By hecticrAt Architects
The property is located in an area where strict Council controls govern allowable building heights and setbacks via a building envelope diagram.
I took the unusual approach of working within the allowable envelope as a starting point, and then fine-tuning the design to ensure the owners requirements were fully met. As a result, the building presents as a single storey building to the street, but the steep roof conceals an entire second storey containing three full sized bedrooms and two bathrooms. Dormer window-like detailing provides the required ceiling heights, light and ventilation to the rooms
The building steps in time with the slope of the land, and I was able to successfully achieve a non-complying floor space ratio by demonstrating that the design still met the bulk, privacy and overshadowing Council guidelines. A north-facing landscaped light well and glass roof brings light deep into the open plan living, dining and kitchen area. Clever details such as a bar cupboard below the stairs and a secret door between the two sons’ bedrooms add the little touches that make this house a home.
Design Features:
Builder: Anass Taleb
Structural engineer: NITMA Consulting
Stormwater engineer: NITMA Consulting
Landscape Design: Greenland Design
BASIX: Acclaim Town Planning
Approval path: Development Application, Inner West Council (Leichhardt)
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.