2011 Master Builders Association award winner for best project under 1.5M
The design brief
Plan Ahead Designs’ architectural brief from this highly experiences builder and successful developer was direct and very clear, the planned modern three storey dwelling was to return a sizable profit as the property would be sold upon completion.
Plan Ahead Design’s objective was to optimise the developer’s return on investment (ROI) in this small sloping urban block in the shortest practical timeframe.
The brief also included an overview of what building design submissions the local council’s planning department would and would not consider, plus their requirement that any accompanying development application (DA) would have to be compatible with other modern three story dwellings within their designated conservation area.
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The challenge
This new build’s most significant challenge was ensuring that the commercial expectations of the property’s developer were all met, whist fast tracking compliance with the exacting restrictions imposed by local planning regulations.
Minimising the design, planning and DA approval process formed an important component of the project as the developer’s plan was to complete and sell the house in the shortest achievable timeframe. It was therefore imperative that no part of the process be retarded as a result of noncompliance with local building and development regulations, nether before or during the build.
The local authorities planning stipulations mandated that the building’s exterior had to conform to adjacent modern three storey dwellings. These conditions extended to the building’s physical configuration and dimensions therefore allowing for very little scope to develop the desired separate architectural identity, or optimise the buildings exterior appeal beyond the predetermined theme.
In summery the design challenge was to pack a great deal of very appealing house into a tiny little site, and then apply techniques and materials that would cost effectively streamline the build after meeting all the stringent planning precedents.
The planned solution
Planning ahead is central to any home’s design whether as in this example the house is being built for immediate sale, or where provisions are incorporated to cater for future changes in a long term occupant’s circumstances.
Close examination of the conservation guidelines identified how this three story new home could be designed with a distinct identity separate to the attached neighbouring dwellings. Plan Ahead’s solution leveraged the required common external featured in difference to what many would have considered a creative constraint.
Maintaining the same scale and proportion as neighbouring properties was achieved by mirroring their established architectural approach. Modern construction techniques and contemporary finishes set this terrace’s latest addition apart from its neighbours, yet maintain the required proportions by echoing those of adjacent houses.
As exterior dimensions were fixed, designing a substantial three bedroom home on this small sloping terrace site required an innovative internal layout. The finished building’s appeal was to be judged primarily by how well the interior space and living accommodation worked, as this aspect above all would determine its ultimate sales value.
The resulting outcome
Consistent consultation was the defining process of creative and practical discovery, where all the latest materials, architectural techniques and available building options were explored. This new home is an acknowledged success, designed and built primarily for profit, but subsequently becoming a unique and enduring asset its new owner’s can be proud to call home.
Building costs were minimised and home buyer appeal maximised by well considered adoption of the latest materials and finishes. Extensive glazing made modern interiors appear more expansive, whilst maintaining occupier privacy.
Whilst not part of Plan Ahead Design’s original brief, this property was awarded the prestigious 2011 Master Builders Association award for “best project under $1.5m!” In recognition of the finished products interpretation of DA provisions, creative use of limited space plus the building’s overall high quality finish.
This new home like a high proportion of all Sydney’s inner suburb developments are designed and built to occupy land whare an older property once stood and to comply with local conservation area legislation. Plan Ahead Designs’ expertise in relevant zoning and development codes, building legislation and locality specific heritage protection guidelines will ensure that you new home or development fits well within the character of the street and suburb you choose to develop or settle in.
To discuss your new dream home or award winning options for profitable property development contact Rocco Raso on the links below.
