Heritage Building Health

Janita Norman
October 2019
Heritage

Water is one of the most common causes of damage to heritage buildings. Allowing water to come in contact with a building can severely damage the building fabric, undermine the stability of the structure and create an unhealthy living environment.

Water is one of the most common causes of damage to heritage buildings.

Allowing water to come in contact with a building can severely damage the building fabric, undermine the stability of the structure and create an unhealthy living environment.

Problems can occur in isolation, or a combination of issues can be present including leaking pipes, undersized gutters and downpipes, inadequate stormwater and poor site drainage which can result in water running down walls, seeping under floors and ponding around the building.

Download our Heritage Building Health Check click below.

10 Heritage Design Tips

Practical tips for designing your next heritage renovation.

Our clients are often surprised when they find out just how much they can do with their heritage listed building. We created this document to dispel some of the most prevalent myths about working with heritage buildings, so that you have a solid foundation on the can-dos, can't-dos, and things to be aware of.

Qualified heritage designers with over 25 years of experience.

The Two Single Most Important Things to Consider When Designing a New Home

Janita Norman
November 2022
New Homes

Designing and building your own home is a joy and a privilege; a rare act of creation that leaves a mark on the world long after our time. But in the same breath, it is daunting and overwhelming, with seemingly endless thoughts and ideas fighting for your attention. Today I want to declutter your mind and ask you to focus on these two simple things...

First: what is your story?

Our homes are fundamental to the way we live. They express who we are and play a central role in allowing us to live the way we want to.

Think about your life, your loves, your experiences, and how you live in your home. Every design should capture your essence and reflect who you are and your lifestyle.

“A well designed home that specifically suits you is a pleasure to live in.”
– Janita Norman, Lead Building Designer

From the outset the vision must be clear.

Knowing why you are building directly informs the design. Articulating why you are building and what you want to achieve will ensure that design is aligned with that vision.

Ask yourself:

  • Why am I building?
  • Who will live in our home?
  • How old are our kids and what do they like to do?
  • Do members of our extended family live with us or visit for long periods of time?
  • Is this our “forever home”?
  • Will the home need to adapt to changing life and family circumstances?
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