Step 2 - Finding an Architect and Getting a Concept Design

With the property found and purchased, Archicentre’s next step was to find an Architect to come up with a design for the property that matched Archicentre’s design brief.

To do this, Archicentre held a design competition amongst its NSW registered Architect members, asking them to prepare a written report based on an Archicentre Renovation Design Report.

The Renovation Design report service offered by Archicentre matches you with an Architect that is skilled in the type of design you are looking for and who has worked in your local area and is familiar with your local Council or planning authority.

The service includes:-

• A consultation with the architect on-site, identifying your options and what’s possible, an opinion of probable costs of the project to come up with an idea for the most suitable design.
• A written report featuring:-
  • Concept drawings of the proposed design;
  • An opinion of probable costs of the likely cost of the project;
  • Comments regarding any relevant planning or Council issues.
• Once the report is complete, the architect then has a second consultation with you to present the report and discuss the design and the next steps in the process should you wish to go ahead.

The architect chosen for you will be familiar with the Local Council regulations, as outlined in the Local Councils major planning documents, such as the Local Environmental Plan (LEP) and the residential Development Control Plan (DCP). These documents contain the relevant planning controls and requirements for residential development in a particular area.

The LEP is the main document that governs development within a Council or local planning area. It outlines the zoning of parcels of land, which establishes what purpose the land may be used for, affecting what type of development may be constructed on that land. The LEP is prepared by Councils and then approved by the Planning Minister.

A DCP consists of more specific planning controls that apply to a particular type of development or in a particular area. It refines those controls stipulated in the LEP or REP (Regional Environmental Plan) and accompanies these documents.
However, before you meet with the architect it is a good idea to develop a brief outlining what you hope to achieve out of the renovation or new home.
For instance, to help guide the architects in Archicentre Mosman Green Design Competition, Archicentre’s brief started with the general objective “to transform a simple two bedroom traditional cottage on an undeveloped site into a fully landscaped property with a stunning four bedroom contemporary home incorporating ESD principles.”

Archicentre then developed more specific criteria such as:-

• Take advantage of the views to Quakers Hat Bay and the northern orientation;
• Comply with Local Council regulations (which were outlined in detail);

Physical Requirements:

• An impressive entry and street presentation;
• Four bedrooms with one or two being multi-function, office / guest accommodation;
• Two and a half or three bathrooms;
• Two living areas with outside connections that are well proportioned and functional;
• Terrace/ entertaining areas with integrated landscaping for the whole block incorporating a modest sized swimming pool and landscaping;
• Plenty of storage and efficient waste handling;
• Two car parking spaces are desirable;
• A high level of innovation.

Green Aspects

• Natural light and ventilation and advantages of the northern aspect;
• Water storage for toilet flushing with garden absorption/use consideration;
• Solar hot water system and photovoltaic cells;
• Economic construction is an important feature of the project;
• Adherence to budget and value for money.

Archicentre received 31 entries into the Mosman Green deign competition. A judging panel assessed each entry and the winning architect, Stephen Petrie, was announced at a special launch event on-site at Mosman Green on 4th May.

Click here to view the winning design and the four finalist’s designs.

Archicentre’s next step was to modify the concept drawings in the Design Development Stage.

With the property found and purchased, Archicentre’s next step was to find an Architect to come up with a design for the property that matched Archicentre’s design brief.

Archicentre’s general objective of the design brief is to transform the simple two bedroom traditional cottage on an undeveloped site into a fully landscaped property with a stunning four bedroom contemporary home incorporating ESD principles.

Specific criteria of the brief includes:-

• Taking advantage of the views to Quakers Hat Bay and the northern orientation;
• Compliance with Local Council regulations;

Physical Requirements:

• An impressive entry and street presentation;
• Four bedrooms with one or two being multi-function, office / guest accommodation;
• Two and a half or three bathrooms;
• Two living areas with outside connections that are well proportioned and functional;
• Terrace/ entertaining areas with integrated landscaping for the whole block incorporating a modest sized swimming pool and landscaping;
• Plenty of storage and efficient waste handling;
• Two car parking spaces are desirable;
• A high level of innovation.

Green Aspects

• Natural light and ventilation and advantages of the northern aspect;
• Water storage for toilet flushing with garden absorption/use consideration;
• Solar hot water system and photovoltaic cells;
• Economic construction is an important feature of the project;
• Adherance to budget and value for money.

87 Architects registered their interest to receive a submission information pack that included the design brief. Of these 87,31 entered a submission in the competition.

Once the winning design is selected, Archicentre will then move into the third stage of the renovation process with the Architect – Design Development.