Mosman I

By hecticrAt Architects

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Located in a heritage conservation area, the house is the southern half of a pair of semi-detached dwellings. The existing house was a single storey building in a run-down condition, dimly lit as a result of the south-facing orientation.

  • Project Year: 2016 – 2018
  • Project Cost: $650,000

The adjoining semi had been added to a few years ago, with a first floor addition approved by Mosman Council before the current controls came into force.

I was able to match the extent of the adjoining semi in my design, and successfully argued for a non-complying floor space ratio well in excess of that allowed for the property. During the DA assessment process, I worked closely with the Council planner and heritage officer, modifying the design so it presented more as a roof form rather than a wall facing the street.

A split level to the new open plan ground floor extension allows for higher ceilings and a closer connection to the backyard. A double-height dining room with an open timber stair and bridge marks the transition between the old part of the house and the new. The bridge connects the new rear bedrooms to a rumpus room located within the attic space. The rumpus room is an unexpected but valuable space within the house. The owners have since sold the house, but potential buyers and the new owners have all appreciated the unusual but effective design moves throughout the design. I know this since quite a few of them have approached me to do their Mosman houses next!

Design Features:

  • Open plan living-dining-kitchen extension.
  • Bespoke kitchen, joinery and bathroom design.
  • Glass roof detail over living room.
  • Operable vergola over rear patio.
  • Clever use of existing roof space.
  • Restoration of heritage detailing in the existing part of the house, contemporary detailing in the new part.

Builder: MRL Projects
Structural engineer: Portes Civil and Structural Engineers
Stormwater engineer: Portes Projects
Landscape design: A Total Concept
BASIX: hecticrAt Architects
Approval path: Development Application, Mosman Council
Clause 4.6 Floor Space Ratio: hecticrAt Architects

hecticrAt Architects
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Mosman I

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About the
Professional

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.

At ArchiPro we recognise and acknowledge the existing, original and ancient connection Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have to the lands and waterways across the Australian continent. We pay our respects to the elders past and present. We commit to working together to build a prosperous and inclusive Australia.