Working with prefabricated or off-site manufacturing solutions allows our clients the benefit of an efficient design and documentation process, and provides cost insight to mitigate issues of an escalating and unpredictable construction market.
Almost all of our projects are designed with prefabricated manufacturing processes in mind, revolutionising the design and construction of homes by delivering substantial time savings. Having now designed our own proprietary panelised system, we can determine how, and in what capacity, a suite of construction products can benefit and add value to each specific project.
Panelisation and prefabrication offer the highest structural and environmental performance, and along with clever design ensures that your home reduces post-occupancy power consumption, remaining cool during summer and retaining heat in the winter.
We deliver unique, site and brief responsive design, with speed and cost transparency.
Archier is an architectural practice that focuses on making spaces where people can grow and live better together, while also connecting with the environment they are a part of. As a practice, we became frustrated observing how technology was improving efficiencies for many other industries, all while the construction industry was seemingly becoming slower and less efficient. From soaring prices to opaque processes, building great homes has become significantly harder over time. As a response to this, we adapted our process into an expedited service that delivers buildings that are well-crafted, sustainable and healthy to live in – all while embracing our overarching practice ethos, and without compromising our usual high level of client collaboration.
This also means our fees are extremely competitive.
Speed
Architecture delivered by an award winning practice in a fraction of the usual time.
Performance
Our own world class Passive Haus certified facade system offers floor-to-ceiling glass; the façade cassettes are structural, thermally broken and can accommodate triple glazing if required.
Sustainability
We specify local timber sourced from PEFC-certified, regrowth forests. Offers a reduction in steel without compromising structural integrity. Offsite manufacturing and assembly further reduce the significant waste of traditional onsite construction.
Elegance
Championing timber, our work exposes and embraces the beauty of and within each structure.
Unrivalled design flexibility
A fully architectural solution: forms to suit all clients, contexts, and climates. Freedom from fixed modules or preset layouts, enabling a broader spectrum of architectural expression. We elevate prefabrication to a new level of refinement.
Material versatility
Clad and finish buildings with almost any material desired. Break free from the common aesthetic of modular prefabrication, embracing a wide range of architectural styles.
Enhanced project predictability
Better management of project schedules and budgets through a streamlined, predictable construction process. An intuitive, simplified and clear process between architect and client.
Foresight and budget management – avoid cost blowouts with our early works pricing tools providing accurate price estimates during design.
We have consolidated a decade of project experience and learned lessons from our multi award-winning residential and commercial projects, into a streamlined design service that aims to get our clients on site as quickly as possible, in order to avoid unnecessary cost increases due to market inflation.
This refined methodology delivers unmatched predictability and architectural outcomes, underpinned by a strong commitment to environmental sustainability. Our PassiveHaus certified facade system is a cornerstone of this approach, enabling floor-to-ceiling glass, thermally broken facades, and the option for triple glazing.
This innovation not only elevates each project, but also resonates with our endeavour for environmental consciousness in every design. We provide a robust structural frame, empowering you to clad and finish your buildings with almost any material, perfectly aligning with your architectural vision.
The built outcome exceeds all other Australian prefabricated, lightweight or modular solutions in performance, structural integrity and aesthetic, and provides unprecedented market value.
How long does the process take?
Our typical design program is now delivered within 7-9 months (although we can move faster if you wish!)
We prefer to appoint a builder to the project at the very beginning, which confirms their availability, holds a space for your build and allows them to participate in cost oversight as the design progresses.
Who are your builders?
We work with top master builders, often with whom we have long standing professional relationships, but as we widen our service areas, we’re introducing new builders to the system all the time.
Will my home be energy efficient?
Of course, in line with the NCC every one of our homes will achieve a minimum 7 star rating, and each home is assessed and certified by an external sustainability consultant.
Thermal performance, integrity and sustainability is critical to all of our work, and every one of our project is designed with PassiveHaus principles.
What are your fees?
Our fees are always fixed, and not calculated as a percentage of the final contract price. They are based on the area of a dwelling (determined through a concept feasibility study), and tend to fall between 5-7% of the budget/contract price – significantly lower than standard residential market architectural fees.
Generally speaking, your land survey, geotechnical soil report, bushfire rating, structural engineer, energy assessment and building surveyor will total ~25k.
Some sites may require additional consultants, such as sites that do not connect to town water or sewer, or with multiple/competing planning overlays.
Where are the panels made?
Our sister entity, Candour, produces all the panels required for each individual project in their manufacturing facility in Melbourne. We also work with other local prefabrication suppliers based in Australia.
Can you work with BAL40 or FZ sites?
Yes, we have extensive experience working with BAL40 and FZ sites, as well as large sites with dual ratings. We liaise with our bushfire consultant and the local CFA for approval of the overall plan, which is a Council requirement.
Do you work with prefabricated elements for renovations as well as just new builds?
Absolutely. We are happy to explore and advise on additions and extensions specific to your individual project.
Can we work together if I’m not in Melbourne?
We’re proficient in managing projects remotely. We will always undertake a site visit, and meet you in person then to discuss the brief and your aspirations in more detail as well as the specific location and orientation of the future dwelling.
All subsequent meetings are just as successful by Zoom, it’s your preference to visit our Melbourne studio.
Can I subdivide my land through this process?
Yes, this can be done through the Council planning process, supported by an external planner.
We are currently working with clients in all Australian states, and are happy to discuss international projects.
If you have a project you’d like to discuss with us, please provide your details via the enquiry form below.