Design Overview
A traditional custom new home in the Beecroft-Cheltenham Heritage Conservation Area, designed to suit its established character while making the most of northern sunlight. The design also addressed established trees, a sloping site and BAL-19/BAL-29 bushfire requirements.
DA Approved – Hornsby Shire Council
More About This Project
The Brief
Traditional Custom Home Design in Beecroft's Heritage Conservation Area
Beecroft House involved designing a substantial two-storey family home within the Beecroft/Cheltenham Heritage Conservation Area.
The owners wanted a custom traditional four-bedroom home with generous living areas, including a formal lounge, study, upstairs family space and a more relaxed living area connected to the alfresco and swimming pool.
Making the most of northern sunlight was an important part of the brief.
The property also presented several challenges, including established trees, a natural cross-fall, bushfire requirements and the need for the new home to fit comfortably within the surrounding heritage streetscape.
The Design Response
Traditional Home Design with Northern Sunlight and Family Living
We positioned the main living and sitting areas towards the northern front of the home to take advantage of winter sunlight on both levels.
At the rear, we designed a separate family living area opening onto the covered alfresco, landscaped garden and swimming pool.
Traditional brickwork, sandstone detailing, a tiled roof and generous windows were incorporated to give the home a timeless appearance that suited the surrounding neighbourhood.
Designing a New Home Within the Beecroft Heritage Conservation Area
Although this was a completely new home, its location within the Heritage Conservation Area meant the design needed to respect the character of the surrounding properties.
During the DA assessment, Hornsby Shire Council's Heritage Advisory Committee raised concerns about the appearance of the two-storey front section.
We worked through these concerns and made changes to the design while maintaining the traditional architectural style the owners wanted.
Protecting Established Trees and Addressing Bushfire Requirements
The position of the home also needed to consider the property's established trees and natural slope.
We coordinated an arboricultural assessment to address tree protection and the proposed building location.
Bushfire requirements added another consideration, with BAL-29 applying to the southern, eastern and western elevations and BAL-19 to the northern elevation.
We incorporated these requirements into the external materials and construction detailing without compromising the home's traditional appearance.
Project Outcome
DA Approval for Custom Home in Beecroft – Hornsby Shire Council
Despite the challenges of the Heritage Conservation Area, established trees and bushfire requirements, we successfully obtained Development Application approval through Hornsby Shire Council.
The approved design provides a substantial four-bedroom family home with traditional architectural character, generous living spaces, northern sunlight and a strong connection to the outdoor entertaining area and swimming pool.
Following DA approval, the project progressed to Construction Certificate documentation.
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