ABOUT US
BENT Architecture is an innovative design practice based in the inner-Melbourne suburb of Brunswick. The practice is led by Directors Paul and Merran Porjazoski.
Since its establishment in 2003, BENT Architecture has completed a diverse range of projects which have been locally and internationally awarded, published and exhibited. The practice has won two open design competitions (‘Growing Up’ Green Roof and ‘Living Places Suburban Revival’ public housing) and has established itself as leaders in all aspects of residential design, environmentally sustainable design, low-cost social and affordable housing, commercial and institutional refurbishments, and green roof design.
The creation of environmentally and socially sustainable built environments is of critical importance to BENT Architecture. Our practice is passionate about the integration of architecture and landscape and the way people can use and shape their built environment.
The diverse work of BENT, which includes education, commercial, community and housing projects across multiple disciplines (architecture, interior design, urban and landscape design) is process-driven, establishing rich dialogues between context, program and people to create responsive built environments attuned to their site. Our projects explore the balance between architecture as a place for refuge and a platform for prospect and, whether it be a medium density housing project, a small renovation or a roof garden on a landmark city site, always aim to create excitement, surprise and engagement.
THE THREE PILLARS OF BENT ARCHITECTURE
Without people, architecture is useless; without the environment, people don't exist... and what's the point of existing without a bit of surprise and delight? Welcome to the three pillars of Bent Architecture.
1. PEOPLE
Without people, architecture is useless.
Our focus here at BENT is creating happy and healthy places for people.
Architecture is more than just shelter: it has the potential to enrich your life and make you feel good. We want our buildings to be enjoyed; to feel comfortable, no matter what the weather is doing outside; to connect you to nature and the outdoors; to be a joy to inhabit. Our people-first approach means creating homes where families can gather, relax and laugh, offices and factories where workers feel supported and productive, kindergartens, universities and education spaces that inspire creative thinking and promote effective learning, public spaces where people feel comfortable to linger and green roofs that people can explore and enjoy. The work we do at BENT Architecture is about creating the unique, inspiring and enriching spaces for people to live, work and play.
2. ENVIRONMENT
Without the environment, people don't exist.
We're passionate about creating environmentally sustainable architecture. After all, our environment sustains us and we should do our part to sustain it in return. Environmental sustainability is embedded in all of our designs. From standalone homes, to social housing, offices, to green roofs - sustainable solutions are a key ingredient. We design using passive solar design principles to keep buildings cooler in summer and warmer in winter and to minimise the need for artificial heating and cooling - a major source of energy use in the built environment. We search for less energy intensive materials, select efficient building practices to reduce waste, and find ways to integrate landscape into our projects to bring people closer to nature. We believe if you get the basic principles of sustainable design right, it's possible to create beautiful buildings that are more comfortable to occupy and don't cost the earth - environmentally or financially.
3. DELIGHT
...And what's the point of existing without a bit of surprise and delight?
Architecture shouldn't be stuffy and boring, it should be creative and fun! We want our designs to make people smile or laugh, to offer a new perspective, to be unexpected. Whether we're designing a medium-density housing project, a small renovation or a roof garden on a landmark city site, we aim to create an element of excitement, surprise and delight in everything we do.
OUR SERVICES
BENT Architecture prides itself on the delivery of high-quality projects based on the establishment of strong, cooperative relationships with our clients. Our practice designs from first principles, with projects evolving from a thorough investigation and understanding of their functional requirements, client aspirations, and the context within which the project sits (physical, cultural, regulatory, budget etc). Our work is research based and process driven, which not only enables us to respond to new project types but encourages us to bring a unique perspective to our projects that is modelled on current best practice.
BENT Architecture has an incredibly diverse portfolio that covers community, education, commercial, institutional and housing projects across various scales and budgets. Our studio offers a holistic suite of consultancy services that encompass allied disciplines including interior design, landscape design and urban design. The following is a brief summary of the consultancy services that we provide:
Feasibility Design
Master Planning and Space Planning
Brief Writing
Concept and Schematic Design, including 3D modelling
Interior Design
Landscape Design
Town Planning Drawings and Reports
Town Planning Administration and Negotiation
Community Consultation
Consultant Team Establishment and Coordination
Environmentally Sustainable Design
Design to satisfy NDIS and SDA funding requirements
Construction Documentation/Working Drawings
Building Permit Documentation and Coordination
Tender Documentation, Coordination and Negotiation
Value Management
Project Management
Construction Contract Administration
Post-occupancy services
BENT Architecture is accustomed to working with Project Managers, diverse Stakeholders and User Groups, and is experienced with coordinating comprehensive Consultant teams. Our Architects are well respected, natural project leaders that take a hands-on approach to ensuring that our projects satisfy the functional and aspirational needs of our Clients in a time and cost-effective manner.
ORIGINS OF BENT
People often ask us about the origins of the name of our practice. George 'Buzzer' Bent was Merran's grandfather. He was a champion bike rider, selected for the Australian Olympic team, and still holds Brunswick cycling records.
Buzzer was into scrap booking, collecting memorabilia of the Carlton Blues and filling his North Fitzroy home (which he proudly referred to as his ‘hall of frames') with photos of his beloved family. He owned a local bike shop and built bikes for Merran and the rest of his large family at every stage of growth. He was an intensely private and honourable man.
His proudest moments were when he saw his family name in print and, as the youngest of two daughters of his only son, Merran felt compelled to keep the 'Bent' name alive; hence BENT Architecture was born.
Since then, the Bent name has become a vehicle for shaping our approach to architecture – an approach that questions the norm and pushes against the grain in search of the unexpected, the unique. Above all, it represents an unwavering, site specific and collaborative process – after all, the embodiment of truly great architecture not only lies in its physical expression, but is a celebration of the creative process and the lives that are shaped thereafter.
