the practice

founded in 1986 environa studio is one of Australia’s leading sustainable architecture practices. we are a medium size practice headed by principal architects tone wheeler and jan o'connor. our projects include urban design, civic and commercial buildings, group and individual housing for public and private clients. we integrate architecture, interiors and landscape for a more sustainable future. we are a multi disciplinary practice which gives us great design flexibility and enables the studio to initiate dynamic solutions in short time frames.

environa studio is widely recognised as a highly innovative practice, upholding the highest standards of social and environmental responsibility. our projects are creative and experimental, but always practical and liveable. we have made sustainability the core of our work, and the driving force of our design philosophy. we have won numerous awards and competitions for our designs, not just their sustainability.

environa studio has designed residential projects from single family houses (city, rural and remote) to medium density projects (townhouses, terrace house and courtyard houses) to apartments (low rise and residential houses). We have been involved in the planning of whole suburbs, the reuse of existing warehouse buildings, eco-tourism projects, the rewriting of building and sustainability regulations and are widely quoted in the media for our activism.

environa studio has a design philosophy based on 5 fundamentals:
The purpose of each project will reveal a detailed brief that addresses the real needs of our clients.
The place, (its site and climate) will develop an environmentally appropriate architecture.
The proposition of a strong design concept will lead to contemporary solutions with innovative spaces.
The precedent in use, form and typology will assist in making culturally and socially appropriate solutions.
The patterns of construction will make the most appropriate use of materials and energy.

awards:
gold medal, francis greenway society green building awards, for glenayr terraces, 2004
gold medal, francis greenway society green building awards, for wayside chapel, 2004
gold medal, francis greenway society green building awards, for manly courtyard house, 2004
raia nsw architecture award (environment) for narra bukulla, 2003
gold medal, francis greenway society green building awards, for narra bukulla, 2003
gold medal, francis greenway society green building awards, for edward de bono house, 2003
bronze medal, francis greenway society green building awards, for morgan house, 2003
mba sustainable design award: commendation edward de bono house, 1997
bpn/esbaa sustainable design award: commendation edward de bono house, 1997
hia energy conservation award for the gifford house, canberra,1980
c s daley medal (raia residential design award) for houses designed for the ncdc,1980

memberships and registration:
n.s.w. architects registration board registration number: 6239
royal australian institute of architects (r.a.i.a) member number: 24992
australian architecture association: founding member number: aaa22
member green building council of australia