Vital to design ethos is PASSIVE SOLAR DESIGN.
This blog will explore:
What does this mean? and
Why and how is it to be incorporate it into our homes?

ORIENTATION
Design to allow the sunshine into as much of the living areas as possible. In winter this maybe all the heating required. For summer we shade the windows which is not difficult as the sun is at a higher angle. Present a shoulder to the worst of the weather usually from the south or west: ideal for garage, laundry, bathrooms where windows are smaller and rooms used less often. Be sure to take into account features of the site: slope, views, established trees or gardens etc. ·   ZONES: Where possible plan living areas to the north as per above.  Be conscious of social and private areas, vistas and air transfer between the two. Air-locks at external doors will retain the heat or cool comfort separated in the main rooms. 

CONSTRUCTION
Using materials that are excellent at insulating and have high thermal mass (like bricks and concrete that absorb heat from sun and disperse it into surroundings when the air temperature is lower) ensures a minimum of temperature variation. With a well sealed building this will assist the maintenance of a comfortable living environment. 

GARDEN
​The surrounding spaces to the home are often established as an after thought but would be more beneficial if designed along with the house plan. Planting larger trees, roughing in levels and planning "outdoor rooms" can be started more easily before the build is too advanced. The finished spaces will influence the comfort of the home a great deal. 

None of the above suggestions add to the initial costs of the build but assist the consistent temperature control that adds to our comfort. More importantly it will reduce the power and gas bills substantially which in turn lowers our dependence on the non-renewable resources of the Earth: and that has to be a great thing!

Your home is too small, old and tired, but the family are settled, it's in a great area, and relocating is our of the question. There are changing needs as the family grows and you are inspired by the reality and renovation TV programs. But where do you start! It is not easy to avoid months of heartache trying to find good tradesmen, even if you can describe what you want or produce the perfect plan.

That's where KITCHEN AND HOME SKETCH DESIGNS can help, by offering you a unique, personalised and affordable service. We will produce a plan that clients own and can take to cabinet makers or builders, simplifying the process and avoiding all too common renovation disasters.

Based in Frankston, Margot knows how to create a plan that will best suit a family and take advantage of solar aspect, views, garden and local features. Margot designs kitchens, laundry, bathrooms, renovations, extensions and/or new homes and can create scaled plans for comparison. Working independently of builders and cabinet makers she says:  ​

Margot itemises materials, finishes, brands and even colours if required. Her fee for a standard, in situ stand alone kitchen design plan and elevations starts at just $400. Qualified in Architectural Drafting, Margot does the all important design and planning. Adding a 'woman's touch', listening, incorporating hobbies and interests, she covers all the 'what if's.' ​