A Restorative and Regenerative Approach to Design

At Arkular, we adopt circularity throughout each phase of a dwelling’s life cycle. This is assists in optimising resources, reducing material usage and minimising waste.

The main aim of our circular approach is to:

– Reduce embodied carbon
– Minimise the generation of waste
– Improve materials efficiency
– Increase the circularity of materials

We are designing homes for longevity and consider each phase of a dwelling’s life cycle, from concept to completion and beyond.

Image: The Fish Creek House

Arkular’s Application of Circular Design 

At Arkular, we are thinking ahead about what we leave behind. We are mindful of our environmental impact throughout each phase of a home’s life cycle – from concept to completion and beyond.

Our homes are designed for:

• Recyclability
• Resource efficiency
• Energy efficiency in use
• Longevity / durability
• Repair, reuse and disassembly

Longevity begins with a quality design that encompasses the needs of the occupants, site and landscape. We then consider the resources and materials we use, our manufacturing process, the use of the home and the recyclability of our dwellings to create customised, sustainably driven homes that are built for the long run.

Resource Efficiency

Harnessing and optimising resource value, we prioritise high-quality, sustainable and environmentally friendly materials.

The resources and materials we use can have a large impact on the environment and our health and well-being, so we prioritise using Australian-made, locally sourced, sustainable and eco-friendly materials.

To minimise environmental impact, we recommend using low-VOC timber, paints, adhesives, sealants, formaldehyde-free products and sustainably sourced timber, stone and leather. We also recommend using products within your home made from plant-based materials to help lower greenhouse emissions and minimise contact with harmful chemicals, all contributing to a healthy home, family and life.

Just some of the sustainably-driven, Australian-made brands we opt for include:

Colorbond, Weathertex, Dulux, MadeMeasure, Laminex, Plank Flooring and Kōbe Cement Bonded Wood Composite.

Manufacturing

The prefabricated modular nature of our homes allows for the building to be constructed in a manufacturing facility, before being transported and assembled on-site. Benefits of opting for a prefab home include:

– Less waste production due to more controlled construction environments
– Reduced emissions and pollution due to off-site construction and shorter timeframes
– Reduced disruption to the site, surrounding landscape and local flora and fauna
– Cost savings through faster construction times, streamlined processes and less labour

Image: The Agricultural Lakehouse

Use

Durable and adaptable, we design our homes to meet your requirements, the site’s location, the surrounding landscape and weather patterns.

This is done by utilising:

– Passive solar design principles
– High-quality materials, fixtures and fittings
– Water conservation techniques
– Energy-efficient appliances

We are designing for the long run and consider the current and future needs of the space to ensure your home can shift and change and that it is in use for as long as required. Effective architectural design adapts to evolving requirements, providing a home that is useful throughout its lifespan. People’s lives and situations constantly change, reflecting how design needs flexibility and modularity.

Reuse, Repurpose and Recycle 

At the end of the building’s life cycle, Arkulars dwellings can be uninstalled, disassembled and relocated if required. Disassembly allows for the reuse, repurposing or recycling of building components.

Materials we utilise that can be recycled or repurposed, include:

Colorbond – All Colorbond steel contains recycled content and the steel itself in Colorbond steel is 100% recyclable. In some cases, it can be reused without reprocessing.
Timber – Untreated timber can be easily reused or recycled for future use.
Plaster – Plaster can be used to plug holes, make wet concrete supports and treat newly laid garden beds. It can also be recycled, becoming paperboard or plasterboard.
Glass – Glass is one of the most available materials that can be reused and recycled within construction.

Image: The Banksia House

Fish Creek House – Sustainably Driven, Environmentally Focused 

Mindfully designed for energy efficiency and minimal environmental impact, The Fish Creek House was inspired by permaculture and nature, with the occupants seeking to be autonomous and minimise their carbon footprint.

Resources

Sustainability is at the core of the home, extending to the internal furnishings and décor, with nearly everything being repurposed or sourced second-hand. Carbon-neutral materials were selected throughout providing health benefits to residents and having a light impact on the environment.

We prioritised locally sourced, sustainable materials including Low VOC paint from Dulux, Colorbond cladding with sustainable timber and a solar power system, rainwater tank and CFA water tank 10,000L for firefighting requirements.

Manufacturing

The prefabricated modular method of manufacturing The Fish Creek House offered a significant environmental advantage over more traditional construction methods, with reduced disruption to the site and surrounding landscape, minimised material wastage, effective utilisation of resources and streamlined processes.

Image: The Fish Creek House

Image: The Fish Creek House

Use

The living, kitchen and dining spaces are oriented towards the north to provide natural light and heat from the sun, whilst the sleep module is oriented towards the northwest, cross ventilation has been achieved via strategically placed operable windows/doors, and natural light is provided to all habitable rooms via operable glazing and a pergola with timber battens is included to provide protection from the sun.

Clever design and mindful additions have created a home for longevity, that will be enjoyed now and in the future.

Reuse, Repurpose, Recycling

Due to the modular prefab nature of the home, at the end of the building’s life cycle, it can be easily transported or disassembled allowing for reuse, repurpose or recycling of building components.

View our Fish Creek House here.