Why Happy Haus
Our in-haus design + build practice is the new benchmark for residential projects. We draw from emerging best practices in architecture and construction, as well as our 15+ years of innovation and learning. Our philosophy informs our practice and process, and this is why our clients choose to partner with us to create one of the most significant projects of their lives.
process
We design + build
Our design + build practice draws from the best in architecture and construction for elevated living in the subtropics. Every build benefits from our meticulous attention to design, craft, and client experience. Through a highly rewarding collaboration with our clients, our in-house team delivers a seamless end-to-end experience, ensuring there are no service gaps from design to interiors, cost planning, development approvals, building documentation, construction, and handover.
Drawing on experience
Since 2009, we’ve created carefully considered homes for great clients in some of Australia’s most amazing locations. Every architect-designed happy haus draws from this vast experience, founded on our collaboration with revered architectural practice Donovan Hill. Our ideas culminate in our Haus Series, which is inspired by 15+ years of refining our knowledge, practice, and customer experience — designed to support our clients to realise their aspirations for a Happy Haus life.
Integrated in-haus team
Our in-haus design + build team works closely with directors Lachlan and Rick, who are active at every stage of our process. Keeping strong connections between our people, clients, and process is essential for continuous improvement as a business and service. Our clients take comfort in knowing they have direct access to our entire design + build team throughout their project.
A unique process
Our signature process is key to guiding a haus along the right path to becoming your home. Every Happy Haus goes through the same process simply because it works. We induct our clients to our process, so the experience feels measured and collaborative. This open workflow is designed to provide the support and information required to make informed decisions at the right times.
![[object Object]](/philosophy/happyhaus-16x9-photo-north-stradbroke-JL-133.png)
If you’re considering a Happy Haus or about to start a new haus project, we can’t wait to say,“Welcome home!”
LACHLAN & RICK
Quality
We carefully manage the number of homes we build each year to balance our scale and schedule, and ensure we always deliver benchmark quality across our practice, process, and client experience.
Researching, communicating, and decision-making in pursuit of consistency and accuracy requires time, attention, and a team of experts and trusted specialists. Being intentional with our scale also means we can partner with the same exceptional tradespeople and suppliers on every project. We’ve been working with these trusted collaborators for over 15 years because they know exactly what it takes to bring a Happy Haus together.
Responsive
Good design is at the forefront of our thinking when we start every Happy Haus project. Our process begins with getting to know a site, so we can shape a design that’s responsive to the orientation and topology, maximising cross-ventilation, natural light, views, and privacy. We then use construction overlays to inform design decisions and provide real-time feedback about their impact. This constant dialogue between designing + building is part of what makes our hybrid practice unique and efficient.
Responding to context also means we can enhance the ambience and internal dynamics of the home, balancing visually interesting shared spaces with cosy places for retreat.
Sustainable
Sustainability is an ongoing challenge for our industry and one we embrace within our business philosophy. We are committed to the ongoing research, design, development, and construction of homes that are sensitive to their surrounding environment and the changing climate.
We design and orient homes to passively capture breezes and balance sunlight and shade for optimal living in the subtropics. To minimise our impact, we seek out sustainable products and practices.
Collaborative
Choosing who creates your home could be one of the most important decisions of your life. Designing + building with our clients is a partnership, supported by open two-way communication. We will prepare you at each stage so you know what is coming, what you need to do, and what outcome we are working towards together.
With what we’ve seen in the construction industry in recent years, including volatile material pricing and trade shortages, our emphasis on collaboration enables us to manage complexities and maintain momentum. We are a trusted partner because we perpetuate successful outcomes for our clients, suppliers and trades.
Our courtyard home is a sun trap surrounded by plenty of spaces for shade and retreat. Everything flows so well. We love it here, it’s the best decision we’ve ever made.
