By hecticrAt Architects
Single storey addition to a house in a heritage conservation area. Modern yet respectful intervention that opened up the house to the back garden and improved daylighting to the previously dark and closed off house. Built by Home Impact.
The existing house was a dated building in a heritage conservation area which, over the years, had had a number of unsympathetic alterations carried out. As a result, the interior was dark and with no direct connection to the backyard. The exterior had a number of additions that had watered down the charming period features of the front façade.
hecticrAt Architects carried out was approached by the owners, a young couple with a growing family, to design and construct alterations and additions to the house. After successfully negotiating the development application through Council, we then went through an intensive detail design process with the owners. The result is a light-filled house with an open plan rear addition with excellent connection to the backyard and new swimming pool.
The existing part of the house was extensively altered, contemporary insertions that were still in keeping with the Federation style of the house. A new central entry corridor was proposed and built, with concealed cupboards providing much-needed but unobtrusive storage. Bespoke joinery, considered lighting and finishes choices, and details such doors integrated into joinery and bay window seats make the finished house a perfect fit for the residents. Overall this has been a satisfying project and, more importantly, we enjoyed working with the owners to create a rewarding relationship.
Builder: Home Impact
Structural engineer: e2 Civil and Structural Design
Stormwater engineer: e2 Civil and Structural Design
Landscape designer: A Total Concept
BASIX: hecticrAt Architects
Approval path: Development Application, Inner West Council (Ashfield)
WHAT
At hecticrAt Architects we are passionate about architecture almost to a fault. Our overriding goal is to create designs that make our clients happy: designs that fit the brief and the site like a glove. Always with a sense of joy and of connection with nature, through the use of the basic building blocks of daylight, breeze and greenery.
hecticrAt Architects has not one, but two unusual names going for it. The name of the firm itself - hecticrAt - is an anagram of the word Architect. The name of its principal is Demis Roussos Bhargava, named after the Greek singer of soulful ballads Demis Roussos. Demis' father, himself an architect based in India, was a fan (to state the obvious).
Ironically, Demis is a terrible singer. He is, however, a not at all terrible architect, as evidenced by our client testimonials.
WHO
Demis completed his Bachelor of Architecture in India, ranking at the top of his class over the final semesters of the 5 year course. He worked at architectural offices for 3 years, gaining invaluable practical experience, before making his way Down Under in 2004.
Demis successfully completed a Master of Architecture degree from the University of New South Wales, again with High Distinctions in architectural and sustainable design. He then joined an Eastern Suburbs practice, where he worked for 15 years before starting his own practice, hecticrAt.
Demis is an Australian citizen and registered to practice as an architect in New South Wales. He is also a registered Design and Engineering Practitioner, and is therefore able to work on Class 2 apartment buildings under the DBAP. When he is not working on projects or on architectural competitions outside of office hours, Demis is an avid bushwalker and a regular at the local F45 gym.
HOW
The first step in the process is a no-obligation meeting with you at your property, to discuss the opportunities and constraints of the site and to get an initial idea of your design brief, before giving you a fee proposal.
DESIGN
Once engaged, we then prepare an initial concept design based on your brief, using the site survey drawing. The design is modified and detailed based on meetings and discussions with you.
APPROVAL DRAWINGS
On finalisation of the design concept, we prepare submission drawings and accompanying documentationas required (shadow diagrams, photomontages, Statement of Environmental Effects), either for Development or Section 4.55 Applications to Council or Complying Development Certificate applications to a private certifier. We can lodge the application on your behalf and discuss with the assessing officer and neighbours.
CONSTRUCTION CERTIFICATE AND WORKING DRAWINGS
Main architectural, joinery, kitchen, bathroom, electrical, door and window schedules, specifications for tendering and construction purposes.
CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION
Assessing tenders and helping clients arrive at a decision regarding selection of a builder, administering building contracts, including site inspections.