Design grounded in experience
Solarcert was founded in 1999 by building designer Tony Pike, whose background in both design and construction shaped the studio’s practical, performance-led approach.
Today, Solarcert is a trusted name across Canberra and the surrounding region. Our work spans new homes, renovations, multi-residential developments and commercial projects.
All of our projects are designed with precision, care and a commitment to long-term performance.
Passive House expertise
Tony is a certified Passive House designer specialising in ultra-efficient buildings that deliver exceptional comfort while significantly reducing energy use.
Since 2013, Solarcert has advocated for the adoption of the Passivhaus standard in Australia. Backed by more than 30 years of international evidence, Passivhaus is a proven, science-based approach to designing buildings that perform for energy efficiency, durability, comfort and occupant wellbeing.
Using a whole-of-building approach with clear performance targets and rigorous quality assurance, Passivhaus buildings require very little energy for heating and cooling while maintaining consistent indoor comfort year-round.
This evidence-based thinking informs every project we design - whether pursuing full certification or simply building smarter, higher-performing homes.
For our clients, this means better performing homes, lower running costs, improved health outcomes and spaces that are built to last.
Liveable housing design
We design homes to support people at every stage of life.
Our approach incorporates livable housing principles that improve access, movement and flexibility, from step-free entries to wider doorways and considered layouts that make everyday living easier.
By planning for adaptability from the outset, we create homes that are more practical, more inclusive and better equipped for the future.
A collaborative process
From the first conversation to final documentation, we listen, explain and guide. We take the time to simplify the complex, ensuring you always understand the process, the options and the path forward.
Clients trust us because we’re transparent, detail-driven and invested in getting the best outcome at every step.
Frequently Asked Questions
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We break the design process into two to five stages depending on the type and complexity of the project.
A typical knockdown rebuild project is normal covered in two stages with this first concept stage taking somewhere between two to six months depending on time taken to refine the design and obtaining builders estimates.
The second stage is construction documentations which generally takes around three weeks to complete from confirmed concept.
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We custom design your project so your fee will be based on the project brief, site complexity, documentation required and the approval pathways.
We will provide you with a written quotation after our initial meeting when we have a better understanding of your project.
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Over the years we have built up professional relationships with many builders specialising in all aspects of the construction industry.
We can provide an introduction from builders that we think best suit you and your project requirements.
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We do assist with the approval process.
In most cases your project will go straight to a building certifier which we would be providing information and adjustments as required to finalise the approval. In the case of a full DA application to the government, we would submit project on your behalf.
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In most of our residential projects we don’t have a formal role after the approval process.
We are always happy to answer any question that may arise during the construction from the client or the builder.
We regularly do random sites visits during construction just to check on the progress, and it’s always nice to get an invitation from the client after everything has been completed.
