How much more money does Passive House Construction cost?

Passive House construction usually adds around 8-12% additional cost to the project. The long term benefit outweighs the upfont investment.

What services does Dadirri Architects offer in Melbourne?

Sustainable architect services in Melbourne include site feasibility, concept and schematic design, town planning submissions, detailed construction documentation, contract administration, Passive House/net-zero advice and interiors. We coordinate engineers, surveyors and energy assessors, and manage approvals so your project moves smoothly from first sketch to handover.

Which areas do you service?

Dadirri Architects covers inner Melbourne and suburbs, plus regional work where the brief suits. We also take select projects in NSW (e.g., Armidale/Coffs Harbour). We confirm local planning controls early and assemble the right consultant and builder team for each location.

Why choose Dadirri for my project?

We do Regenerative design which means site-responsive, climate-aware design with clear stages, practical detailing and council-savvy navigation. We’re budget-aware, collaborative with builders and focused on durable, low-energy outcomes that feel great to live in.

How much do architects cost in Melbourne?

Architect fees are tailored after a brief and site review. We typically offer staged, scope-based fees and can discuss fixed-fee, percentage, hourly or hybrid options depending on complexity and risk. You’ll receive a transparent proposal outlining inclusions and milestones.

How do I get started?

A Free consultation begins with your site address, goals and budget. We outline likely permits, constraints and the best path from feasibility to construction, then provide a tailored fee proposal and program.

Can you manage town planning permits?

Town planning permit support includes drawings, reports and application management. We navigate overlays, heritage and ResCode/Clause 55, liaise with council and coordinate consultants to streamline approvals.

Do you help with building permits?

Building permit documentation in Melbourne includes coordinated construction drawings, structural/energy reports and liaison with the building surveyor through to permit issue. We resolve details early to reduce site variations.

How long will the process take?

Architecture timeline in Melbourne varies by site and approvals. Concept to a lodged planning application can range widely; detailed documentation typically takes 8–16 weeks. Construction for typical homes commonly runs 6–12+ months, depending on scope and market conditions.

How do you keep to my budget?

Budget-friendly involves early cost checks, value-engineering, sensible spans, efficient envelopes and a tender/negotiated strategy. We prioritise spend where it matters, thermal performance, light and volume, while simplifying non-essentials.

Should I renovate or rebuild?

Renovate or rebuild depends on structure, overlays, sustainability goals and budget. Building new can be cheaper per m², but upgrading an existing home often lowers embodied carbon and retains neighbourhood character. We test both paths with cost and planning risk.

Can you handle sloping or complex sites?

Sloping site starts with feasibility, sun/shadow testing and level strategies. We use stepped floor plates, cut-and-fill management and envelope modelling to meet amenity and height controls while capturing views and light.

Do you work with heritage overlays?

Heritage overlay in Melbourne includes pre-app meetings, heritage advice, sympathetic materials and reversible details so contemporary additions respect the original fabric and streetscape.

Do you design to Passive House or net-zero standards?

Passive House focuses on orientation, airtightness, high-performance windows, insulation and heat-recovery ventilation. We advise on energy modelling and materials to reach low-energy or net-zero targets.

Do you do townhouses and dual occupancies?

We deliver dual occ and infill projects with Clause 55, daylight/overshadowing, access, parking and BESS addressed early to support approvals and marketable plans.

Do you design secondary dwellings or granny flats?

We confirm eligibility, access and services, privacy/daylight and the permit pathway. We design compact, efficient layouts that feel generous and meet local rules.

Are you registered and insured?

Registered architect in Victoria - Dadirri Architects is ARBV-registered and fully insured. A registered architect is a safe pair of hands to lead your project from briefing to completion.

Do you take small commercial jobs?

Yes, Commercial architect includes cafés and office fitouts. We design, coordinate code compliance, accessibility, services and buildability within fast programs and realistic budgets.

Do you work outside Victoria?

We take select regional NSW projects where logistics align. We confirm local planning rules and engage the right local consultants and builders. We have mutual licence registration in NSW.

Will you help select a builder and administer contracts?

Yes, Contract administration architect in Melbourne includes tendering or negotiated pricing, impartial contract admin, site visits, progress claims review and defects close-out, protecting quality and design intent.

Do you provide interior design and material selections?

Yes, Architecture and interior design are integrated: room planning, joinery, finishes, lighting and fixtures. We balance durability, embodied carbon and lifecycle cost for beautiful, practical spaces.