to many health conditions including cancer, sick building syndrome, breathing difficulties, dizziness, headaches, fatigue and blurred vision.  With ZERO VOCs, ecolour paints are entirely non-toxic to people and the environment.


“Few eco paints can match ecolour’s ZERO VOC status, and none can match our climate friendliness. In addition our paints are competitively priced, making them an affordable alternative. So there is now no need to compromise your health, the environment or your wallet.”

ecolour can match any colour, the range includes interior and exterior paints as well as timber finishes, all suitable for residential, commercial and retail applications.

 
To reduce your carbon footprint and paint a brighter future, get more information (and paint) from ecolour. The company's showroom is at 6 Grevillea Street Byron Bay.  Phone 1300 326 568 www.ecolour.com.au

Latest Design for Casuarina

Schafer Design have been busy working on plans for a residence soon to commence construction in Bozier Court Casuarina.

The owners who are down sizing wanted their home to retain a spacious feel without introducing unnecessary floor area.  To achieve this goal a double storey void has been created over a north facing living zone.  The void and glazing to the north will also ensure the main living areas of the residence receive natural light throughout the day. The plan encompasses three bedrooms with a private master suite on the upper level.  The design reflects the casual nature of the suburb with a sheltered patio to the north and shuttered bbq/outdoor living area to the east.

Fingal Head Beach House nears completion!

Our clients' wished to renovate a circa 1950's fibro cottage in a prime beachfront postion at Fingal Head at the mouth of the Tweed river.  They engaged Schafer Design to design a contemporary extension to the cottage and refurbish the existing cottage. The concept embraces the casual coastal ambience of the village with simple understated finishes and materials.

view from the east

The integration of the living spaces, wide terrace decks with the existing, and very mature tuckeroos and  pandanus palms creates a cool and shaded environment on even the hottest days.

Interior - new kitchen and living areas

Sanctuary 28 Projects undertook the construction and are now applying the finishing touches to the existing cottage and landscaping prior to handover. The quality of their workmanship and attention to detail completes a very successful project.

Eastern Deck

Images of the existing cottage before work commenced.

NEFF KITCHEN APPLIANCES at BRETT'S ARCHITECTURAL

On  a recent visit to Brisbane we called into Brett's  Architectural showroom in Windsor. The showroom incorporates the very best in architectural door hardware and fittings, along with the finest bathware and kitchen appliance brands.  

The brands showcased include kitchen appliance brands Miele, Gaggenau, Neff, Highland, Qasair, Liebherr and leading bathroom brands Villeroy & Boch, Grohe, Argent, Roca, Zucchetti, Studio Bagno, Hansa, Rennaisance, Cibo.

On this visit we were impressed with the quality and design features offered  in the NEFF range of kitchen appliances.  

The unique Slide & Hide door fits
smoothly under the oven to give you
plenty of room and better access.

Neff has been responsible for a significant number of breakthrough products and kitchen concepts.  In 1978 Neff produced the world’s first push-button electronic oven earning the company a reputation for design excellence. An emphasis on energy saving and user friendliness has lead to many world firsts including CircoTherm cooking, HydroClean and Revolution oven handle.
Neff appliances are designed to cater for busy lifestyles, making cooking simpler, cleaner and faster, giving you more time to enjoy your life.

Schafer Design are encouraging clients to visit Bretts Architectural to view this range when considering  appliances.   Clients are also invited to attend an obligation free demonstration of the range held regularly in store or at Sampford IXL's showroom at Newstead.  The demonstration highlights the unique features of the NEFF appliances and any queries you may have will be answered by the helpful staff.

Click here for showroom opening times.

Further product details are available from NEFF or from the friendly staff Brett's showroom or call into the Homezone Centre  142 Newmarket Road, Windsor .