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Energy Efficient House Designs with Whisker Architecture

Imagine a home that stays cool in summer, warm in winter, and filled with natural light and fresh air. A home that connects effortlessly with the outdoors and is built to last using sustainable materials.

At Whisker Architecture, we design homes that reflect your values – blending beauty, comfort, and performance. Our energy-efficient designs lower your bills, reduce your footprint, and enhance everyday living.

Because great design shouldn’t just look good – it should feel good to live in.

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Audrey Whisker Audrey Whisker

Watsonia North Primary School - New Senior Building

Discover how Watsonia North Primary School’s new Senior School Building was designed to support modern learning. Principal Sarah Pollnitz and architect Audrey Whisker from Whisker Architecture share insights into the design process and the future of education spaces.

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Architect or Builder: Who Manages What

A clear guide to the different responsibilities of architects, builders and project managers, including what contract administration means and how to define each person’s scope before your home project begins.

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Audrey Whisker Audrey Whisker

Renovate, Rebuild or Move?

A practical framework for deciding whether to renovate, rebuild, move or stage the work, with real examples of how Whisker Architecture clients have changed direction.

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Audrey Whisker Audrey Whisker

10 Tips for Practical Kitchen Design

Designing a kitchen? Avoid common mistakes and create a space that’s stylish, functional, and efficient. Whether you're planning a renovation or a new build, this guide will help you design a practical, beautiful kitchen that works for you!

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Audrey Whisker Audrey Whisker

“Do I need a town planning permit?”

By combining strategic foresight with meticulous preparation, we help clients navigate the complexities of the town planning process, reducing delays and mitigating risks.

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Understanding Architectural Fees: What to Expect with Whisker Architecture

How much does it cost to engage an architect? At Whisker Architecture, we believe in providing clear and transparent information to help you make informed decisions without the need for lengthy consultations with multiple architects. Here’s a comprehensive guide to understanding our architectural fees and what sets us apart from the competition.

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Audrey Whisker Audrey Whisker

National Construction Code Updates - 1 May 2024

Welcome to our latest update on the Australian National Construction Code, effective from 1 May 2024. In this video, Audrey Whisker will walk you through key changes in livable housing, energy efficiency, and more, ensuring you're up-to-date with the latest standards for building and renovating.

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Audrey Whisker Audrey Whisker

Energy Efficiency on the She Renovates Podcast

Join Audrey Whisker and Bernadette Jansen on an important episode of the She Renovates Podcast. Discover practical tips to save on time, money, and energy bills while transforming your space into a cozy haven. From DIY insulation hacks to maximizing natural light, Audrey shares invaluable insights to elevate your home's efficiency.

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Education Design with Whisker Architecture

Since founding in 2020 we’ve been awarded contracts with 17 different schools including a $5m project at Watsonia North Primary School. Our goal is enjoyment of the spaces we create for decades to come, with minimal impact on the planet. If your School’s spaces are too small, too dark, or not aligning with the values and vision of your community – consider if building or renovating will address those frustrations.

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Audrey Whisker Audrey Whisker

Developer Masterplan Report: Test the Project First

A pre-design strategy service for boutique residential developers, testing site constraints, planning risk, dwelling mix, staging, cost guidance and three distinct development pathways before detailed design.

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Audrey Whisker Audrey Whisker

Unravelling Home Electrical Planning

In an era of exponential technological growth, designing a home that seamlessly integrates the latest advancements while embracing sustainability is more crucial than ever. As technology evolves rapidly, future-proofing your home becomes essential.

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Custom Home Designs – Forever Homes as Unique as You
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At Whisker Architecture, we craft custom homes that are as unique as you. Guided by empathy and sustainability, we design energy-efficient forever homes that reflect your values and lifestyle.

Who We Are

Led by Audrey Whisker, our team specialises in creating bespoke, timeless designs that support your aspirations and make a positive impact.

Our Sustainability Values

We integrate energy-efficient layouts, passive solar design, and sustainable materials to create homes that balance luxury and environmental responsibility.

Our Process

Our client-focused approach begins with our Home Masterplan Report, offering:

  • Tailored layout options

  • Council reviews

  • Cost and timeline estimates

This ensures clarity and confidence from day one. From design to completion, we’re with you every step of the way.

What Our Clients Say

“Our house is beautiful but also comfortable and functional. Audrey and Winnie took the time to understand our vision and needs as a family and were responsive, friendly and easy to communicate with. They were also happy to liaise in the design and tender stage with our chosen builder which made the build process more efficient. Thank you, Whisker Architecture!” - Micaela & Benjamin

Start Your Forever Home Journey

Discover how Whisker Architecture can bring your dream home to life. Download our capability brochure today and begin your journey to a truly unique forever home.

Your Free Design Guide to 7 Star Homes (PDF)
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Discover how to design, build, or renovate your home for unmatched energy efficiency, lower energy bills, and exceptional thermal comfort. Our Free Design Guide to 7 Star Homes is the ultimate resource for homeowners and renovators in Australia who want to create sustainable living spaces without compromising on style or functionality.

In Victoria, the NCC 2022 energy-efficiency changes commenced on 1 May 2024, introducing a 7-star thermal-performance requirement through the NatHERS pathway and a separate Whole of Home energy-use requirement for relevant new homes. Requirements, compliance pathways and commencement dates vary between states and territories. This guide offers practical design principles; confirm the applicable NCC edition, Victorian variations and transitional arrangements with your building surveyor and energy assessor before relying on it for a project. This easy-to-follow guide empowers you with practical advice and expert insights on achieving a 7-star NatHERS energy rating, including tips for:

  • Energy-efficient home design: Learn how to incorporate passive solar principles and smart layout strategies for year-round comfort.

  • Reducing energy bills: Explore sustainable solutions that cut energy consumption while keeping your home cosy and cost-effective.

  • Thermal comfort: Discover the secrets to maintaining optimal indoor temperatures, even in Australia's diverse climates.

  • Renovating for sustainability: Find actionable steps for retrofitting existing homes with modern, eco-friendly upgrades.

Designed for Victorian homeowners, renovators, and builders, this downloadable PDF guide addresses the key elements of achieving energy-efficient homes, from insulation and draught sealing to renewable energy integration. It’s perfect for families, professionals, and anyone who values long-term sustainability.

Why Download This Guide?

  • Save money: Understand how energy-efficient designs lower ongoing energy costs.

  • Live sustainably: Reduce your carbon footprint with environmentally conscious home solutions.

  • Plan smarter: Get step-by-step advice to confidently start your 7-star home project.

  • Designed for Australians: Tailored for homes in Victoria and beyond, this guide aligns with local climate considerations and building standards.

This download is the July 2024 edition. Its general design advice should be read alongside current requirements; it is not a substitute for a project-specific energy assessment or compliance advice.

Download your free guide today and start designing a home that’s better for the planet, your wallet, and your family.

Innovative Learning Environments – Capability Statement by Whisker Architecture
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Redefine education spaces with Whisker Architecture. Our Learning Environments Capability Statement is a comprehensive document that highlights our expertise in designing innovative, sustainable, and inclusive learning spaces for Victorian schools.

We combine functionality with creativity to deliver high-impact, low-maintenance solutions tailored to each institution's unique needs. From STEM facilities to multi-purpose learning hubs, our designs inspire both educators and students while prioritising long-term value and environmental sustainability.

Highlights of Our Capability Statement:

  • Purpose-driven designs: Fit-for-purpose spaces that support diverse learning styles and activities.

  • Sustainability focus: Environmentally conscious solutions, including energy-efficient and low-maintenance designs.

  • Inclusive environments: Spaces that foster equity, accessibility, and collaboration for all users.

  • Proven expertise: Extensive experience across primary, secondary, and tertiary education projects for government, Catholic, and private clients.

Transform your vision for learning into a reality with architecture that empowers the next generation.

Download our Learning Environments Capability Statement today and explore how we create spaces where education thrives.