ENCLAVE Architects

What Works, What Doesn’t, and What We Recommend In Victoria, heating is not about achieving a number on a thermostat. It’s about how warmth is experienced — evenly, quietly, and without the home feeling dry, noisy, or mechanically driven. Melbourne’s climate is defined by long, cool winters, sharp temperature swings, and short but intense cold snaps. A good heating system works with the architecture of the home, not against it. A poor one compensates for design decisions that were never...

What You Must Consider Before You Begin Building your own home can be an exciting and empowering idea. For many homeowners, becoming an Owner Builder  promises greater control, flexibility, and the perception of cost savings. However, in Victoria , owner building is not simply a hands-on approach to construction. It is a formal legal role  that places the full responsibility of the build — from compliance to safety to long-term liability — squarely on you. Before you begin the process, it’s...

What the material choice really means for build quality, cost and long-term performance Timber Frame vs Light Gauge Steel Frame – Residential Construction Comparison When planning a new home, many clients assume the structural frame is a purely technical decision — something the builder automatically selects. In reality, the choice between timber framing and light gauge steel framing  plays a critical role in build quality, construction accuracy, ongoing maintenance, and long-term performance...