By hecticrAt Architects
One of my earlier projects, this one is a two-stage renovation project I designed for the owners. The first stage was for a single-storey addition to the existing semi, which has now been completed.
The renovation opens up the new living room to the backyard, and brings in more sunlight into the house than one would expect in the southern half of a pair of semis. A swimming pool and cabana structure within the backyard make for a relaxed and quiet outdoor space, surprising considering the house fronts busy Old South Head Road. The rear deck is sheltered by an operable vergola, blocking out the harsh western sun when required.
The second stage, which has already been approved by Woollahra Council, will be a first-floor addition that will add much needed space for the family as the children grow older. The front façade has been designed as a contemporary addition complementing the form of the existing roof. The new roof is setback from the party wall to allow for north-facing windows, which will flood the interior of the house with sunlight on both levels when built.
Design features
Open plan living-dining-kitchen extension
Split level design with concrete floors, improving the physical flow from the house to the backyard
Bespoke kitchen and bathroom design, with dining table integrated into kitchen island
Structurally required steel portal frames expressed as a feature
Engineered timber floorboards and polished concrete floor
Enclosed garage approved within front setback
Builder: Totally Stripped Australia
Structural engineer: Alba and Associates
Stormwater engineer: ITM Design
Landscape design: Mike Cass Creative
BASIX: hecticrAt Architects
Approval path: Development Application, Woollahra Council
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.