Design Studio
Design Build.
Design Build Vol. 1 - So, you want to build...
Have you been thinking, scheming or imagining your ideal home? Maybe it’s the one you already live in, but different. A wall removed here, some windows added there, perhaps a new kitchen or bathroom. I often hear that clients struggle to know how to begin the journey of designing and eventually building a new home, but if this sounds familiar, then take a moment to realise that you have already begun.Every project begins with an idea, a problem or series of problems: Not enough space for a growing family, or too much space after the kids have fled the nest. An ageing, mouldy, thermally uncomfortable home or perhaps you bought a ‘doer-upper’ and never quite got around to the doing up part. The above informs your primary brief which can be divided into three parts. What are the problems that need to be solved? What are the opportunities that need to be taken advantage of? What are the design solutions that you have already come up with that address the problems and opportunities? With the brief established, you’ll need to find a builder and get cracking, right? Engaging with a builder early on can be advantageous, but there are a few necessary steps in between this point and construction.The engagement of a skilled building designer or Architect can add a huge amount of value to your project. Their job is to interpret your brief within the context of an increasingly regulated set of systems that determine what and how you can build, in order to deliver a great built outcome. Your project deserves plans that have been through a robust design process, and as lead consultant, the designer is tasked, amongst other things, with finding solutions to the problems you didn’t know existed but would otherwise roadblock the project.Engaging a designer may not be where your project began, but it could certainly be the catalyst for it moving from the realm of ideas into something more tangible.
Design Build Vol. 2 - Design Process
You may be about to spend more money on a building project than you have ever seen. Given that, it's only fair to say you’re heavily invested in achieving the best outcome. To execute the ideal build, you need a design process that’s been tested and refined. But what exactly is a design process, and how does it apply to architecture?A design process involves a series of interconnected lenses to analyse and break down a project into its components. The beauty of design is that everyone has a unique process, leading to different outcomes. My process can be categorised into three lenses: context, character, and cost.
Context is both broad and specific, physical and abstract. A project must respond to its immediate physical context—topography, climate—while also aligning with local, state, and national building regulations and the surrounding neighbourhood.Character is about intent: addressing the brief and creating something functional yet beautiful. It considers how materials influence space and how spatial relationships impact people. While the results of character are often hard to quantify, they’re clear in the experience of the space—how it feels when you're in it.Cost is often the elephant in the room, but it’s essential to getting the project built. Every design decision has cost implications, and understanding whether short-term savings could lead to long-term issues is crucial. Clients often want it all but lack the resources to afford everything. This is natural, as we all want value from our investment. However, understanding the true cost of building is key to designing within your means. Clients frequently over capitalise on floor area and sacrifice character as a result. It’s worth considering: would you prefer a modest size home, finished to your liking or a larger space that falls short of expectations?Paradoxically, I’ve divided a cohesive process into three parts which could easily lead to a misunderstanding that each can be understood or practiced in isolation, when in fact, each has to be understood in relation to each other. Context influences character—how a project looks and feels is shaped by both its environment and the client’s vision. Character impacts cost—nothing is free, and design choices affect the budget. Cost, in turn, impacts context—how resources are allocated can change the surrounding environment. This cycle continues throughout the design process.Your project is too important to leave key decisions to chance. Strive for the best solution, not just the easiest one.
As published in Mid North Coast Arts Guide Dec 2024
Design Build Vol. 3 - Approvals
At some point we have all heard the term “submit to council” in relation to a building project, but what does that mean? What are we submitting, who are we submitting to and at what stage during a design process does this need to happen? The approval process ensures that local and state and federal government objectives are met through compliance within any given project. It’s easy to get disheartened about so many rules and regulations, but understanding this framework as a set of boundaries to work within enables a design process to flow rather than to roadblock.Typically, submissions require architectural drawings, consultant reports, title information, and a survey. Approval submissions fall into three categories:1. Complying Development Certificates (CDC): For simple projects, like houses on uncomplicated sites or small additions such as pergolas and decks. Projects must meet specific guidelines regarding factors like floor area, building height, and proximity to boundaries. A CDC can be approved through the council or a private certifier.2. Development Applications (DA): For more complex projects, including those outside CDC guidelines. A DA ensures the proposal meets local government goals, such as effect on infrastructure, your neighbours and the broader community. Drawings should include external materials, window locations, building heights, and service connections. DAs are approved by the council’s planning department but may escalate to the state planning office for larger projects.3. Construction Certificate (CC): After a DA is approved, a CC ensures the proposal meets the National Construction Code (NCC) for safety, structural integrity, and compliance with building standards. A CC can be obtained through the council or privately.A fourth category, exempt development, exists for minor works that require no approval but are narrow in scope. A full list of exempt and complying developments can be found within the State Environmental Planning Policy: Exempt and Complying Development Codes 2008.Your local council planning officer will help you understand the best development pathway for your project, but your local Building Designer or Architect will do the heavy lifting to get you there!
As published in Mid North Coast Arts Guide Feb 2025
Passive House (PassivHaus)
The Passive House (PassivHaus) standard is gaining popularity in Australia, and we believe it’s an ideal fit for homes in Bellingen and the Mid North Coast of NSW. This model focuses on creating a building that delivers year-round thermal comfort, low energy use, and a healthy indoor environment. If you’ve been dealing with issues like mould or uncomfortable living conditions, a Passive House could be the perfect solution.At its core, the Passive House design approach treats your home as a system, ensuring that every element works together to reduce energy consumption and maximize comfort. One of the key benefits of this model is its attention to detail, resulting in high-quality, durable builds that stand the test of time. As registered Passivhaus Designers and members of the Australian PassivHaus Association, we collaborate with skilled local builders and certified PassivHaus experts to ensure your home meets the highest standards of sustainability and performance.Ready to start your Passive House project? Let’s discuss how we can help you create an energy-efficient, healthy, and comfortable home today.
Passive Solar & Sustainable Design
We utilise elements of passive solar and sustainable design to create homes that are energy-efficient and environmentally friendly. Our site-responsive designs take advantage of the natural elements of your property to optimize passive heating and cooling, reducing your reliance on artificial climate control.We incorporate thermal mass to regulate indoor temperatures, providing year-round comfort and lowering energy costs. With a focus on natural light, we ensure your home stays bright and inviting without consuming excess electricity. Our use of sustainable materials, such as locally sourced timber, stone, and eco-friendly finishes, help minimize the environmental impact of your build. Whether you’re building in Bellingen or elsewhere on the Mid North Coast, our goal is to design homes that blend seamlessly with the landscape and provide long-term value for both you and the planet.
Drafting Services
Our drafting services are focused on creating accurate and detailed documentation of existing conditions. We provide comprehensive 2D and 3D drawings that capture the current state of your property to ensure all aspects are accounted for in your project.This includes precise measurements, site analysis, and documentation of any existing structures, utilities, and topography. We also assist in obtaining building information certificates, ensuring your property complies with local regulations. Our goal is to help streamline the construction process by providing clear, reliable information that can be used in planning and approvals. Whether you’re undertaking a renovation or planning a new build in the Mid North Coast region, our drafting services provide a solid foundation for your project.
Development Applications
We support you through the complex process of development applications, ensuring your project moves forward smoothly.From start to finish, we offer a full design service and prepare comprehensive drawing packages that meet council requirements. We have extensive experience liaising with local consultants and council officers in Bellingen and surrounding areas, ensuring your project aligns with local zoning laws and building codes. Our goal is to help you navigate council approvals with ease, addressing any concerns along the way, so you can focus on bringing your vision to life.
Natural Building
We’re passionate about natural building techniques and incorporate them into our projects to create sustainable, energy-efficient homes that have a unique, organic character.From rammed earth to straw bale and light earth, we work with a variety of materials that are both environmentally friendly and aesthetically beautiful. We also use hempcrete, a natural, lightweight material known for its excellent thermal insulation and low environmental impact. Additionally, lime render and mud brick offer great thermal mass and durability, creating a comfortable indoor environment with minimal energy consumption.Whether you’re building in Bellingen or anywhere on the Mid North Coast, our natural building designs are tailored to create homes that are in harmony with the environment and provide long-term benefits to both the planet and your well-being.
Healthy Homes
We view health holistically and believe that a home should be an integral part of your well-being. In our designs, homes are treated as a system that supports your physical, mental, and environmental health. We focus on creating spaces that optimize indoor air quality, reduce toxins, and promote a healthier living environment. By incorporating low EMF design, we minimize exposure to electromagnetic fields, creating a space that supports better rest and overall health.We also prioritize mould resistance, selecting materials and implementing design elements that enhance airflow and moisture control, helping you avoid common health issues caused by damp, unhealthy living spaces. Our use of natural materials, such as timber and clay, not only creates a beautiful, calming atmosphere but also helps regulate humidity and improve indoor air quality.As a Mid North Coast building designer with a focus on sustainability, we are committed to creating homes in Bellingen and the surrounding areas that support a holistic lifestyle. With every project, we aim to design homes that foster well-being, comfort, and a deeper connection to the natural environment.
Services
Who We Are.
Our names are Josh and Annika Batterton and we are a young, vibrant team of two who make up Grounded Works Design Studio in Bellingen.We love working with local builders and clients who are interested in projects that place emphasis on quality. Our belief is that quality outcomes are achieved as a result of the relationships that we build with our clients and contractors.
What We Do.
We offer building design services and specialise in Passive Solar and Passive House Design.Our practice is centered around transparency, buildability, design & build quality, simplicity and attention to detail.We value the individual skill sets within a project that contribute to a greater whole. The outcomes that we produce facilitate the grounding of life, health, community, relationships and place.
Process.
The projects that we carry out are done with an understanding that our process is as important as outcome. We are passionate about producing an architecture that sets the foundation for relationships to evolve beyond the built project.
Material.
Quality builds are a product of considered design, high quality building materials and good craftsmanship. We are passionate about natural building methods, materials gathered from site and working with contractors to realise a projects potential.
Relationship.
We want a legacy of connected people who are able to share knowledge, build community and develop relationships beyond built work.
Place.
Our focus is on localising the building industry, self reliance and community resilience. Connection to the natural world leads to being grounded in home, life, community and place.Each project has its own characteristics, qualities and possibilities. Through our process we turn constraints into opportunities that celebrate the uniqueness of the site.
As published in Mid North Coast Arts Guide Aug 2024
Get In Touch.
We are always interested in connecting with new people.Whether you're a builder or contractor yourself, have some work that you'd like to engage us for or if you're wanting to connect in another way please get in touch.
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| 0432 26 2 704 | [email protected] |
We prioritise human connection above all else which is why you won't find Grounded Works on Instagram of Facebook. Please feel free to begin a real conversation with us anytime. We'd love to hear from you.
Testimonials.
Josh was great to work with, really on point and great communication, I’d recommend Grounded Works for any size project.Sam H.
We had a great experience with Josh. He supported us to design a shed renovation. His visuals allowed us to get crystal clear on the design and we are thrilled with the outcome. Josh listened, offered suggestions and adjusted our design efficiently and professionally.Hannah P.
Josh has been great to work with on the planning and submission of our veranda extension.Todd A.
Anglesea Passiv Haus
This Passiv Haus project is located on the Great Ocean Road in Victoria and was completed in 2023 when working at Studio B Architects. The plan responds to its context by creating a private courtyard adjacent to the main road and maximising solar gain. The project is BAL 29 rated and designed as a Passiv Haus.
Publicity
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