1. Z
E
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A
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i
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Leading
the way
for a
sustainable
future
Australian
Design
Museum

2. Zen Architects was established in
1989 by Riccardo Zen. The Melbourne-based
firm is committed to innovative
sustainable architecture.
Zen Architects is a commited group which produces
sustainable architecture through the innovative application of
established principles of ecologically sustainable design.
Their expertise in natural heating and cooling, sustainable materials and
water conservation maximises the environmental performance of their buildings
whilst informing a unique architectural aesthetic.
Zen Architects was shortlisted for Commercial
Architecture at the 2013 AIA Victorian
Architecture Awards for Carlton
Graphic Design Studios.
How can you recognise
sustainable design? What
is it? What features does it have? Sustainable
design can be found by designers, architects,
students, and artists everywhere.
Sustainable design is generally characterised by the reduction
of green house gasses emmited and energy consumption lowered.
A more sustainable building, the less it relies on external resources
to fuel itself inorder to be inhabitable. By being self conservent, this usually
provides a eco footprint as it will generate less harful gasses and pollution into
the atmosphere.
Sustainability has a wide range of measures which usually include aspects such as
- Water conservation (catches and recycles it own water)
- Energy efficient (measures taken to use less power)
- Gas efficient
- eco friendly (many places have their own eco systems to
provide leasure, leisure, tranquility and sustinability
Located in North Fitzroy, Zen Architects
not only aim to achieve a new edge cutting
and visual pleasing appearance, but also
aim to provide a high ZEN, charming and
tranquil ambience to accompanying their
designs.
These are goals Zen
Architects are working
to achieve and are the
primary reason they are
a great role model to
students and other archi-
tects.
Sustainable and innovative
contemporary architecture
What is
sustainable design?

3. Sust
ainablede
sign.Ze
nArchite
cts .
Services Include.
Residential, community, government,
and commercial projects
In-house Ecologically Sustainable
Design service
Accredited First Rate and AccuRate
house energy ratings
Accredited Green Star professional
available for relevant projects
The proposed L-shaped floor plan
creates a north-facing side yard
oriented for food production whilst
providing solar gain to the house. Liv-
ing rooms open up onto this productive
garden facilitating daily interaction with
the environment.
The curved form of the building is designed to
allow optimal light penetration into the proposed
building whilst minimizing overshadowing impact
on neighbouring properties. The wet areas are grouped
together for efficiency of plumbing runs.
Flexibility is built into the floor plan to enhance the
sustainability over the lifetime of the house. The
reinterpreted ‘bungalow’ can be used differ-
ently seasonally, as a conservatory for
food production in winter or an
independent living / guest
unit in warmer months.
Superior
DesignZen Architecture are a firm to look up to as the
not only lead the way in sustainability, but also
have attractive, cutting edge designs, built to
work.
The structures are very innotavite, creative, logi-
cal and visually appealing. Zen gardens do not
fail to use flora to create a tranquil atmosphere
and vibe of the building.

4. Zen Architects create
success and acomplish-
ment as they are willing
to step out of the bound-
ries.
To the left is a split im-
age displayed, portray-
ing the effective use of
Zen gardens orange
walls with surrounding
flora.
They achieve this
through the use of
plantation, exterior/
interior design and by
making their designs
as eco friendly as pos-
sible.
If you were to hold
the future in your
hands, what would
you do to secure it?
Zen Architects are working to make a better future by leading the way in sus-
tainability. Some practices include
Making the buildings more energy efficient through passive solar design and
harnessing the worlds natural resources to decrese pollution, Utilising pas-
sive solar design and decreasing use of artifical heating and cooling, reduc-
ing water consumption to ensure that ecosystems such as rivers, parks and
wildlife remain healthy, while not compromising the water supply of future
generations.
Building Design respects and enhance their natural environment, while con-
necting the occupants with the landscape. using building materials that make
a positive contribution to the health of the occupant while having minimal
impact on the environment. increasing social capital through the design of
buildings that encourage creation of community and are imbued with the
spirit of equality.
Zen Architects Goal

5. ZEN
Architects
135 St Georges Road
North Fitzroy
Victoria 3068
ph (03) 9482 3504
fax (03) 9482 3514
email
info@zenarchitects.com
Energy Efficient
Passive Solar Design
Water Conservation
Ecological & Landscape
Sustainable Materials
Social Sustainability