Oska’s House | Light House Architecture and Science

Oska’s House embodies the essence of its Canberra neighborhood’s evolution, drawing inspiration from the original red brick ex-government home and the surrounding streetscape. Designed with principles of flexibility, accessibility, and solar passive design, it seamlessly integrates into the neighborhood while offering modern comforts. With a modest scale reminiscent of older homes in the area, it features recycled red bricks from the original structure and modern touches like a skillion roof and mini-orb metal cladding. The layout prioritizes connection to a productive garden and includes adaptable spaces for guests or working from home. Collaboration with landscape designer and scientific modeling ensures sustainability and usability. Achieving an impressive 8.1 star energy rating, Oska’s House exemplifies efficient, thoughtful design within budget constraints, providing a comfortable, future-proof home for its residents.

Atkinson Recycle | Light House Architecture and Science

The Atkinson Recycle demonstrates the enormous potential within Canberra’s existing housing stock by transforming a classic Canberra 413 ‘ex–govie’ into an energy efficient, family home.

In 1882 the Atkinson cycle was designed to provide efficiency at the expense of power density. In 2022, this little house was re–designed to provide efficiency at the expense of unnecessary floor area and embodied carbon.

The original ‘ex–govvie’ character remains while the functionality and sustainability have been dramatic dramatically improved. The revitalized home achieves an impressive energy efficiency rating of 7.2 stars and uses more than 60% **less** energy than the average Canberra home.

With careful attention to detail, including a refreshed façade and thoughtful interior design, the home seamlessly blends with its surroundings while offering modern comforts and a very small carbon footprint.

This exemplary project demonstrates a commitment to sustainable suburb reinvigoration and sets a benchmark for sensitive yet innovative housing transformation.

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The Institute

The Australian Institute of Architects acknowledges First Nations peoples as the Traditional Custodians of the lands, waters, and skies of the continent now called Australia.

We express our gratitude to their Elders and Knowledge Holders whose wisdom, actions and knowledge have kept culture alive.

We recognise First Nations peoples as the first architects and builders. We appreciate their continuing work on Country from pre-invasion times to contemporary First Nations architects, and respect their rights to continue to care for Country.

© Australian Institute of Architects

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