Solarei was founded on the idea that sustainability can govern how we economically design houses and buildings given the correct practical application of environmental design and thinking. This idea then becomes the beginning point of our discussion about design.
By designing houses that respond to the local climates, many resources can be saved or used more efficiently.The way this is achieved is by using passive design principles which use sun and wind for natural heating and cooling.
Passive solar and passive cooling design principles maximize the benefits of good orientation to sun and wind in temperate climates. By designing homes which trap radiant energy (the suns heat) in thermal mass (concrete) we are able to sufficiently heat a house naturally over winter. During summer time we design for natural ventilation and passive cooling. A passive solar home can reduce its energy consumption by up to 40%. This will be higher for some home owners who really commit to the principles of energy efficiency.
Passive cooling design principles use natural air flow, reduced sunlight, natural materials and optimise shade in tropical climates. Correctly orientating houses to prevailing winds and preventing extreme solar penetration into homes becomes fundamental. The use of shade becomes extremely important through use of correct eaves design, feature walls, cooling ponds and local indigenous plants to shade houses.
Commercial projects begin by proposing an environmental design strategy to clients that works with the economic nature of the project and practical application of sustainable design ideas.
Other aspects of sustainability we focus on are material selection and correctly understanding the ‘Cradle to Cradle’ life-cycle processes of all materials used to construct houses and buildings. On request we are able to facilitate certified green houses and buildings through GREENSTAR or HOMESTAR (NZ & Australia) GREENMARK (Singapore) and LEED (USA).
Duncan Firth
New Zealand/ Thailand
Founder
Bachelor of Architecture (UNITEC, NZ)
NZCAD (WINTEC, NZ)
Licence: Design Two, BP121392(NZ)
Homestar Practitioner (NZGBC)
‘Awarded First Place equal in the
2010 Residential Concrete Sustainability Awards sponsored
by CCANZ (Cement&Concrete Association of New Zealand)’.
Duncan has spent half his architecture career working in New Zealand and the other half working in South East Asia. He is a ‘Licenced Building Practitioner’ under the New Zealand Government and a ‘Homestar Practitioner’ certified under the New Zealand Green Building Council. One of Duncan’s main goals is to utilise architecture which engages the natural environment and optimises the free resources provided by our planet. Types of project experience ranges from interior design, house design, commercial building design, resort design, embassy design, schools and, master planning. A strong conviction for sustainable design, people, economy and beauty inform each project he works on. He has been awarded within New Zealand and published internationally for his progressive sustainable design approach to architecture.
Ivan graduated from California State Polytechnic University at Pomona in 2002 and runs a studio located in Los Angeles. He collaborates with SOLAREI on projects in the States. In 2000 he spent a year studying architecture in Italy. He has worked in a number of nationally and internationally recognized design firms on a variety of projects. Ivan was born in Bulgaria, grew up in Kuwait, studied in Italy and now resides in Los Angeles. Living in different locations throughout the world has given him a multicultural background as well as exposure to a wide array of social, political, religious and cultural influences on the built environment.
Ivan Ivanov
The United States of America
Bachelor of Architecture (CSUP, USA)
Jutharat Thatprakob
Thailand
Bachelor of Architecture(KMUTT), BKK, Thailand
Licence: Stage Two, 2321 (THL)
Jutharat is a licenced Architect in Thailand and has many years experience working on Residential and large scale Hospitality projects throughout Thailand, Singapore, India and Bhutan. Jutharat collaborates with SOLAREI on projects in Thailand. She has recently completed building her own house in Bangkok which combines Asian decoration, local building techniques and modern architecture styles. Clear communication and leadership allows her to work alongside her team delivering successful projects.
Milti has gained many years experience while working on projects throughout New Zealand, Australia and the UAE (United Arab Emirates). He is a key team member and adds value to every project he is involved in through his experience and understanding of sustainable design. He is passionate about creative practical design with a strong emphasis on technical detail, resolution and, refinement of designs.
Milti Stefadouros
New Zealand
Bachelor of Architecture (UNITEC)
NZCAD (WINTEC)
Hear about our lastest projects
