For over 30 years Ecotect-Architects have been leaders in creating healthy and energy efficient office environments. Apart from the commonsense aspects our team realize that the use of natural air and light changes the mental states of the building users and occupants. Comprehensive research has shown that creating a healthy office environment results in large productivity gains and less workdays lost due to illness.

The first step is to ensure that a high level of fresh air is attained as part of the mechanical ventilation and air conditioning. Often the buildings utilize night ventilation to augment the maximized passive solar approach to the designs.

During the day hybrid fresh air systems ensure that a maximum of fresh air is introduced and stale air ejected after having its internal energy (heat or 'coolth') recycled into the incoming air system.

Natural light using strategic skylights and tubes are a part of the design strategy introduced early in the design process, instead of forcing an unworkable 'add-ons' to the concept after the design has been finalized.

Used of high efficiency chilling systems and supplementary heat boosters ensure minimal energy use by utilizing the thermal mass of the building via natural material or high tech solution that enhance thermal inertia benefits.

The embodied energy investment is carefully analysed at the early concept stages of the design process and the selection of non toxic materials for finishes, fittings and fixtures is a high prority to ensure the best ecological solution is obtained for the budgetary constraints stipulated by the client. We avoid sick building syndrome as a high priority and the use of fresh air systems ensures maximized health outcomes.

• 1976, McCarty Offices, North Fremantle
• 1980, Forrest Street Offices, Cottesloe
• 1980, Hay Street Offices, Subiaco
• 1981, Rokeby Road Offices, Subiaco
• 1985, Russell Centre 159 Adelaide Terrace, Perth
• 1989, Solar Energy Information Centre, Sourth Perth (Nat Energy Award 1993)
• 2009, Wise Earth / Ecotect-Architect Offices, Swanbourne
• 2010, Swanbourne Business Centre, Swanbourne

There have been numerous audits and consulting commissions that applied these principles to government buildings and projects lead by other architects.

Office projects are usually designed and documented for approximately 5% of full construction costs. For larger and repetitive concepts then this fee can be reduced by negotiation once a full understanding has been attained about the nature of the project and the amount of detail required to ensure a professional result is achieved.

Project management services are available during the construction phase or simply contract administration, as is usually the case with government projects.

Interested in this service? Why not contact us for information on how we can work with you.