Browse Forums Building A New House 1 Nov 10, 2009 3:41 pm Since I've been commenting on other's I thought I should probably share our plans. Although it is too late for changes, I'm interested in what people think, love, hate, not sure about, etc. We've tried to design it to maximise crossflow ventilation and passive cooling. The house will be aligned so that the front is facing east, predominant breezes are SE. Almost all our windows are 900mm wide x 2100mm high louvres and placed to line up with doors for clear passage of breezes. Main part of house will have a raked ceiling with high clerestory windows on the northern side to vent hot air out of the house. Exterior is mostly hardiplank, with colorbond feature around the step-out for the bathrooms and timber facing the verandahs. Underneath the house is a laundry and toilet. Later we will add a guest room, bathroom, and studio/rumpus/gym downstairs as well. Plan: http://i215.photobucket.com/albums/cc216/kb46_2007/da5e31e0.gif The "Media" room has been incorrectly labelled by the draftsman, it will be an "Activity" room with computer and table for our kids to do homework, craft, etc. This area (complete with doors I can shut to pretend there is no mess) was an absolute essential for our house plans. The "Dining" area is also incorrectly labelled, that will be our lounge area. Front & Side: http://i215.photobucket.com/albums/cc216/kb46_2007/2f9c3b21.gif http://i215.photobucket.com/albums/cc216/kb46_2007/997a7d79.gif Other Side & Rear: http://i215.photobucket.com/albums/cc216/kb46_2007/82fb84bc.gif http://i215.photobucket.com/albums/cc216/kb46_2007/00601732.gif Cross-section: http://i215.photobucket.com/albums/cc216/kb46_2007/e3725444.gif Re: Our plans 4Nov 10, 2009 4:15 pm I figured it was about that size. Of course what suits the tropics isn't going to suit Melbourne and people need to remember this. 1. I like the nice natural breezeway through the house 2. Great Deck Space 3. Laundry shute gets big tick 4. I can't see a door into the bathroom, which I think is needed 5. I might consider a larger front door although 820 isn't too bad. 6. I am sure you have played with the concept of an entry wall so you dont effectively walk right into your living area. It's very hard to do when you are maximising space usage and not restricting airflow 7. 2x520 doors into bedroom. Maybe make one smaller and one larger? Re: Our plans 5Nov 10, 2009 4:52 pm dadandsue 4. I can't see a door into the bathroom, which I think is needed The shower/bath area has a cavity slider, as does the toilet. The vanity area doesn't have a door, which we may regret as our daughters reach teenage years and leave lotions and potions everywhere LOL! 5. I might consider a larger front door although 820 isn't too bad. I don't know what our door options will be, it will depend on how many $$$ are left after all the other desires are taken care of... 6. I am sure you have played with the concept of an entry wall so you dont effectively walk right into your living area. It's very hard to do when you are maximising space usage and not restricting airflow I'm thinking of building a screen with timber like this one from the Porter Davis website: I'd rather wait to see the room in action before designing the screen properly, but that should screen the entrance and our bedroom doors effectively without blocking any breezes. 7. 2x520 doors into bedroom. Maybe make one smaller and one larger? I'm not convinced about these doors either, am wondering whether the two 520's will make it look like a linen cupboard LOL! Which side would you put the smaller panel? Responses amongst the quote above in blue! Kylie Re: Our plans 6Nov 10, 2009 4:58 pm I am not sure how you deal with those 2x520 doors. I just sensed that you would be forever shuffling sideways through the doorway with 1 door open. Maybe see if you can move the WIR entry and just have one door? Sorry I am just not sure what door sizes are available Really tight at the top of the stairs- how to get furniture into those rooms? Study books - does anyone really use them these days? Large storage closet would be more functional. 2 6884 Ask the council if there is a chance of getting build over easement exemption. Sometimes easements are unused and 24cm is not all that much. Good luck. And yes any builder… 2 13771 If there have been changes, variations, during construction then the drawings should be revised, the building permit amended and the current, as built drawings given to… 2 4480 |