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Designed for an elderly couple, the initial design brief was for a first floor addition to the existing semi. However, over the course of discussions with the couple and their daughter, we came to the conclusion that a single storey addition would be more cost-effective and practical for them in the long run.

  • Project Year: 2016 – 2018
  • Project Cost: $500,000

The design therefore morphed into a single storey split level addition at the rear, with extensive updating and renovating of the existing part of the house.

The owners love lots of natural light, so I went with a skillion roof design for the rear with north-facing highlight windows and a north-facing deck. Large louvre windows face the backyard which, despite the split-level design, is still much lower than the living room floor level. The windows create a strong visual connection with the garden and provide cross-ventilation.

Design Features:

  • New hardstand car space at the front with StoneSet permeable paving.
  • Bespoke kitchen, joinery and bathroom design.
  • High ceilings with north-facing highlight windows.
  • Open plan living.

Builder: MAG Constructions
Structural engineer: Alba and Associates
Stormwater engineer: ITM Design
BASIX: hecticrAt Architects
Approval path: Development Application, Willoughby Council

hecticrAt Architects
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Professionals used in
Willoughby I

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.