Cooee Architecture

Cooee Architecture is a regional Australian practice connecting regional people with low-carbon homes, and fulfilling lives within them. Founded in 2022 by architect Sarah Lebner, the studio works across the Victorian High Country, the NSW Snowy Mountains and surrounds.

"Cooee" is a uniquely regional Australian word. It originated in Aboriginal languages, was adopted widely, and is used to call out to someone across distance. The practice takes that as its purpose: calling out to regional Australians to work together towards zero-carbon regional homes and good lives within them.

Cooee is built around a measurable approach to design. Each project starts with 18 clear intentions, tweaked to suit the client's values and priorities, site and budget, then reviewed at every project stage, with the aim of delivering a solution that is sustainable, intelligent and simple.

Working towards zero carbon

On operational carbon, projects can run at net-zero energy by first reducing power needs through energy-efficient design and construction, then self-generating power through renewable methods. On embodied carbon, Cooee works towards a net-zero embodied footprint by reducing materials, sourcing low-carbon and recycled materials, and offsetting the remainder.

The practice aims to offer something for sustainably and ethically minded regional Australians at every level, from free resources through to full architectural services.

Founder Sarah Lebner joined Stephen Drew on the Architecture Social Podcast to talk about practising architecture, building community and the drive behind her work. Listen to or watch the full conversation below.