Designing and Planning

Design Objectives

1. Amenity of Lake view maximised
2. Retain existing mature ornamental and native species where possible
3. Open, light and airy
4. Structure within the scope of my building and carpentry skills
5. High ceilings and generous proportions to rooms
6. 2 Bedrooms
7. Amenity of existing mature Jacarandah tree
8. Open plan living and kitchen
9. Not a box with a hip roof
10. Lightweight construction
11. Sufficient space to store a boat, maintain a hobbyist woodwork studio and still have room for motorcycles and associated tools
12. Privacy from the street

Design Constraints

The block is a corner block, with a north facing street frontage, a road reserve on the eastern boundary, South East and South West Lake views, with a mature Jacarandah on the western boundary which adjoins the neighbouring residence.

The block slopes downhill to the Southern boundary at a rate of 1:10

Several large eucalypts/swamp mahogany and an Iron Bark along the eastern boundary, each displaying deterioration and disease affecting safety of users of the road reserve, with another located on the Western boundary that has been pollarded presenting a threat to the neighbours structure.  An Arborist was engaged to undertake an inspection and removal of all of these trees has been recommended. 

The block is 18.5 metres wide, and 55 metres deep.

Soil class has been identified as Class M with a sandy clay substrate.

The existing driveway was thought to be serviceable, however advice from the Municipal Engineering authority has advised that it is non-compliant with existing standards.  

The southern boundary is approximately 10-15 meters from the lake edge, although it sits at least 4 metres above the the normal high water mark.