Bidjigal Land
New South Wales
Despite the Housing Crisis, speculative investment in medium density development is rare in NSW. This project shows families how they can invest in their own futures and can help increase density.
Two large 4-bedroom houses with two separate studio apartments replace a single 3-4-bedroom house.
Floor levels of the houses follow the slope of the site to comply with Development Codes which also allow for generous ceiling heights of over 4m with no habitable room ceilings below 3.2m.
The budget is modest by Eastern Sydney standards and has been managed to achieve maximum benefit – and to meet market expectations. Roofs are covered in solar panels, car-charging points and solar batteries are installed, bathrooms have in-floor heating, and all habitable rooms are air conditioned.
This project demonstrates how a careful architectural approach can provide a poetic yet pragmatic response to a complicated planning regime, a difficult site and real financial constraints.
Sitting on the front terrace with a coffee and enjoying the garden with beautiful street trees is so relaxing. It’s a valuable second outdoor space that flows well from the adjoining living room. We thought the 10m set back required by planning rules was a bad use of our outdoor area, but it’s been made a huge positive. It’s nice to have some connection to the street and the neighbourhood rather than being walled in behind a high fence or hedge. Spending time in this lovely front garden may even lead to speaking to the neighbours… perhaps making new friends!
Phillip Arnold, Architect
Michael Clarke, Architect
Partridge, Structural Engineer
Ace Civil & Hydraulic Engineers, Hydraulic Consultant
TEF, Traffic Consultant
Ella Fairbairn, ESD Consultant
Sarah Johnson Studio, Interior Designer
Melissa Wilson Landscape Architect, Landscape Consultant