Custom Home Design

4305 design specialises in small footprint high-performance off-grid home design.

By designing custom homes specific to the site and climate conditions, 4305 design can ensure that the homes are optimized for maximum energy efficiency and occupant comfort. This is especially important for off-grid homes, where energy production and storage can be more challenging and require careful planning and design.

We aim to achieve NatHERS 8 stars or better, demonstrating our commitment to energy efficiency and a sustainable future. A NatHERS rating of 8 stars or higher means that the home is designed to be comfortable year-round with minimal heating and cooling requirements, which can significantly reduce energy consumption and costs.

4305 design's focus on sustainable and resilient design reflects the importance of designing buildings that not only meet the needs of occupants but also protect the environment and contribute to a more sustainable future.

Energy Efficiency Retrofit

Energy efficiency retrofits are a valuable investment when renovating, as they can result in significant cost-of-living savings, improved comfort and health for occupants, and a reduction in carbon emissions. By reducing energy consumption, retrofits can help to lower electricity bills and reduce the carbon footprint of a building.

In Australia, energy production is a major source of greenhouse gas emissions, and reducing the energy usage of buildings is an important strategy for mitigating climate change. The government's National Construction Code includes minimum building efficiency requirements, but the lack of consistent adoption across all states and industries means that emissions reductions may fall short of what is needed. Retrofitting existing housing stock is becoming increasingly important in light of the growing intensity of natural disasters such as storms, heatwaves, bushfires, and floods. Retrofits can range from low-cost measures such as replacing appliances and adding insulation to more comprehensive upgrades such as building cladding, ventilation, and glazing.

Investing in energy efficiency retrofits can not only benefit individual homeowners but also contribute to a more sustainable future for all. Governments, businesses, and individuals can all play a role in promoting and adopting energy-efficient practices and technologies to reduce carbon emissions and mitigate the impacts of climate change.

Raise and Build-In

The "raise and build in" renovation is a popular option in South East Queensland, as it allows for the addition of a new level beneath the existing dwelling without the need for extensive demolition or excavation. This is particularly advantageous for traditional timber-framed and clad homes, which are often highly adaptable and can be easily relocated and raised to allow for new additions.

However, it is important to note that such renovations often require significant restoration work, and various areas of the dwelling may need upgrading to meet current National Construction Code requirements. This may involve the removal of asbestos, replacement of roof sheeting, new wiring and plumbing, and the addition of insulation, vapor barriers, and ventilation.

It is also recommended to replace gas appliances with energy-efficient alternatives and install rooftop solar, which can further improve the energy efficiency of the home. The original cladding can often be retained with a clean up and repaint, but where replacement is necessary, the opportunity can be taken to add insulation and vapor membranes to the external walls.

For traditional Queenslander homes, the front wall is usually single skin, which is not very thermally efficient. To improve this, additional framing with insulation and membrane can be installed, and another lining of VJ can be added to the external face while replicating the original frame detail to maintain the tradition.

There are also constraints that apply to modifications of pre-war housing, such as stepped back lower stories on the street elevation, avoiding a dominating carport/garage view, matching original roof lines and pitches, limiting the height to two stories, and adhering to street front setbacks, privacy screens, and fire safety requirements.

Overall, the "raise and build in" renovation is a cost-effective and sustainable option for homeowners looking to expand their living space while maintaining the character and tradition of their existing home. However, it is important to work with a building certifier and town planner to ensure compliance with relevant regulations and constraints.

Renovation / Extension

If you're looking to expand your living space, an extension can range anywhere from the depth of a cupboard to a larger-than-existing dwelling.

4305 design can help you identify your needs, assess your current dwelling and site, and provide information to help you make decisions for the future of your property.

Whether you need an additional bedroom or bathroom or your current layout is inadequate, we can assist you in clarifying constraints and opportunities, work through various options, and achieve your desired outcome.