Services
Earth-Sheltered, Bushfire & Storm-Resilient Architecture
We design homes and places that work with the land—taking advantage of earth-sheltering, thermal mass and smart detailing to create quiet, efficient, resilient buildings. From concept to approvals and construction documentation, our service is end-to-end.
Approach
Design that’s responsive, efficient, and grounded in place
Site-first thinking
We start with orientation, topography, soil/rock, climate and view corridors—then fit form to context, not the other way around.
Thermal mass & daylight
Correct use of mass, insulation and glazing delivers consistent comfort with low operational energy.
Buildable detailing
We prioritise details that are practical on-site, robust in harsh weather, and maintainable over decades.
Projects
Selected Work
Each project balances landscape, privacy, daylight, and protection.
How it works
A clear path from first sketch to keys
Discovery & Site Read
We workshop your goals, constraints, and site nuances. Early advice covers orientation, massing, access, and BAL context (if applicable).
Concept & Options
Multiple options exploring earth coverage, daylighting, courtyards, and view framing. We test practicality and budget alignment early.
Design Development
Structure, envelope, openings and services coordinated; preliminary detailing for bushfire/weather performance and ongoing maintenance.
Approvals & Documentation
We prepare documentation for approvals and tender, coordinating consultants and reports required for your jurisdiction.
Construction & Review
We support procurement and construction with site queries, detail clarifications, and review checkpoints to keep quality on-track.
Performance
Comfort by design, resilience by default
Thermal mass + insulation
Stabilise indoor temperatures with tuned mass, insulation continuity, airtightness, and solar control.
Daylighting & ventilation
Bring in sky and horizon while protecting from heat and smoke; cross-ventilation paths planned from the outset.
Weathering & maintenance
Details, materials and junctions selected for longevity, easy maintenance, and lifecycle value.
Compare
Earth-sheltered vs conventional — at a glance
| Aspect | Earth-Sheltered | Conventional |
|---|---|---|
| Thermal stability | Excellent (mass + earth) | Variable; relies on insulation/HVAC |
| Wind & storm exposure | Reduced profile | Higher profile, more exposed |
| Acoustic buffering | High | Moderate |
| Site integration | Embedded, landscape-led | Above-grade, landscape follows |
| Complexity | Requires specialist design | Widely standardised |
Case studies
Proven outcomes in varied landscapes
From coastal headlands to bush settings, each build shows how low-profile forms, massing and openings work together.
Free guide
Planning an earth-sheltered home?
Get a practical checklist covering siting, daylight, drainage, approvals and budget considerations.
What clients say
Quiet, efficient, and tailored to place
“Our home feels embedded in the landscape. It’s calm in storms, cool in summer, and full of natural light.”
— Homeowner, coastal NSW
“The team navigated approvals and bushfire constraints smoothly, with solutions that were practical to build.”
— Builder partner
“From first sketches to handover, communication was clear and decisions were grounded in site and climate.”
— Client, rural VIC
FAQ
Common questions
Will an earth-sheltered house feel dark?
Not if planned correctly. We use daylight scoops, courtyards, clerestories and optimised glazing to pull light deep into the plan while managing heat gain.
How do you manage drainage and moisture?
Layered waterproofing, positive drainage planes, perimeter drains and robust detailing. We simplify maintenance and design for inspection access.
What about bushfire requirements?
We develop a site-specific strategy considering BAL context, vegetation, siting, materials and ember protection. Your final approach is coordinated through approvals.
Is it more expensive than conventional?
It depends on site and scope. We discuss budget early and design for value, prioritising where performance has the biggest impact.
Do you work outside NSW?
Yes, subject to project suitability and local approvals. Let’s discuss your site and program.
Can you help with builders and tendering?
Yes—we prepare documentation, coordinate consultants and support tendering and construction with timely clarifications.
Next step
Let’s talk about your site
Share your location, constraints and a wish-list. We’ll outline practical options and an indicative path to approvals.