PLANNING RULES DUAL OCC DESIGN

An Architect whose work I admire recently said:

I believe we cannot look at architecture as merely a product because it is not what one calls a passive space, form or structure. Architecture is an extension of our body. It’s not outside of me, it is a part of me and we live within it. When you think it is part of yourself then the questions are the food you eat, the life you live, the people you meet and the world in which we live. It is an understanding of culture, aesthetics, climate and space.

Design should be for the people who will live in the dual occ home- however small or large the site will allow it to be.

Natural light, free flowing space, functional design, cross ventilation, seamless integration between hard and soft surfaces, bringing the outside in, landscaping, detailed design, great kitchens- however compact it needs be and enjoyable bathrooms and bedrooms makes the architecture memorable and clever built forms.

That is what we aspire to.

However, if you are building one house on a block, chances are you are free to design with council's interference. But once you decide to build more than one house on the land, we have to work within Council's planning rules. How one interprets the rules is sometimes subjective and often challenged at the VCAT.

But the basics are clear:

Living areas should enjoy a northerly aspect when practical

Open spaces should be connected to living areas and also enjoy a sunny aspect

Car parking should be near the house

Cars should not reverse out onto the street- even though that is technically allowed if the driveway serves 3 cars

The houses should not blanket neighbours open spaces with shadowing through the day

new houses should be setback from the front boundary and be the average of the dwellings on either side- this can be varied in certain Schedules to the Zone

Most council like the new houses to incorporate the building elements of the houses on the street.

Need to know more? Contact us today.