Stonehouse + Irons Architecture is a client focused architecture studio delivering innovative residential and community designs in coastal and regional Victoria.
Stonehouse + Irons Architecture, previously Iron’s McDuff Architecture, has a reputation for delivering innovative, well formed, inclusive spaces that sit harmoniously within their environment. Each project is seen as an opportunity to craft buildings that connect people to place. Focusing on high quality residential and community projects, we guide our clients through all stages of the journey from concept design to project completion. By working closely with our clients we are able to gain a thorough understating of their vision. It is through this collaborative approach that the richness of our work emerges.
As an environmentally conscious studio with a strong focus on sustainability, we believe every project should encourage a reduced carbon footprint and contribute to the regeneration of our environment. Our expert designs are carefully considered from the interior palette to how the exterior engages with its surroundings.
Our studios are situated in Point Lonsdale and Barwon Heads on the Bellarine Peninsula providing us with a deep understanding of the coastal elements, climate, landscape and lifestyle, all of which help to shape and influence our design solutions.
Sustainability
Environmental sustainability is about acting in a way that stabilises the current relationship between human society and the living world. Stonehouse + Irons Architecture takes this aspect of our work seriously and approaches it in a holistic manner. Incorporating social, cultural, ecological and economical aspects, we explore all opportunities available, including:
• passive solar design
• materials
• energy consumption
• water usage
• cradle to grave footprint
• recycling, adaptation & reuse
• building techniques
• Passive House/PassivHaus design
While past experience brings a wealth of knowledge to the sustainable outcomes of a project, equally experience has taught us that each individual brief requires its own research and development to explore the options available. Therefore, we work closely with our clients in the decision-making process to establish the parameters and desirable outcomes, constantly researching new and old techniques and changing conditions.
Community
Contributing to the community is a high priority for Stonehouse + Irons Architecture. We have worked on community buildings with both government and private agencies. Previous individual experience has us well versed in a variety of complex educational and institutional project types and services; from feasibility studies through to full delivery and handover.
We are committed to sustainable buildings and practices and see this as a great way for local authorities and community leaders to demonstrate strategies to the wider public as well as providing tangible benefits to the community members who use the facilities.
Our experience has demonstrated that innovation comes from knowledge and investigation of the problem. Thorough briefing is critical to understanding the issues and offering new solutions rather than reliance on ‘past models.’ Our more recent experience has shown that all projects have capacity to ensure the building addresses the public realm and context whilst prioritising a safe interface for people.
Our studios are located on Wadawurrung Country. We acknowledge the Wadawurrung people of the Kulin Nation as custodians of the land on which we work and create. We recognise their ongoing connection to country, land and waters and pay respect to their Elders, past present and emerging.
Stonehouse +Irons Architecture has achieved carbon neutrality in line with Climate Active standards.