POMO Bush Studio

WHAT WAS POMO'S METHODOLOGY?

When we set out to design our studio we approached it like any design project, we began by identifying the priorities and creating a strategic framework to guide the decision making.

The initial priority was to create something simple to build, something sustainable, creatively inspiring and something that was cost effective. Through research it became clear that achieving these things was not necessarily difficult.

Sustainability quickly became a design focus, guiding our choices of materials, our approach to the build and our thinking around finishes.

THE APPROACH

Here’s a number of design decisions we made through the process that lead to our studio being recognised as Queensland’s most Sustainable Commercial Office Design and the best Commercial Office Design on the Sunshine Coast in 2014.

• We were building on a steep slope. By using steel poles we minimized the need for earth moving and instead worked with the natural contours of the land.
   
• Our suspended floor is held up with manufactured I beams rather than hardwood. I beams are made from sustainable plantation pine.
   
• The floor is particle board which contains a high level of by products from timber processing such as sawdust, shavings and wood chips. By leaving it uncovered we avoided the need for carpet or other floor coverings that can often release harmful chemicals in their manufacturing.
   
• The interior is made entirely of pine sourced from sustainable plantations. The pine roof beams are grown and milled locally.
   
• The glass and steel is sourced from local suppliers thus reducing the need for long periods on the back of pollution generating trucks.
   
• The lighting is exclusively LED and has reduced our energy consumption by approximately 80%.
   
• The roof has no gutters and is designed to allow the water to return all water to the surrounding bushland when it rains.
   
• Extensive use of glass including floor to ceiling glass on the north face allows the studio to generously receive the sun in winter and avoid the sun in summer.
   
• By building close to the existing old growth timber we maximise the natural canopy overhead to shelter the studio and we therefore have less need for electric heating and cooling.
   
• Large glass windows on either side encourage cross flow ventilation.

PROJECT OUTCOMES

AWARD WINNING

Two state design awards and finalist in national award - judged by Kevin McLeod from Grand Designs.

SUSTAINABLE

Award winning sustainable design initiatives.

COLLABORATIVE

Increased workplace collaboration and efficiency.

SUSTAINABILITY OUTCOMES

Environmentally Sustainable Outcomes

• Minimal Site Disturbance: The studio was built on a steep slope with minimal disruption to the natural landscape by using steel poles to elevate the structure, thus avoiding extensive earthmoving.
• Sustainable and Recycled Materials: The construction prioritized the use of sustainable materials, including: Manufactured I-beams made from sustainable plantation pine. Particleboard flooring containing timber by-products, left exposed to avoid chemical-releasing coverings. Interior constructed entirely from sustainably sourced pine. Locally grown and milled roof beams, which also reduces the carbon footprint associated with transportation.
• Reduced Transportation Pollution: Glass and steel were sourced from local suppliers to minimize pollution from transportation.
• Energy Efficiency: The studio design incorporates several energy-saving features: Exclusive use of LED lighting, which has reduced energy consumption by approximately 80%. Passive solar design with extensive floor-to-ceiling glass on the north-facing side for natural heating in winter and cooling in summer. Utilization of natural shade from surrounding old-growth timber to reduce the need for artificial heating and cooling. Cross-flow ventilation is promoted by large glass windows on opposite sides of the studio.
• Water Conservation: An innovative gutter-less roof design allows all rainwater to be returned directly to the surrounding bushland, supporting the natural ecosystem.
• Land Rehabilitation: The project includes a commitment to rehabilitating the land.

Socially Sustainable Outcomes

• Fosters Creativity and Collaboration: The studio’s design is intended to be a space that encourages creativity, and its success has led to increased collaboration and efficiency in the workplace.
• Cost-Effective Design: The project was designed to be cost-effective, demonstrating that sustainable design can also be economically viable.
• Award-Winning and Recognised Design: The POMO Busg Studio has received two state design awards and national award recognition, highlighting its success and promoting the value of sustainable and innovative design within the community and the industry.