PETER BUI (16653)

TABLE OF CONTENTS
DESIGN SITUATION ...................................... ...1
DESIGN BRIEF ........................................ ...1
INITIAL CONCEPTS ...................................... ...2 - 6
-PRELIMINARY SKETCHES .......................... ...2
-CONCEPTIONAL FEATURES ....................... ...3
-CONCEPT CREATION....4 - 5
-CONCEPT ONE....................................................................................4
-CONCEPT TWO.5
-CONCEPT SELECTION...6
RESEARCH ................................................. 7 - 8
-ADRIAN SMITH ........................................ 7
-IDEAL AREA ............................................. 8
INITIAL IDEAS .............................................. 9
PLANNING................................................... 10 - 12
-CHANGE OF DESIGN..11
-HOUSE DIMENSIONS .11
-SCALE SELECTION...................12
-SCALED DIMENSIONS...............12
PRODUCTION PROCESS ............................... .13 - 22
-GATHERING OF GOODS.....13 - 14
-MODEL CREATION..15 - 20
-ATTACHING FEATURES.21 22
TASK EVALUATION ..................................... 23
EQUIPMENT USED... 24
MATERIALS USED.....25
GANTT CHART ............................................ 26
BIBLIOGRAPHY ........................................... 27

PETER BUI (16653)

DESIGN SITUATION
Australia is a nation of constant growth within the fields of technology, agriculture and
economics. Not only are these factors of civilisation significant, Australia is also
acknowledged as one of the most preeminent countries in terms of environment and
sustainability. This is an outstanding account of recognition and should be a further
existing title for Australia in the future. But as this nation develops for the better the
negatives of problems are in equilibrium. For instance, with the great rise of population
this results in the higher demand of housing properties, meaning more land across the
nation is sacrificed in order for construction. This is indeed an environmental issue and
should be deeply considered but realistically there is no such solution. But including
various features that can contribute positively to the environment is an idea that can
contribute well.

DESIGN BRIEF
For this assessment task, the main aim was to create an environmental design within a
chosen structural field. For me, I chose the field of housing properties as of today,
housing is indeed a significant influence among Australians. Throughout this task there
were numerous steps to accomplish ranging from initial conceptional designs, research,
sketches and finally the final model design. In addition, the final solution provides an
efficient purpose acting upon both the house buyer and most importantly the
environment.

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PETER BUI (16653)

INITIAL CONCEPTS
PRELIMINARY SKETCHES
Before the creation of my conceptional designs, ideas were gained throughout various
preliminary sketches. These sketches were considered and focused towards both design
and contributions to the environment.

Preliminary Sketches: Initial hand drawn house designs that inspired the concept creation.
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PETER BUI (16653)

CONCEPTIONAL FEATURES
With various ideas and thoughts gained throughout the preliminary sketches, I went on
to the next step of creating a list of environmental/sustainable features. Below states
the various features and their significance to the design.
FEATURE:
Geothermal Heat Pump

ZEN Solar Panels

In-Built Ducted House

In-built insulation

Double-Glazed Windows

PURPOSE:
No costs determined by gas and oil prices.
Provides savings on both heating and cooling.
Renewable Energy Source (cannot run out of solar
energy).
Both environmentally friendly and sustainable (does
not cause pollution).
Reduces electricity costs.
Used for a great range of applications.

Composters

Hot Water Heated by Solar Power

Micro Wind Turbine

Discreet and hidden.

Quiet in use.
Maintains a significant temperature for a house.
Maintains a healthy home and interior temperature.
Comfortability (keeps home temperature at a stable
rate).
Drastically cuts noise pollution (aircraft, traffic).
Lower Energy bills.
Secure against burglaries.
Significant protection from UV rays.
Great way to recycle items that would normally end
up in the garbage.
A significant benefit for the environment (helps clean
soil and prevent pollution).
Free energy of the sun to heat water.
Lower electric bills.

A renewable green energy source and does not cause

pollution.
Operation costs are low.
Efficient way to recycle rain water.

Rain Gutters

Water Tank

Stores rain water which could be used for various

applications such as watering the garden.
Protects and nourishes walls.

Solvent Free Paints

LED Lighting

Sustainable Wooden Flooring

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Long lifespan.
Ecologically friendly (consists of non-toxic chemicals).
Significant durability (instant lighting).
0% of UV emissions.
Operational in both extremely cold and hot
temperatures.
Low voltage.
Durable and resilient.
Easier to repair compared to tiles.

PETER BUI (16653)

CONCEPT CREATION
With the finalisation of ideas and designs, I commenced the next step of concept
creation. For this procedure Google SketchUp was used.

CONCEPT ONE
For this concept, I decided to create a house which would be big in both length and
width. The main aim for this design was to create a home ideally for families. The design
consisted of multiple bedrooms, bathrooms and an overall large interior. In addition,
this concept includes the features stated previously.
Concept One House Plan:
3x Bedrooms
2x Bathrooms
2x Balconies
1x Kitchen
2x Lounge Rooms
1x Dining Area

1x 2-Car Garage
1x Ensuite
1x Staircase
1x Laundry Room
1x Walk-In Wardrobe
1x Singular Toilet Room
1x Backyard

Concept One Final Appearance:

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PETER BUI (16653)

CONCEPT TWO
For my second concept, I aimed to create a property that would suit those who are
couples or have a small family. This concept is much smaller compared to the previous
one but would most definitely be cheaper in costs. In addition, this concept includes the
features previously stated.
Concept Two House Plan:

2x Bedroom
2x Bathroom
1x Laundry Room
1x Kitchen
1x Dining Area
1x Staircase
1x 2-Car Garage

Concept Two Final Appearance:

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PETER BUI (16653)

CONCEPT SELECTION
With the completion of the concept designs, it was now time to decide which concept
would be ideal for the final model. After various discussions with peers and teachers, I
found that concept two would be a suitable choice.
Concept Two

Why did I choose this concept?

In comparison to concept one, visually, concept two looks more appealing in design.
With this second concept, it brings a modern sensation of appearance with the fusion
of calm brown colours among sustainable materials. The overall square shape of the
design is another modernistic aspect I deeply admire and it provides its relevance to
houses today. The inclusion of right angled windows was also intriguing, creating a
unique exterior design whereas the non-extensive amount of rooms produces a friendly
and open environment. In terms of environmental design, the way how all features
incorporate with the house was outstanding to observe as safety was maximised for the
buyer. In my opinion, this design perfectly fits into the category of modern-day homes
whereas the inclusion of environmental features further states its significance.
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PETER BUI (16653)

RESEARCH
ADRIAN SMITH
With the finalisation of decision within concepts, I decided to develop my skills within
environmental design by researching a famous architect known as Adrian Smith. Born
on the 19th of August 1944, Adrian produced numerous world-known projects such as
the Olympia Centre to even the tallest building in the world, the Burj Khalifia. But one
project I found the most significant was the Pearl River Tower located in Guangzhou,
China. Quoted by the National Geographic Channel, The Pearl River Tower is a building
that produces more energy than it consumes. This is what initially caught my attention.
For this design, Adrian used various techniques that adapted to the environmental
aspects of wind and sun. For example, the project was designed in a curved shape to
allow greater consumption of wind which would ideally be used as renewable energy.
Adrian also designed the building to be exposed directly towards the sun in order to gain
as much renewable energy from solar panels. This was influential to me, as in order to
create an environmental structure it has to be set in a suitable location.

The curved shaped design that adapted to the locations excessive

amount of wind.

Adrian Smith: An architect known for his prestigious works within environment design.

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PETER BUI (16653)

IDEAL AREA
Another act of research involved myself to produce an imaginary scenario of where my
house design would be set. Living in Canberra, I journeyed to developing areas such as
Bonner and Moncrieff but the suburb of Denman Prospect was truly my favourite. The
reason behind this was due to the suburbs extensive amount of flat land and its high
exposure to the sun which in a perspective of Adrian Smith, it would be a suitable one.

Denman Prospect: A location of great size and exposure to the sun.

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PETER BUI (16653)

INITIAL IDEAS
Before beginning my practical model, I stated my initial ideas. These ideas would
become handy in future processes.
In order to create the model, foamcore would be an ideal material to use.
A wooden base would be used for the practical model.
Either PVA or Wood glue would be used.
Non-use of hot glue due to the melting of foamcore.
The use of a metal ruler with a utility knife would be ideal.
Using a wooden ruler with a utility knife is inaccurate and prone to bumps.
A utility knife would be the main instrument to slice the foamcore.
A model not too large (1m in length maximum).

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PETER BUI (16653)

PLANNING
For this process, numerous plans were created in order to provide maximum guidance
and understanding throughout the models production. Forms of planning consisted of:
Measurements
Selection of model scale
Brief techniques of how the design would be made
Detailed sketches
How textures/materials would be represented in the model.
Rough ideas.
Suitable types of material to be used.

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PETER BUI (16653)

CHANGE OF DESIGN
Initially for my design it comprised of two bedrooms. After many discussions with
teachers, I decided that a change would come into mind. This change was to include an
additional bedroom concluding in an overall of three bedrooms. Another change was
the addition of a study area. Basically, while observing my design I saw great amounts
of free space which had potential for a better use. A new house plan was drawn to
demonstrate the change. This was drawn using the software AutoCAD 2016.

The Original House Plan

The Updated House Plan

Change of Plans: An addition of rooms to the house design.

HOUSE DIMENSIONS
After the change of plans, I created realistic dimensions for the house design. To begin,
I asked advice from my teacher as I wasnt that knowledgeable with house dimensions.
He guided me throughout the various standard dimensions of certain rooms whereas I
eventually concluded with my design being 15m in length and 14m in width. Hand drawn
visuals were created to represent the dimensions.

Realistic House Dimensions: House dimensions of both lower and higher levels.
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PETER BUI (16653)

SCALE SELECTION
Knowing that the final model is required to be scaled I conducted various tests to see
which scale would be suitable. With an initial idea previously stating that a large model
is not appropriate, I researched the scales between 1:20 and 1:60.
Scale
1:20
1:30
1:40
1:50
1:60

Original Dimension (Cm)

1500
1500
1500
1500
1500

Scaled Dimension (Cm)

75
50
37.5
30
25

From the table above, the scale of 1:20 would be too large for my requirements whereas
the scale of 1:60 would be too small. Initially I found the scale of 1:30 to be ideal but in
the end, the scale of 1:40 was chosen due to its suitable size.

SCALED DIMENSIONS
Knowing that the scale of 1:40 was to be used, I then proceeded to the step of acting
the scale upon the realistic dimensions. This was complete during the planning process
as it would most definitely be helpful in the production process. To add, in order to find
the representation of scaled dimensions an online scale converter was used.

1:40 Dimensions (Level One)

1:40 Dimensions (Level Two)

Scaled Dimensions: Converted dimensions into the scale representation of 1:40.

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PETER BUI (16653)

PRODUCTION PROCESS
After the conclusion of the planning process, it was finally time to begin within the
production.

GATHERING OF GOODS
To begin the production, various materials were needed. These materials consisted of:
Foamcore
Base Piece (Ideally made out of wooden material)
Texture print outs
Set square
Metal Ruler
1m Ruler
Utility Knife
PVA Glue
With my all my structural sections of my design to be made out of foamcore, my teacher
granted me three A1 sheets of foamcore. This was a nice gesture by the teacher as in
retail each sheet costs an expensive amount of $15AU. I then printed various copies of
images that would represent my models textures, for example, a printed photo of grass
would state the models representation of grass. To add, these printed images would be
glued onto the foamcore later on.

The received foamcore.

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Various sheets of images that represents the models texture.

PETER BUI (16653)

With the collection of foamcore and texture images, I went to gather the needed tools
and instruments. For the metal ruler and set square, I was lucky enough to borrow these
from school but for the 1m meter ruler and PVA glue, these instruments were bought.
Purchased from my local Officeworks, the 1m meter cost $8.00AU and the PVA glued
cost $10.00AU. In addition to the search of tools, a utility knife was obtained from home.

Needed Tools: The various instruments obtained in order to complete production.

Having all the needed instruments, the next step was to create a wooden base. For this
process, I searched throughout my schools supplies of scrap wood hoping to find a
piece with dimensions bigger than 37.5cm x 35cm. Eventually, a large but suitable piece
was found and was cut into dimensions of 61cm x 50cm. The cutting process consisted
of a table saw and teacher assistance.
Measured area to be cut
The scrap wood obtained from school.

Final result.

The use of the table saw.

61cm

Teacher assistance.
50cm

Base Piece: The process of obtaining the models base piece.

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PETER BUI (16653)

MODEL CREATION
To begin, I drew the previously obtained scaled measurements onto the wooden base
piece. Basically, my house plan in representation of a 1:40 scale was drawn onto the
base.

The 1:40 scaled dimensions (Lower Level)

Addition of the dimensions onto the base piece.

Copy and Paste: Transition of dimensions onto the base piece.

With the base piece concealed with dimensions, it was time to mark them onto the
foamcore. For this process, a set square was used to obtain an accurate length whereas
the combination of the metal ruler and utility knife provided a significant cut. To add,
the height all of the lower level pieces were 5cm (1:40) in length with a realistic
representation of 2m. With all foamcore pieces cut out, I then applied the textures with
the spread of PVA glue. These textures consisted of sky, windows, bricks and doors.

Various applied textures.

The creation
of windows
In order to create the
visual perspective of
windows, the texture
of clouds/sky were
added behind the
presented layer of the
foamcore.

Lower Level: Completion of textures and foamcore pieces on the lower level.
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With the completion of texture and pieces for the lower level of the design, it was now
time to commence the connection process. For this process, all the lower level foamcore
pieces would be glued together to create a somewhat 3D perspective of the hand drawn
house plan. To begin this process, extensive but straight amounts of PVA glue were
drawn onto the outline of the house plan shown on the base piece. With all lines
covered in glue, the allocated foamcore pieces were carefully placed on top. Knowing
that PVA glue was used, each piece took a minimum of 10minutes to harden. This
resulted in a time-consuming process whereas after a few hours, the pieces were
structurally connected.

The placement of
foamcore
With the drawn house plan onto
the base, this provide maximum
assistance and guidance of where
each piece would be placed and
connected.

The final result.

Connecting Foamcore: The completion of the lower level.

Unfortunately, with the final result of the lower level, I overcame an issue. Some pieces
of foamcore displayed an unusual look as curves and bends were seen. This wasnt a
major issue but was a minor concern as it might corrupt the overall structure and
balance.

Minor Issue:
The curve of the foamcore due to
a hypothesis of excessive glue or
additional pressure.

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PETER BUI (16653)

With all the lower level foamcore pieces in place, it was then time to add the structure
support pieces. These pieces were placed inside the lower level and would provide
significant support when attaching the upper level on top. The use of lines were also
helpful, assisting me where the pieces would be placed.

Additional Pieces: Inclusion of more foamcore to provide significant support for the upper level.

With the completion of the lower level in terms of structural construction, it was time
to move onto the upper level of the design. To begin, the frame of the lower level was
drawn onto foamcore and was cut using the utility knife. With the use of a set square
and metal ruler I was left with a satisfying result as the cut piece was in equilibrium with
the lower level. Basically, this piece acts as the roof for the lower level.

Lower Level Roof: The attachable roof that lays on top of the lower level.

With the creation of the lower level roof, dimensions of the upper level were drawn
onto the piece. Principally, this piece would be placed on top of the lower level whereas
the upper level will be built on top.
Upper Level
Dimensions:
The addition of the designs upper
level dimensions placed on top of
the lower level roof.

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PETER BUI (16653)

With the dimensions marked onto the piece, the upper level foamcore pieces were
measured and cut. Essentially, the same process practised for the lower level pieces was
used. The process of adding textures of bricks, sky and windows was also repeated.
Eventually after many hours, the eight required pieces for the upper level were
complete and were ready for gluing.

Upper Level: The required eight pieces needed to complete the upper level of the design.

Before each piece was glued, a test was commenced. This test was to learn from my
past mistake by observing if any bends and curves were seen. Unfortunately once again,
various pieces were seen bent in length. Since this was becoming a reoccurring issue, I
decided to research the cause of this problem. I came across a solution stating that PVA
glue is a substance consisting of alcohol which results in the bent of materials such as
foamcore. Also how I placed excessive pressure and large amounts of PVA glue onto the
pieces was also another contribution to the problem. But with the pieces showing only
a minor bend, I decided to continue my process. The technique used for the lower level
was then once again used as glue was placed along the lines with the pieces positioned
on top. After a lengthy process, the frame of the upper level was finally completed.

Reoccurring
Issue:
The mystery of the
bent foamcore pieces
was finally solved.
Curves were caused by
the PVA substance and
excessive pressure.

Upper Level Frame: The required eight pieces needed to complete the upper level of the design.

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PETER BUI (16653)

With the frame of the upper level accomplished, additional supports were added inside.
These were added to provide structural support for the upper level roofing, similar to
the scenario practised for the lower level. Techniques of placing glue along the lines
were repeated as support pieces were positioned on top. After an extensive period, all
support pieces were eventually attached.

Support: The attachment of additional support pieces within the upper level.

With the accomplishment of the upper level, it was time to create a roof for the piece.
For this process, the frame dimensions of the upper level were marked onto a piece of
foamcore and was cut. With the roof piece completed for the upper level, I push backed
the gluing process as the addition of roof textures would be more efficient. In order to
attach the roofing materials onto the piece, past techniques were used once again. With
all roofing textures applied to their allocated pieces, the roof of the upper level was
attached, but an error erupted. Knowing that PVA was the source of connection
between foamcore, unfortunately, with my roof piece it was excessively curved meaning
that glue would be irrelevant in use. With an inaccessible use of glue, I found a solution.
I placed multiple sewing pins between the foamcore pieces whereas it led to a stable
connection between the roof and upper level. This was a major relief.
Inclusion of pins to support connection.

Addition of roofing textures.

The upper level roof piece.

Upper Level Roof: The complicated process of attaching the roof piece onto the upper level.
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PETER BUI (16653)

With the construction of the upper section complete, it was now time to commence the
final structural step of attaching the lower level to the upper. With the upper level piece
completely seen with many curves and bends, I knew that PVA glue wouldnt be the
proper choice. Instead, I combined the use of PVA glue with the previous technique of
sewing pins to hopefully result in maximum connection. With the glue place on top of
the support pieces of the lower level, the upper level piece was positioned on top. The
use of sewing pins then came into action with many pins penetrating the foamcore.
After the inclusion of pins, I was left with a result. This was a positive one as both levels
were structurally strong in connection.
Placements on glue
onto the lower
level.
The upper level piece.

Use of pins:
With the bent and curve
of foamcore pieces, the
combination of PVA glue
and sewing pins was the
perfect solution. The pins
were inserted between
the two levels of the
house
to
provide
maximum connection.

Structurally Finished: Final view of the completion of the models structural aspects.
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PETER BUI (16653)

ATTACHING FEATURES
With the completion of the models structural aspects, environmental features were
added. To begin, the high powered ZEN solar panel was considered. To represent the
solar panel, a 29cm x 7cm piece of foamcore was created. A printed sheet of the texture
of a solar panel was then glued on top. With the piece looking identical to a solar panel,
it was glued on top of the design.

Solar Panel: The addition of an environmental feature within the design.

After the addition of the solar panel, the backyard deck was created. Knowing that this
deck would be created out of sustainable but recycled wooden materials, an image of
timber was printed. This image was then attached to a piece of 29cm x 7cm foamcore
whereas it was later glued onto the design.

Recycled Wooden Deck: The addition of an environmental feature within the design.

After the backyard deck was created, the next step was to produce a representation of
a water tank. For the material, a toilet roll was used whereas printed images of texture
were later glued on.

Water Tank: The addition of an environmental feature within the design.

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With the accomplishment of the water tank, the solar powered water heating was next.
For this representation, I found various toy gun bullet holders which were perfect in size
and shape. To show a more realistic appearance, texture pictures were attached onto
the holders with the use of PVA glue. Eventually it was complete and I was left with a
positive result.

Solar Powered Water Heating: The addition of an environmental feature within the design.

With the conclusion of additional features, textures of grass and cement were added
across the house design. After that, my environmental house project was officially
complete.

Final Solution: The completed view of my 1:40 scaled design.

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PETER BUI (16653)

TASK EVALUATION
This task was a challenging but an enjoyable assessment to complete. Initially, without
having any form of experience or knowledge within environmental design, as I
progressed throughout the task, I gained an excessive understanding. For example, the
research presentation on Adrian Smith was informative to observe as his formats of
techniques mildly influenced my perspective on design. In terms of the model design,
the various processes of planning, ideas and research were outstandingly helpful as I
was guided to a successful final solution. The process of model creation was also
significant as throughout the stages of construction, I learnt more about architectural
techniques and standards which would be relevant in my future studies. But
unfortunately, errors did come through as several pieces of foamcore were bent in
shape, leading to minor separations. In conclusion, this task drastically improved my
confidence within design as I finally achieved a personal goal of creating a house design
while throughout the assessment I learnt many extraordinary aspects of architectural
construction and overall environmental design.

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EQUIPMENT USED

METAL SET SQAURE

UTILITY KNIFE

30CM METAL RULER

1M WOODEN RULER

TABLE SAW

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HAND SCISSORS

TRIANGULAR RULER

PETER BUI (16653)

MATERIALS USED

FOAMCORE

WOODEN BASE (ASH WOOD)

SEWING PINS

BOSTIK PVA GLUE

PRINTED TEXTURE SHEETS
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GANTT CHART

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at:

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