NABD Hardie Dream Designer Awards
In 2016, Vernon Design Group was 1 of 11 Finalists from the Australia wide Dream Designer competition and 1 of 4 from Western Australia.
The Dream Designer competition was organised by James Hardie in collaboration with the National Association of Building Designers.
Our Dream Designer house focussed on a number of sustainable characteristics. Firstly, self sustainability was a significant factor in our design. As a result we incorporated photovoltaic glass. While providing significant energy generation, it also provided considerable natural light into the house, specifically the living areas. In addition, it incorporated a self contained sewerage system and utilising the water for garden spaces.
Other noteworthy characteristics included:
- An indoor greenwall to improve oxygenation of the air, thereby improving air quality;
- A car-lift garage which improved the visual amenity of the street frontage and retained the necessity for 2 cars;
- Adaptability of the design to allow for changing future needs such as apartment living for young adults as their children grow, or alternatively ageing-in-place;
- To allow for ageing-in-place, a lift was also incorporated into the design; and
- Part of the brief was a sizeable backyard, which was achieved, along with a swimming pool.
An important part of our design was also the street. Given the future scenario and dream house brief, the suburb was open for interpretation. As a result, we designed the street, verge and determined the setback distances. All of these elements were a critical part in determining the appeal of the suburb.