The Sociable Weaver | Architectural designer

The Sociable Weaver

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25.01.2022 The Bungalow is a small footprint, minimalist home that invites the inhabitants to strip back their lives to focus on the things that are really important in life. To learn more about The Bungalow and our other designs, head to our website http://thesociableweaver.com.au/houses/ Photograph by purpose-driven photographer, Marnie Hawson

25.01.2022 We’re pumped to share that the building permit came through this week for Blackwood House! Located on Wurundjeri country in Coburg, Victoria, Blackwood House minimizes its footprint on the earth, while maximizing a sense of spaciousness and openness within the home, and on the land. We can’t wait to share the journey of this build with you, stay tuned!

24.01.2022 Sales of Stage 4 of Live At The Cape will launch on Monday November 9th! With 65 blocks on offer, Stage 4 features some of the best home sites in The Cape estate. With expansive views towards Wilsons Promontory to the east and Cape Woolamai to the west, Stage 4 provides future residents a piece of Cape Paterson heaven to call home. A diverse range of home sites are available - from 360 to 850 square meters and starting from $250k - so there are ample choices to create your ...idyllic sustainable home. All sites will have access to The Cape’s vast amounts of open space, walking and cycling paths to surf and swimming beaches, beautiful community infrastructure including community garden and orchard, fitness stations, wetlands, children's playground and the future café. For more info, head to The Cape website here: https://www.liveatthecape.com.au/ and reach out to the wonderful team at The Cape at [email protected] or (03) 7022 9790. Stunning photograph from The Cape, captured by Marnie Hawson

24.01.2022 Harking it back to 2017 and issue 50 of Dumbo Feather this Sunday morning, with Dave’s beautifully open and honest conversation about life, love, and conscious building, with Nathan Scolaro. We build homes that inspire and connect the inhabitant with nature. And really the idea is being able to subtly help people feel more present in their lives’cause having nature around you has some kind of unconscious impact. It opens up those questions of, Why are we here? Why am I l...ost? Why am I floating around like a feather? So the idea was to have a structure, which is a building or your cocoon, your nest, that you can go into a really supportive, beautiful environment that’s comfortable, warm, loving and connects with nature. If you’d like to purchase this issue, or any of the others in their incredible collection, head here: https://www.dumbofeather.com/product/issue-50/

23.01.2022 Measuring the impact of Cinerea House From the eTool Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) performed on our Cinerea House design, we were able to measure that over it’s lifespan, Cinerea House will emit 474 tonnes of CO2e less than average or standard buildings providing the same functionality. This is equivalent to 2,843 trees planted. Our strong intention at The Sociable Weaver has always been to design and build beautiful, healthy, sustainable homes that have a positive impact o...n people and the planet. Being eToolLCD trained assessors, and using LCA’s for each of our designs means that we’re able to quantify and measure all aspects of the environmental impacts of the home, identifying the hotspots that can be improved, and sharing this valuable info with our clients to help make informed decisions. We’re very proud of how our homes perform in comparison to Business as Usual (BAU) homes. We are not perfect, but we are committed to continuing to improve and reduce our impact on the climate in the built environment. To learn more, head to eTool’s website https://etoolglobal.com/

22.01.2022 It was fantastic tuning in to Sustainable House Day a couple of weekends ago! Among many of the great online sessions, a fave was Creating an Edible Oasis. We heard from a handful of wonderful gardeners across Australia, (including a cheeky visit from @costasworld in the chat). One particular theme that spoke to us was the idea of moving toward community-sufficiency as opposed to self-sufficiency. Of course, self-sufficiency is wonderful in many ways, but community-su...fficiency not only makes it possible to increase the scale of what can be grown, shared and enjoyed it allows for the creation of meaningful connections, and a fulfilling sense of community. We are not only interested in creating homes; we are interested in creating a new way of being one that inspires a richer, more meaningful experience for the inhabitant one that has a positive impact on the world we live in. Above is one of our first homes at The Cape, and the neighbour of The 10 Star, built for some very special friends of TSW

21.01.2022 Cosy mornings in The Bungalow, featuring the beautiful banksia by local Inverloch artist, @gewarburton. We believe beauty and the aesthetic world play a really powerful part in our experience as humans. Be it art, nature, or a home beauty has a way of inspiring and moving us. Captured by Marnie Hawson

21.01.2022 Introducing you to this new design that was signed off last week, located on Boon Wurrung country in Dromana, Victoria. Inviting in simplicity and encouraging connection to nature, this 125 small-footprint home maximises the 45 North sun angle with large corner windows in the double-height space. Looking forward to keeping you in the loop with the journey of this home! Photographs taken on a site visit a little while back by our Head of Design, Michael.

20.01.2022 The Bungalow and The 10 Star were featured in a realestate.com.au article this week, titled Get inspired by these sustainable dream homes, in great company with Mirage Homes. With a total floor space of 120 square metres [in The Bungalow], the small home allows for easy temperature regulation. Heating and cooling is achieved through an energy efficient combination of thermal mass, good insulation, solar power and cross ventilation. To read more about The Bungalow and The 10 Star, check out the article here: https://www.realestate.com.au//get-inspired-by-these-sus/

19.01.2022 Another look at this epic project we are currently bringing to life, designed by Richard Stampton of @richardstamptonarchitects. Current project on site in South-eastern Australia. Another dimension, new galaxy... BB... Photo by @arorygardiner as always Built by Martin Builders and @thesociableweaverhomes

19.01.2022 Environmental responsibility informs every decision we make, from our building materials to our building processes. This isn’t just about positively impacting the planet and increasing energy efficiency in our homes, it’s about connecting residents to nature, awakening their senses, and promoting a healthier, more balanced state of mind and wellbeing. If you’d like to get in touch about bringing your dream home to life, we’d love to hear from you. Reach out to [email protected], or fill out our contact form here: http://thesociableweaver.com.au/contact/ Golden light beauty on Boon Wurrung country at The Cape, captured by the wonderful Marnie Hawson

18.01.2022 We’re super pumped that Sustainable House Day is going ahead for 2020online style! The program is pretty outstanding and we think you’ll like what you see toohead to Sustainable House Day to check it out. Special mention to the Sustainable Design and Construction 10 - 10:55am session, which will be run by Live At The Cape’s Clint Hare. Until then, you can explore hundreds of epic sustainable homes across Australia, including The 10 Star and The Bungalow. To check them out, head here: https://linktr.ee/thesociableweaverhomes

18.01.2022 Project update at Banksia, a 9 star extension and retrofitted brick home located in Mt Martha on the Mornington Peninsula. Huge thanks to all of the legends involved with this one! Carpentry by EvoBuilt Brickwork by Willows Brick and Blocklaying Frames by Kure Truss & Frames... Windows by Regency Windows Recycled red bricks from Melbourne Brick See more

17.01.2022 A little phone capture of the outdoor shower and one of the two water tanks at Driftwood. This custom design and build is our first off-grid home, and one of our proud achievements of 2020! We are beyond excited to share the professional photos captured by the wonderful Holly @siystudio with you in the New Year!

15.01.2022 Some great progress at Saltbush, located on Boon Wurrung country in St Kilda Head to our Saltbush story highlight over on Instagram to watch the entire journey of this home so far.

14.01.2022 A glimpse from the most incredible site of a new design in it’s very early stages, on Taungurung country. This photograph was taken a while back when our Head of Design, Michael, went and camped on site to connect with, and understand the patterns and rhythms of this landscape as a way to inform the design of this home.

13.01.2022 Saltbush project update Some great progress at this forever home, which lays on Boon Wurrung country in St Kilda. Insulation and skylights have been installed, and bricklaying is nearly done! Shoutout to the legends at @brickcoconstructions who are doing a ripper job with these recycled red bricks! A south-facing heritage home, on a tight block in the inner city suburbs of Melbourne, the intention of Saltbush was to create the most practical, inspiring, and energy efficien...t home possible. The retrofit and extension allows us to retain as much of the existing home as possiblereducing waste, while paying homage to the history of the building, and ultimately, extending the life of this home by another 100 years. This is where it’s at for usdesigning and building in such a way that homes last closer to 100 years, as oppose to 10-20 years. See more

13.01.2022 Today and every day, we stand in solidarity with Australia’s First Nations peoples. There seems to be this fear that changing the date somehow takes something away from non-Aboriginal Australia. Yet in reality all that would be happening is that we would be moving forward together, with respect for the real history of our country and acknowledgment of the journey that brought Australia to where it is today. - Lesley Woodhouse, Darug Woman and Director of @wingaru_educa...tion

13.01.2022 Remember Belly House, designed by Jas Johnston of Ample Architecture and built by our construction arm, Martin Builders? We’re super pumped to share that works have begun on site! The site’s been cleared, prepared for the slab, hydronics have been put in, and the slab was poured last Friday! To learn more about the design of this stunning extension, head to Ample’s website here: http://amplearchitecture.com.au/belly-house ... Belly House is located on the lands of the Yaluk-ut Weelam Clan of the Boon Wurrung people, of the greater Kulin Nation, in Elwood, Victoria.

13.01.2022 Do you dream of building, retrofitting, or renovating your home? Sustainable House Day is happening online this Sunday 20th, with some incredible conversations taking place to help arm you with all the knowledge you need about sustainable housingfrom how to heat and cool your home naturally, to creating an edible oasis. Tune in to learn how sustainable homes are not only better for the environment, but cheaper to run and more comfortable to live in. To register to attend, head here: https://sustainablehouseday.com/register/ The 10 Star Home, designed in collaboration with Clare Cousins and captured by Dan Hocking, is featured on the Sustainable House Day website here: https://sustainablehouseday.com//the-10-star-home-the-soc/

12.01.2022 A Sunday check-in for those who need a moment to re-centre ~In this moment, how connected do I feel to nature? ~In this moment, how connected do I feel to my community? ~In this moment, how connected do I feel to my Self?... ~What is one small action I can take to feel even a little more connected? Photograph captured on Boon Wurrung/Bunurong country at Cape Paterson by @brihorne_

12.01.2022 A glimpse of the incredible landscape at our new completely off-grid, small-footprint project, Cinerea House. Our wonderful clients, pictured here with Reece, are on a mission to lessen their impact on the planet, while leading a joyful and nourishing life. Some words from them (@our.off.grid.life), below: Over the years we refined what was important to us and how we could address the great issue that is climate change. Living waste free, eating vegetarian, local and orga...nic food, changing to ethical banking and super, voting green were great ways to start, but we felt and learnt that the impact wasn’t significant. Living in a rental, we couldn’t decide much about the house we lived in and felt very frustrated with poor insulation and especially a lot of heat loss. It’s such a pleasure to work with such beautifully aligned clients, and to bring to life their off-grid dream home to help them move closer toward the truly nourishing and sustainable life they wish to lead. This is where it’s at! Cinerea House is located on the lands of the Gunaikurnai people, in Dollar, Victoria.

12.01.2022 What a pleasure it was working on Boonwurrung country on the Mornington Peninsula for this build, designed by Core Collective. These north-facing thermal-efficient windows span the entire north facade, allowing the inhabitants to connect with nature and enjoy the beautiful bay views of Dromana, while also contributing to the energy efficiency of the home. Photograph by Adam Gibson

11.01.2022 Project update at The Strait House, designed by Luke Middleton of @emedesign_melbourne, built by our build and construction arm, Martin Builders, and located at sustainable living estate, @liveatthecape. 0.58 air exchanges per hour and The Strait House is Passive House certified! We’re extremely close to handover head to our Instagram story to check out one of the final updates on this epic passive house build. The Strait House is located on Boon Wurrung / Bunurong Country.

11.01.2022 Project update at The Strait House, designed by Luke Middleton of EME Design, built by our build and construction arm, Martin Builders, and located on Boon Wurrung country at The Cape Eco Village. Here’s a look at the epic garage rooftop garden, along with some ocean views! Joinery by the great team at Leongatha Kitchens and Bathrooms will be finished next week, and we’re stoked with how this passive house is coming along!

09.01.2022 Rammed earth by @stabilearth looking great at this incredible project, designed by Richard Stampton of @richardstamptonarchitects and built by us. Site progress on a current house project in southeastern Australia for @petey_seidel Great work by @stabilearth and @thesociableweaverhomes

09.01.2022 Sharing some words by legends and fellow B Corp, Bank Australia, because, well, we couldn’t have said it better ourselves. Knowing what we know about the climate crisis, and what we want our collective future to look like, would it make sense to keep building the same types of homes we’ve always built? Or would it make more sense to start building better, brighter, more sustainable and more environmentally-sound houses that will last for generations? Future-focused des...ign and building company @thesociableweaverhomes certainly has an opinion on the matter. An absolute no-brainer. Who’s with us? For all of your responsible and planet-friendly banking and home loans, be sure to check out Bank Aust. https://www.bankaust.com.au/responsible-banking

09.01.2022 Blackwood House update Located on Wurundjeri country in Coburg, Victoria, Blackwood House is a modern take on a barn-style home. Demolition has been completed and construction is underway, with the slab being poured next week! We’re thrilled to be underway with this beautiful project, and can’t wait to bring you updates along the way. ... Design by our Head of Design, Michael Nowlan, Interior Design by our wonderful owner, Denise De Keyzer and Build by our build and construction arm, Martin Builders.

08.01.2022 The Flow Hive and Mossy Willow Farm workshops are back, and the first one is coming up on Saturday the 5th of December. This workshop will introduce you to the delight and fascination of beekeeping. You’ll learn the information you need to establish your beehive and give you the confidence to develop a true sense of connection with your bees. You’ll learn the skills required to manage your bees successfully throughout the seasons. Taking place at the wonderful Mossy Willo...w Farm on the Mornington Peninsula, you’ll be surrounded by the calming and nourishing energy of the farm as you learn. For those who don’t know, Flow Hive is the patented bee-hive invention of father and son duo Stuart and Cedar Anderson. Tried and tested by multi-generational beekeepers around the globe, Flow Hive have revolutionised the honey-extraction process. Where - Mossy Willow Farm 547 Main Creek Road, Main Ridge, Victoria When - 10:00am - 4:00pm, 5th of December 2020 Cost: $220 (including lunch and an issue of Dumbo Feather) For more info and to book, head here: https://events.humanitix.com/flow-hive-beekeeping-workshop-

08.01.2022 Well not quiiiite off-grid, but we’ll be offline and out of the office between the 25th of December and the 10th of Jan. We’ll be taking some time to connect with nature, ourselves and our loved ones You’ll still see posts from us but we won’t be responding to comments and messages until we’re back online from the 11th of Jan. ... We can’t wait to share more of our projects with you in the New Year including some that really are off grid! We hope you have a beautiful break! Sending lots of love from the entire Sociable Weaver team!

08.01.2022 Upstairs bathroom in The Bungalow, with tiles by @elegancetiles, tapware by @abiinteriors and handmade concrete sink by @newformconcreting. The Bungalow lies on Boon Wurrung/Bunurong land at sustainable estate, @liveatthecape. Stage 4 sales launched last week and 50% of lots are already sold! If you’re interested in joining the @liveatthecape community, reach out to @liveatthecape. Photograph by @marniehawson

07.01.2022 Did you see our post last week about Measuring our Impact with eTool? For every home we design, we now perform an eTool Life Cycle Design Assessment. This allows us to measure the design embodied carbon, and the design operational carbon (kgCO2e per year per occupant) of each home we design. The design embodied carbon refers to the total CO2 emissions of the materials used to build the home.... The design operational carbon refers to the estimated CO2 emissions created over the entire life span of the home. We’re very proud of how our homes perform in comparison to Business as Usual (BAU) homes. There is still room for improvement, and we are committed to continuing to improve and reduce our impact on the climate in the built environment. To learn more about eTool, head to their website here: https://etoolglobal.com/

07.01.2022 Project update at The Strait House, designed by Luke Middleton of eme design pty ltd, and built by our build and construction arm, Martin Builders. Intello internal wrap from Pro Clima Australia is in, and the triple glazed windows from #Logikhaus are in too! Designed and built to the highest possible Passive House standards, The Strait House has outstanding energy efficiency, thermal comfort and indoor air quality. Martin Builders is a B Corp Certified business, certified Passive House builder and certified Master Green Builder. To learn more or to get in touch about an upcoming project, head here: https://www.martinbuilders.com.au/

06.01.2022 How are you connecting to Mother Earth today? This is the incredible landscape where off-grid home, Cinerea House, will lay on the land of the Gunaikurnai people. Our wonderful clients, @our.off.grid.life captured this photo late last year after not having been able to visit the site for five months.

06.01.2022 Bunya House update It’s been a minute since we’ve shown you where Bunya House is at! Here’s a glimpse at the progress of this beautiful, inner-city heritage extension. To take a more detailed look at how this project is coming along, head to our Instagram story.

03.01.2022 A huge congrats to Bank Australia for becoming a fellow B Corporation! Banks becoming B Corps is a good time! And while we’re on the topic of Bank Aus, have you heard about their Clean Energy Home Loan? It means if you’re buying or building a NatHERS rated 7 Star or higher home, or planning sustainable upgrades, you could be eligible for a discount off your interest rate for up to five years. Super exciting stuff. Here’s our 10 Star Home, designed in collaboration with Clare Cousins, and captured in all it’s glory by Dan Hocking. Find out more about Bank Australia’s Clean Energy Home Loan by heading here: https://www.bankaust.com.au//home-l/clean-energy-home-loan

03.01.2022 We were so stoked with how much love and thought went into your responses with our last which design do you prefer, so, we’re doing another! Do you prefer design 1, 2, or 3? We’ve added in a little North arrow too if you’d like to consider orientation. This design is for a beautiful site on Wurundjeri country in the Dandenong Ranges.

03.01.2022 You know the drill folks, which design do you feel would support you the most in living your best life? Option 1, 2, or 3? Designs by our Head of Design, Michael Nowlan, for a home that will lay on the lands of the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung people of the greater Kulin Nation, in Footscray, Victoria. The design has just been signed off and construction docs have begun!

02.01.2022 The team have been busy bees all year, especially in this final chapter of the year! Here is one last project update for 2020, from Saltbush. Huge thanks to all the legends working on this one!

02.01.2022 This is a little glimpse into The Commons Hobart, the epic seven-storey, 30-home project, brought to life by our sister company, Small Giants Developments. The Commons is a carbon positive building that is much more than an apartment blockit is a community of people wanting to live more meaningfully with each other and the natural world. To learn more, head to the link below. https://www.smallgiantsdevelopments.com.au/the-commons-hoba

01.01.2022 Saltbush project update Thanks to our wonderful clients for the pics of their forever home which lays on Boon Wurrung country in St Kilda. A south-facing heritage home, on a tight block in the inner city suburbs of Melbourne, the intention of Saltbush was to create the most practical, inspiring, and energy efficient home possible. The retrofit and extension allows us to retain as much of the existing home as possible reducing waste, while paying homage to the history of the building, and ultimately, extending the life of this home by another 100 years. This is where it’s at for us designing and building in such a way that homes last closer to 100 years, as opposed to 10-20 years.