Archive for March, 2013

First Interview with Ralph Alphonso

Posted on: March 22nd, 2013 by Barley Store

Prior to the construction of the build, we interviewed all members of the Project Team. Here’s the first interview with Project Client & Manager, Ralph Alphonso.
Issues discussed:
– Ralph Alphonso’s role on the Project
– His inspiration for the 5×4 Hayes Lane Project
– Similar projects overseas and the lack of similar projects in Australia
– An overview of the Barley Store
– Possible challenges the Project could face including economic challenges and building challenges
– The desired outcome from the Project

Design Development Meeting – March

Posted on: March 7th, 2013 by Barley Store

On March 7th, 2013, the 5×4 Hayes Lane Project Team had a design and development meeting at GHD. Attendees included Craig Chatman from ARKit, Tai Hollingsbee and Chris King from GHD, and Ralph Alphonso from Barley Store. The main purpose of this meeting was to discuss the best combination of systems and construction materials to be used that would achieve the smallest ecological footprint possible.
Points of discussions were:
– the insulation system
– solar panels
– water/ irrigation system
– wood as construction material
Some of the possible technologies considered included:
– phase-change material (PCM) for heating
– rainwater collection as an eco-friendly water source
– hot water ring
– fake grass (e.g. summer envy)
– PV-cells
Overall, various materials and systems were brought to the table. The meeting saw even more opportunities for a sustainable build and the designs were further developed.
There are still various issues to be considered before making final decisions about the materials and technologies including:
– costs
– impact on infrastructure
– embodied energy
We will resolve these issues in future meetings.
(To see the sketches that were drafted at the meeting, click on the image below)