BAKER DROFENIK ARCHITECTS

Since 2004 Paul Baker and Sarah Drofenik have worked together to explore ways of constructing environmentally sensitive homes for their clients. Paul and Sarah have a deep passion for sustainable design in architecture and have continued to pursue to understand the most current thought regarding the built environment's impact on the natural environment.
Below is a series of strategies that we work with to achieve levels of environmental sustainability from Passive Solar Design, to Passive House design and to Carbon Neutrality.

The rear elevation of a heritage addition to a home in Brunswick with extensive PV Cell installation

PV Cell Installation for Power Generation

A computer model of a Carbon Zero House design.

Life Cycle Assessment for Net Carbon Zero Living

A construction detail of a Passive House.

Passive House Standard

The Living Future Institute Seal for Accredited Professionals

Living Future Accreditation

A new 8 star passive house in construction

8 Star Homes

The front facade of a new 7 Star Home.

7  Star Homes

A construction photo of a newly laid Zero Carbon Concrete Slab.

Zero Carbon Concrete

This entry into a new home in Torquay uses mass timber as a carbon sink.

Timber as a carbon sink

This heritage house upgrade features high efficiency electric services run off a large rooftop solar power system

High Efficiency Services Run off PV Cells

This carport at Ceres Environmental park features an electric car charging station

Electric Car Charging Station

A house hidden in the Australian Bush is not connected to the power grid, and generates all its own power.

Off grid living

The upgrade of existing heritage buildings melds old with new

Upgrade and reuse of existing buildings

This polished concrete slab was built with a low carbon Geo-Polymer Concrete

Geo-Polymer Concrete

This construction photos shows how Reverse Brick Veneer Construction works.

Reverse Brick Veneer Construction

This modern extension features the use of recycled bricks.

External Recycled Materials

Recycled remilled timber lining boards feature in this new window seat.

Internal Recycled Materials

North facing glazing to a central courtyard allows sun deep into this new living space to passively heat it in winter.

North Facing Glazing for Passive Heating

A playful steel canopy is ready for a deciduous vine to grow over

North Facing Sun Control

High window placement has been used in this house for effective ventilation

Window Placement for Effective Ventilation and Thermal Chimney Effect

The efficient planning of this property allowed for these dual occupancy dwellings to be built on a block typically suitable for a single dwelling.

Efficient Planning for Reduced Footprint

Energy efficient lighting is featured in this new kitchen

Energy Efficient Lighting

Locally made lights feature in this window seat, local products are sustainable.

Incorporation of Locally Made Products

Natural finishes are used on this recycled remilled timber lined wall.

Use of Natural Finishes No Petrochemicals

Secure bike storage is located in front of this heritage house for easy access

Secure Bike Storage

A small urban garden shows that it can be suitable for an urban kitchen garden

Urban Produce

A luscious garden with underground water storage

Underground Water Storage

A site made timber door handle features on this bright green front door

Hand made fittings - reduced imported  manufactured items

Extensive book storage is shown in this circulation zone

Extensive storage compliments required urban efficiencies

Design features that enable alternative use such as this window seat

Long life loose fit

Using Format