Completed
Leveraging our Design Build process, we’ve created a synergy between striking, contemporary design and cost-discipline, to deliver a premium development that was profitable without compromise.
The site the project was located on created a number of constraints for the ground works. We've outlined them below to show how we handled them to maintain the integrity and feasibility of the development.
Tight Budget Discipline
Constraint: The development was delivered within a defined construction budget in a location where overcapitalisation would be easy and not supported by the surrounding market valuations. Every decision needed to be commercially aligned from the outset.
Approach: Finishes, materials and detailing were evaluated against long-term value rather than short-term impression. Where complexity did not materially improve the architecture, it was removed. Investment was directed toward structure, durability and the elements that genuinely elevate the experience of the home.
Outcome: The result are two refined, cohesive houses that feel considered and intentional — achieving a high level of finish without unnecessary overcapitalisation.
Significant Groundworks and Water Table
Constraint: The sloping site required 32 x 2.5m deep piers bored into bedrock to support the retaining walls. During excavation, we encountered the water table, which caused the boreholes to fill with water and slurry and made inspection prior to concrete placement more complex. At the same time, periods of torrential rain made ground conditions difficult to manoeuvre.
Approach: Groundworks were strategically sequenced to maintain site stability despite variable conditions. Each bore was pumped out, cleaned and inspected by the engineer prior to concrete placement to ensure the integrity of the footing system. During periods of heavy rain, access and excavation methods were adjusted to prioritise safety and maintain controlled progress across the site.
Outcome: All retaining structures were delivered as engineered, with each footing verified prior to pour. Groundwater and heavy rainfall were managed without compromising structural integrity or overall programme control.
Tree Protection Zone Constraints
Constraint: Six mature boundary trees created an extensive TPZ that pushed into the build zone and restricted conventional excavation methods.
Approach: The building setback was stepped to maximise internal area while respecting the protection zone. In consultation with the engineer, screw piles were used to reduce excavation near root systems. Within the TPZ, smaller machinery and hand excavation were adopted, including during Hunter Water service upgrades.
Outcome: Tree health was preserved, compliance requirements were satisfied, and the architectural footprint was achieved without compromising the integrity of the site.
