Your Questions Answered
Library of Thoughts
Featured Articles
What is a Developer Masterplan Report?
Building on the success of our Home Masterplan Report, we’re introducing a new service for our developer clients - the Developer Masterplan Report for projects from 2-6 dwellings.
Unravelling Home Electrical Planning
In an era of exponential technological growth, designing a home that seamlessly integrates the latest advancements while embracing sustainability is more crucial than ever. As technology evolves rapidly, future-proofing your home becomes essential.
Navigating Silica Content in Construction
With the rise of silicosis awareness in the industry, Whisker Architecture has reviewed our specification practices for benchtop materials.
The Vital Role of Architectural Expertise in Crafting Your Dream Home
Why Choose an Architect Over a Custom Design-and-Construct Builder for Your Dream Home?
2023 Victorian Housing Statement : Impacts & Assessments
The "2023 Victorian Housing Statement: Impacts" event by APDA unpacks the governments ambitious plan for Victoria's housing crisis.
Our Favourite Architecture Podcasts
Because we’re archi-nerds, some of our followers are fellow archi-nerds in the industry, and some of our clients nerd out with us about architecture too. The focusses of these podcasts are business, design, technology, but most of all - architecture and design.
Timber vs Steel Studwork in Residential Construction
The selection of building materials in residential construction plays a crucial role in determining the overall sustainability and performance of a building. Timber and steel are commonly used materials for studwork systems. This article aims to compare the environmental impact, energy efficiency, acoustic performance, and ease of construction of timber and steel studwork in residential construction, considering their life cycle assessments and performance characteristics.
Architect or Building Designer: Understanding the Professional Service Differences for Your Forever Home
When deciding between an architect and a building designer for your building or renovation project, there are several factors to consider. Ultimately, clients should match their values and priorities to the services provided by architects or building designers.
Unlocking the Secrets of Outbuildings, Garden Sheds, Dependent Person's Units, and Secondary Dwellings
When it comes to expanding or enhancing our properties, we often envision adding functional and versatile spaces like outbuildings, garden sheds, dependent person's units, or secondary dwellings.
Value of Architecture: A Financial No-brainer
Architecture is more than just designing and building structures. It brings value to clients in various ways that go beyond aesthetics. From capital gains to operational savings and improved physical and mental health outcomes, hiring an architect can be a wise investment.
Carbon Neutral vs Passive House
As architects and designers, we have a responsibility to create buildings that not only meet the functional needs of the occupants but also have a positive impact on the environment. One way to achieve this is by implementing high performance building design strategies in our projects.
Designing for Learning: Learning and Cognitive Styles
In the age of digital learning, it is important to understand how the cognitive styles of thinking of students impact the architecture and interior design of learning spaces. Visual, spatial, and verbal learning styles are three distinct cognitive styles that have a significant effect on the way a student learns and interacts with their environment.
Designing for Learning: Defining the Pedagogical Vision
Pedagogy, or the method and practice of teaching, is a vital component of any educational institution. A school's pedagogical vision refers to the overarching philosophy and approach to teaching and learning that guides its educational practices.
From the Archives: A Manifesto
The following is a written copy of an architectural manifesto written by Audrey Whisker when she was a master’s student at Melbourne University. This was a very tactile and visual book which has been transcribed here as an interesting look back at the archives to understand the seeds of where we came from as a firm.
Squared Away: Understanding Areas in Buildings
It’s hip to be square. But are we measuring area using Square Meters (m2/sqm), Meters Squared, Squares, or Square Feet?
If you’ve ever found yourself in a confusing conversation about how many “squares” a house is only to realise you’re talking about square meters and the person you’re talking to is speaking about some hitherto unknown (by you) dimensioning system called a “square” then this article is for you - and my younger self.
Flooring Finishes Unpacked
When it comes to choosing flooring materials, there are several factors to consider. These include durability, maintenance, cost, and aesthetics. Ultimately, the best flooring material will depend on the specific needs and preferences of the homeowner.
So which is right for you?
Designing for Learning: School Building Planning
School building design is an important factor in creating a functional and effective learning environment for students. A well-designed school building can improve student performance, reduce distractions, and create a sense of community and belonging.
Designing for Learning: School Campus Planning
School campus masterplanning requires careful consideration of educational goals, site constraints, and community needs. It is important to prioritize accessibility, consider different groups, incorporate technology, and foster a sense of community. Safety and Dunbar's number should be taken into account when designing the campus, while green infrastructure, energy efficiency, materials, and transportation can help create a sustainable campus.
The Power of Storytelling in Architecture: How Narrative Can Create Meaningful Spaces
“Regeneration - new life made possible through the destructive power of fire - inspired this design. It’s relevant to this site on several levels.”
— Audrey Whisker, Principal Architect
How big is big enough?
As an architect, designing efficient buildings is a crucial skill. This involves considering energy consumption, materials and construction techniques, and the needs of its occupants. By taking all of these factors into account, architects can create buildings that are energy-efficient, sustainable, comfortable, and enjoyable to be in.
Ask us.
Can’t find the answer to your question? Ask it here and we’ll write a blog post on the topic.
We should all be so lucky to age in a society that allows us to age gracefully.
Designing for inclusion is one way we hope to leave the world better.