BOARDING HOUSES

The owner of the land had two adjacent sites and was previously advised of the need of one vast underground parking, the result would have been one immense building with a central driveway to the basement. On further analysis it was resolved the design could be split in two buildings in sync with the streetscape and locality with common areas at front for passive neighbourhood control whilst also providing for parking space at ground level. Ground level parking meant without the need of any expensive excavation for underground parking or connecting lifts and stairs. This initial design advise was able to reroute the project in a new direction saving the owner from Council’s rejection, costly consultant updates and several project reissues that would have taken the development way beyond the set budget.

This boarding house is for 10 double units on a site sloping to the rear, underground carparking. The design has worked around stringent regulations regarding the setbacks for fire separation to the neighbors and in the same time this has created opportunity for design improvement. A suspended awning at the front and rear conceal the individual room condensers normally a retrofit eyesore in most developments.

The project is located in a corner block and works with existing driveways leading to an underground parking area. Imperative was initially working with the common area and allowing adequate solar penetration that is not always an easy task when surrounded by high buildings. The building fits in well to the streetscape with its use of selected brick and battens complementing similar features in the mature streetscape. Floor to ceiling glass panels allow the interior common corridors to be flooded with light. The owner was able to achieve the number of rooms set out initially in the brief as well as the economical return they wish for to make the project feasible.