creative construction
residential
RICCON offers a start-to-finish service for small domestic projects. With a creative and experienced eye for detail, we work with our clients through the entire process.
We have a wealth of experience that we bank upon to excel in this sometimes challenging field - From your initial consultation, through to project design, management and then construction.
We can create 3D designs prior to construction, allowing you visualise your project before we bring it to life!
Our Residential Process
Welcome
Every great project begins with a warm welcome. At Riccon, our journey starts with making you feel like part of our family. We’re genuinely excited to understand your vision and project requirements.
Our initial welcome meeting is an opportunity to connect and get to know each other. We will visit your site to assess its unique opportunities and constraints and review any drawings or sketches you provide.
Following this, we’ll arrange a detailed welcome meeting to discuss your project further and outline our next steps. All these initial consultations and assessments are completely free!
If it’s all smiles and happiness after our welcome meeting, and you are happy to proceed to our Estimate stage, we will issue our preliminary agreement to sign and return so we can get started working on your project.
Estimate
The goal of the Estimate stage is to develop a preliminary budget for your project.
We’ll revisit the site to review any necessary services, environmental requirements, and assess all information related to the project concept.
At this stage, we may recommend involving additional third-party professionals to ensure all aspects of your project are covered.
The sooner the team is assembled, the smoother the process will be.Based on this comprehensive review, we will prepare an itemised indicative estimate. This document outlines the projected costs and requirements, offering a clear overview of the project’s financial scope.
Remember this is an initial estimate and will be refined in later stages.
Grow
In the Grow stage, we focus on refining the details of your project, including fixtures, fittings, and finishes. This is where the vision for your home begins to take shape in detail.We’ll guide you through selecting floor finishes, tiles, bench tops, and tapware, and recommend showrooms from our trusted suppliers.
All these choices are compiled into a comprehensive specifications document, detailing every aspect of the build..Our goal here is to minimise variations by ensuring all details are thoroughly documented before construction begins.
While some changes might still occur, this stage is crucial for aligning your design with your expectations.Once everything is clearly defined and documented, we move on to finalising the project pricing in the Develop stage.
Develop
The Develop stage is where we transform the preliminary estimate into a detailed proposal.
We will send our project documentation to suppliers and trades to obtain accurate pricing.
Meanwhile, our project documentation is ready for approval by a licensed Building Surveyor.
Meaning we can go to contract and the fun begins - Construct!
Construct
It’s time to get started !
The Construct stage marks the beginning of bringing your home to life. After months of meticulous planning and collaboration, it’s time to start building.
With a strong relationship and intimate knowledge of your project established through pre-construction, we’re well-prepared to get building.Our goal during construction is to make the process as smooth and enjoyable as possible.
We’ll keep you informed with regular updates, maintain our schedule, and communicate any significant changes.You will have a dedicated on-site construction team lead by our talented carpentry crew, with the support of the office team and company director.
Thank You
Expressing gratitude is just as important to us as welcoming you. We’re passionate about creating beautiful homes in beautiful places, and we want to thank everyone involved in making your vision a reality.
We offer ongoing support and warranties, and our imperfection rectification period allows you to document and address any issues before we finish on site.
We are honoured to have the opportunity to create a space for you and your family to enjoy for years to come.
Passive House/High Performance
Passive House
At Riccon, we are proud to be the leading experts in Passive House and High Performance construction for the Kinglake Ranges, Yarra Valley, and Melbourne’s North East. Our team of certified Passive House Trades persons is dedicated to pushing the boundaries of home construction standards in Australia. We are committed to crafting homes that not only meet but surpass the highest benchmarks for energy efficiency and sustainability, setting new standards for what’s possible in modern, eco-friendly living.
Why Passive House?
Passive House, or Passivhaus, is a building standard that originated in Germany and is recognised for its exceptional focus on energy efficiency and indoor comfort. This approach involves meticulously modelling and calculating a building’s performance based on its specific location and climate. The Passive House standard has been rigorously tested and refined over decades abroad, and we believe it represents the future of high-performance, healthy home construction in Australia.
The Principles of Passive House
At its core, the Passive House standard is about optimising energy use through a combination of smart design and high-quality construction. The approach focuses on:
1. Thermal Insulation: Passive Houses are built with high levels of continuous insulation to maintain a consistent indoor temperature, reducing the need for mechanical heating and cooling.
2. Airtight Construction: An airtight building envelope prevents unwanted drafts and air leaks, which enhances energy efficiency and ensures indoor conditioned air doesn’t escape. This allows the indoor environment to remain stable and comfortable.
3. High-Performance Windows: High-quality windows that are airtight and well sealed are used to minimise heat loss while maximising natural light, contributing to both energy efficiency and occupant comfort.
4. Heat Recovery Ventilation: A mechanical ventilation system with heat recovery ensures that fresh, filtered air is continuously circulated throughout the home while recovering and reusing the heat from exhaust air.
5. Thermal Bridge-Free: Minimising or mitigating points in the structure where highly conductive materials penetrate the insulation layer. This not only reduces heat loss or gain through these connections, but also the risk of mould and condensation within the building structure.Passive House/High Performance
Passive House Benefits
Incorporating Passive House principles into home construction provides a host of advantages that enhance not just the living experience but also the long-term value of your home. Here’s how:
Health
Passive Houses prioritise indoor air quality through advanced ventilation systems that continuously circulate filtered, purified air. These systems remove harmful pollutants, ensuring a fresh and healthy environment. Additionally, by addressing design details and minimising thermal bridges, Passive House construction prevents moisture issues, thereby reducing the risk of mould and condensation that can impact indoor air quality and health.
Sustainability:
Passive Houses are designed with sustainability at their core. By drastically lowering energy consumption, these homes reduce environmental impact and utility costs. Choosing a Passive House is not only an eco-conscious decision but also a financially beneficial one, supporting a greener future while saving money over time.
Superior Indoor Comfort:
Comfort is a crucial element that
transforms a house into a home. Passive Houses maintain consistent room and surface temperatures throughout the year, creating a stable and pleasant living environment. Excellent air quality and precise temperature control ensure that the home feels comfortable and inviting, no matter the season.
Noise Reduction:
One of the key benefits of a Passive House is its ability to provide a serene living environment. The high levels of insulation used in Passive House construction effectively soundproof the home, minimising noise from outside disturbances. This reduction in noise fosters a sense of tranquility and contributes positively to emotional well-being and overall quality of life.
Future Proof:
Building to Passive House standards is a long-term investment. These homes are built to last, maintaining their high performance and energy efficiency for years to come. They produce fewer carbon emissions compared to conventional homes, helping to reduce your carbon footprint and slowing the rate of climate change.
Weather Resistance:
The robust building envelope of a Passive House ensures exceptional resistance to varying weather conditions. Whether facing winter storms, extreme temperatures, or poor air quality, a Passive House remains comfortable and protected. Its design withstands harsh conditions while maintaining a consistent and pleasant indoor climate.
Energy Efficiency:
With rising energy costs, a Passive House offers significant savings on utility bills. By drastically reducing the need for heating and cooling, these homes maintain a constant temperature throughout the year. The integration of solar panels can further enhance energy independence, making off-grid living or near off-grid living a practical reality.
Dust Control:
A dust-free environment contributes to better health and easier maintenance. Passive Houses are designed to minimise dust accumulation by using airtight construction and advanced ventilation systems. This helps in creating a cleaner, healthier indoor environment that is easier to manage and less likely to trigger allergies.
Insect Protection:
The airtight nature of Passive House construction acts as a barrier against pests. By preventing gaps and leaks, these homes effectively keep insects and other critters outside, maintaining a more hygienic living space.
Our Commitment to Passive House
At Riccon, we are committed to advancing the future of home construction in Australia by embracing Passive House standards. Our expertise and dedication ensure that each home we build not only meets but surpasses the highest expectations for performance, comfort, and sustainability. We believe that Passive House is not just a construction standard; it’s the future of healthy, high-performance living. We invite you to join us on this journey towards a more sustainable and comfortable future. Let us guide you in creating a home that embodies the principles of Passive House, setting a new benchmark for excellence in residential construction.