Zen Architects
Zen Architects is an architecture practice with more than 30 years of experience in designing environmentally, socially and financially sustainable buildings. Based in Richmond, Melbourne, with a second office at Jan Juc on the Victorian Surf Coast, it works mainly in Melbourne's inner and middle ring suburbs, the Surf Coast, the Mornington Peninsula and north-eastern rural Victoria.
Respect, knowledge and consideration for people and the natural environment define both the practice's work and its design philosophy. It aims to realise each client's vision while maximising the potential of each site, with a process grounded in ecologically sustainable design. Its construction knowledge helps it give accurate projections of cost and timing.
On Lunchbox, Green House in Carlton North uses passive design to let sun and breezes heat and cool an inner-city home. Nest House in Brunswick West floats a nest-like mezzanine studio above the living space, while Light Saw House uses a sawtooth roof to bring light into a south-facing home. Other projects include Studio House, Project Nymph, Art House and Studio and Pool House.
See Green House, Nest House and more of their work on Lunchbox below.
Urban Green House Creates a Sunny, Healthy, Happy, Inner-City Home
Application of passive design principles creates a living, breathing, sustainable space that is a pleasure to inhabit.
A Cozy, Nest-Like Mezzanine Studio Floats Above This Living Space
To unite all living spaces without creating one large space, a unique nest-like studio sits above the living area in this reno.
A Flexible, Multi-purpose Studio That Requires Very Little Land
By designing a separate, self-contained studio, this family have gained the extra space they need now and flexibility into the future.
No More Living in Darkness; This Saw Tooth Roof Brings the Light
Even if you're stuck with a south-facing backyard overshadowed by your own house, there's no need to dwell in darkness.
What If Your Home Felt More Like Living in a Garden?
This home takes advantage of its location near the Botanic Gardens to create a living area which feels like an extension of the garden.
A Home and Studio Created with Restoration, Re-use and Recycling
A renovation to a Victorian-era home and detached studio shines thanks to the three Rs plus local manufacturing and craftsmanship.
Multi-generational Family Pool Their Resources to Create Perfect Home
Pooling for a pool: would you join forces with your parents to create the ultimate inner-city pad complete with a rooftop pool?