I was thrilled to hear about the recent launch of an innovative new Australian company that is offering affordable, architect-designed eco friendly house plans for those looking to build an environmentally sustainable house on a modest budget.
Architopia is the brainchild of co-founders Rob Duffield (architect), Sophie Lindblom-Taylor (interior designer) and Leon Morton (building designer) who were disappointed with proliferation of new homes that were poorly designed and environmentally irresponsible.
As I like to bang on about, the need for sustainably built, energy efficient homes has never been more urgent, which is why I love the idea of being able to buy architect designed sustainable house plans without the usual costs of a custom architect design.
It opens the way for more people to build better as well as have a ball park idea of the costs likely to be associated with the build.
Clients can choose the design that fits their needs and best enables them to capitalise on the northern sun with the perks of having a house that can heat and cool itself, harvest its own rainwater, and produce enough energy for a family of four.
At under $2,000 a full architectural package is available at a fraction of the cost a custom architect design would be.
Sustainability Features
- Small footprint (lower energy use)
- Passive solar design
- Rainwater harvesting
- Solar energy
- Natural ventilation
- Non-toxic finishes
“After seeing an increasing number of poorly designed and environmentally irresponsible new homes being built in Australia, we decided to do something about it. We created Architopia – an online platform giving more Australians access to affordable architecture.” – Rob Duffield, Architopia
