Stonehouse + Irons Architecture

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 materials, energy consumption, water usage, cradle to grave footprint, recycling, reuse and building techniques. 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.

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.

Awards

• Architeam 2017 Award Commendation, Sustainability Medal - Ramp House (Anglesea)
• Melbourne Design Award Residential Interiors 2013 - Manningham Alterations & Additions
• Finalist City of Port Philip Design & Development Awards 2012 - Best Heritage Re-development
• Shortlisted for Melbourne Design Awards - Residential Constructed 2012
• Winner of Housing Industry Association Regional New South Wales - Award for Custom Designed Home 2002

Architecture Team

Kim Irons, Principal Architect - BPD B.Arch (Hons) ARBV RAIA

Kim Irons is the founding principal. Her skills range from creative design thinking, to detailed on site problem solving and contractual management. She has extensive experience on institutional, residential and community projects, managing multiple clients and stakeholders across a range of urban and regional settings.
After leading design teams in local and international design studios Kim moved to Barwon Heads to establish Irons McDuff Architecture in 2006.
Kim is committed to sustainable design, rigorously pursuing design that connects people to place whilst being environmentally responsible. She has a strong interest in buildings which provide a positive contribution to the community and the public realm.
Kim is Regional Chair and member of AIA Victorian Chapter Council, and provides independent design review and procurement to state and local government authorities to achieve high quality architecture.
When not in front of her laptop you will find Kim going for a sunrise ocean swim (no wetsuit even in winter!), cooking up a storm much of which comes from her own garden, having coffee with friends and she also makes a seriously good lemon cordial.

Brett Stonehouse, Principal Architect - B Env Des BArch ARBV RAIA

Brett Stonehouse partnered with Kim in 2014 to create Stonehouse + Irons Architecture. He relocated from Melbourne where he had been a director at a leading Melbourne architecture studio, to Barwon Heads to embrace the coastal lifestyle.
He has extensive experience in design and delivery of institutional, educational, and high-end residential projects. Many projects have been recognised through various institute and industry awards.
Brett has a number of years’ experience in Project Management for the educational sector which demanded complex stakeholder engagement including reporting to government funding agencies as well as various university committees.
Brett is an excellent listener and communicator, he works closely with his clients to ensures project directives are understood and realized. He understands that collaboration between client, architect and builder is paramount to a successful outcome and this must be built and nurtured from the earliest discussions.
Away from work Brett loves to kick the footy with his sons, landscape design and construction, making furniture and you will often find him going for a surf at 13th Beach.

With a strong design focus, we are motivated to carefully design effective and sustainable solutions to achieve appropriate conditions, both environmental and social.