About palaestra
The aim in our work is simple - to enhance living experiences.
We do this by examination of design opportunities unique to each project – the physical, cultural and emotional context – which are unique in every design brief. We are guided by a logical response but enjoy the unanticipated. Each project generates its own particulars; we avoid stylistic generators of house design.
We look to durability, the beauty of life and how good design enhances it. Environmental, green design and cost efficiency are our back-ground paradigm. We incorporate sustainable design principals in our house plans such as: low energy use, low embodied energy materials, low toxicity material usage & passive solar design. We love timber and recycled timber in particular.
Our work has been acknowledged through exhibition, awards, teaching & by being built & enjoyed.
We take special pride in our history of repeat business with our clients, who say;
"The house is a dream...receiving a gazillion compliments. I have a never ending feeling of joy looking at it...the ambience is absolutely wonderful" (M.D. Central Coast)
"We were still wandering around in amazement, most of the time, wondering how on earth we managed to find ourselves in such a beautiful, well-designed, warm, sunny and – damn it – cool house! It was quite a bizarre experience for a while, and I personally wasn't at all prepared for just how perfect this house was going to be for us to live in" (S.F. Blackheath)
"The house is fantastic and the design is incredibly functional and thoughtful. The high window is brilliant. The sun streaming in from early morning to the afternoon has eased the early chill of winter. Over summer however it was never too warm, just a beautiful light filled room... it’s been a wonderful house to be isolated in. (E.M. Lilyfield)
Only three of the houses we have designed & made have ever been sold. One by us; one by a client with 2 of our works, to an architect; & one for a sea change. Our owners love them so they keep them.
charles@palaestra.com.au 0449 877 716
We do this by examination of design opportunities unique to each project – the physical, cultural and emotional context – which are unique in every design brief. We are guided by a logical response but enjoy the unanticipated. Each project generates its own particulars; we avoid stylistic generators of house design.
We look to durability, the beauty of life and how good design enhances it. Environmental, green design and cost efficiency are our back-ground paradigm. We incorporate sustainable design principals in our house plans such as: low energy use, low embodied energy materials, low toxicity material usage & passive solar design. We love timber and recycled timber in particular.
Our work has been acknowledged through exhibition, awards, teaching & by being built & enjoyed.
We take special pride in our history of repeat business with our clients, who say;
"The house is a dream...receiving a gazillion compliments. I have a never ending feeling of joy looking at it...the ambience is absolutely wonderful" (M.D. Central Coast)
"We were still wandering around in amazement, most of the time, wondering how on earth we managed to find ourselves in such a beautiful, well-designed, warm, sunny and – damn it – cool house! It was quite a bizarre experience for a while, and I personally wasn't at all prepared for just how perfect this house was going to be for us to live in" (S.F. Blackheath)
"The house is fantastic and the design is incredibly functional and thoughtful. The high window is brilliant. The sun streaming in from early morning to the afternoon has eased the early chill of winter. Over summer however it was never too warm, just a beautiful light filled room... it’s been a wonderful house to be isolated in. (E.M. Lilyfield)
Only three of the houses we have designed & made have ever been sold. One by us; one by a client with 2 of our works, to an architect; & one for a sea change. Our owners love them so they keep them.
charles@palaestra.com.au 0449 877 716
