Design Brief
The existing 2 storey warehouse/factory building was constructed circa 1920 and operated as a fishing rod and glove factory.
The clients advised that the premium target market for the sale of the dwellings would be receptive to a restrained referencing to the original warehouse nature of the building through refined detailing.
The design brief and budget aimed to achieve 6, strata subdivided, contemporary dwellings with 3 double bedrooms per dwelling, each with ensuite.
A strong indoor/outdoor connection with varied aspects was desired through utilization of the existing structure and openings.
High levels of natural light and ventilation were also a requirement.
Design Solution
The terrace format, typical of the area, was adopted by EcoSphereDesign as the appropriate response to the brief. This also allows for the future possibility of Torrens title subdivision but just as importantly as future sales it simplified BCA compliance and the subsequent costs of the build.
The terrace design format allowed for:
4 x 3 storey dwellings with 3 double bedrooms
2 x 4 storey dwellings, with 3 double bedrooms and media room, 1 with private double garage
5 of the dwellings incorporate a carport that can double as outdoor living space and every bedroom in each terrace connects to a private outdoor space be it a balcony, courtyard or roof terrace.
Attic floor levels were added to achieve the top floor with large dormers added to either side of the ridge to achieve ceiling heights. Basement floor levels were added to 2 dwellings, to connect to a rear lane and take advantage of the existing fall to topography.
Existing floors, walls and roof fabric were re-used where possible and exposed structural steel on the east facade balconies references the original warehouse type detail.
Skylit stair void open from the top floor to ground to maximise natural light levels.
Product Choice
METAL ROOGING, Bluescope, Colorbond Custom Orb Woodland Grey
EXTERIOR PAINTS, Minos Painting, Dulux
ALUMINIUM DOOR AND WINDOWS, Crown Windows, Capral
METAL BALUSTRADES, Proline, Custom Florence Broadhurst – Fingers adaption
COURTYARD PAVERS, Exotic Stone
TIMBER FLOORING, Precision Flooring, Select grade blackbutt
RAINWATER TANKS, Tanked Australia
BENCH TOPS, Nuline Kitchens
SINK & MIXER TAP, Cass Bros, Franke
LED LIGHTING, Andrews Kitchens
BATHROOM TILES, Exotic Stone, Marble and Travertine
CARPORT DOORS, Magic Door
SKYLIGHTS, Regent
Consultants & Contractors
Project Designers - EcoSphereDesign
Certifying Architect - Evan Lee -Architects Pty Ltd
Developer - Bellevue Terraces Pty Ltd
Builder - TaylorBuilt Construction
Engineer - Soliman Hanna & Associates Pty Ltd
Acoustic Engineer - MCA Consulting Engineers
Town Planner and HERS Assessor - Damian O'Toole Town Planning Pty Ltd
Photographers - M. Caicedo & J. Considine
This article was written with the assistance of Building Designers Australia.