Project builder for steep blocks

Anyone know of a project home builder that does custom homes for steep blocks in Sydney? Our block is 900m2, 13.4 meters wide and slopes a total of 10 meters down.

So far only Hotondo homes has agreed to come and have a look at our land...

Looked into architects, but they seem to estimate an absolute fortune for the build.

I can recommend you a builder to chat with in the Sydney area who is currently building on an extremely steep slope. However, the build is very non-conventional as it is using integrated concrete form work since it is in a bush fire prone area as well as the steepness of the slope.

Look up Cordony Constructions (www.cordonyconstructions.com)

I wouldn't discount architects so quickly but you can also use a very good draftsman as well.

How much slope do you have over the approximate build envelope? I think you'll find with anything over about 3m you'll have trouble getting a project home builder, as they can't use standardised plans on the block.

Metricon and Porter Davis both do split level homes, I'm building with Metricon on a 3m slope - on slab, not bearer and joist but Metricon do bearer and joist as well. Also went through the custom build process with a good designer / draftsman however the quotes that we got back from tender were just overcapitalisation so we didn't proceed.

You may find you need to go with a good draftsman. Possibly the reason why the quotes seem so high from architects is they're being upfront - rather know the projected costs now, before you throw away a heap of $$ on design.

Sloping blocks are far more expensive (cost of footings, site works, extra excavation, access of builder), but worth it in the long run... Our site costs with a flat block and the same design would most likely have been less than 1/3 of what we actually paid. Still, in our opinion worth it.

Check out Nu-Era Homes http://www.nuerahomes.com.au/about.html

Petal84
Get your own comprehensive design and include engineering then approach 3 builders to quote remember if a builder does the design they own copyright and they won't allow you to get other quotes most Architectural Artists have no Idea of the engineering and building costs involved while some builders love bumping up provisional sums once you've handed over a deposit..only to blame others
Tread carefully sloping block are difficult builds.
OT don't spend too much on the designs and presentations just in case you don't proceed
Advice for a steel frame construction (pole house on slope)
You might want to consider prefab precast if site access permits as well..Goodluck

Pv build. I'm guessing more then 3 meters. Maybe 5 meters over the building envelope since we would like a fairly big house. It is such a pain. There is already an existing small house there which we are currently living in. Built on a slab, but since we want probably 3 times the size it's not going to work.

I wonder how these project builders work anyhow. I'm very picky when it comes to interior fittings. Ideally I would like to source out the materials myself, since most things I want are very specific and not standard. Some things I would like to import from abroad like rangehod and taps, even kitchen handles. Everything from flooring to door handles basically. I'm happy for the builder to install everything, but what if I don't like what they have in their catalogue??

If you thinking of importing items from O/S then I feel your mind is made up on what you like. Based on the few project home builders I have met, they tend to carry low tier products in their catalog. You will be hard pressed to find a project home builder who will allow you to buy items from else where because it does become problematic. Especially if the product you desire is on back order.

Your other alternative would be to find an emerging interior designer who knows a good draughtsman then find a builder. This way you can full control of what you want your house to be. Have a flick through the IDEA awards website, plenty of emerging designers.

I’ll see what the guy from hotondo homes says on Wednesday. It would be awesome if they would agree to take the project on until plastering is finished and then for us to source out the rest of the materials for tradesmen to install. This is very common in Scandinavia where I’m from and basically all project builders will do it without hesitation. However in Australia this is not common from my understanding. If not we’ll go the designer way and then getting a builder to build for us.

I believe it could be due to warranty issues with the house that most project home builders are reluctant to do a partial build but you never know.

Your other option would be to look at pre-fab homes. Again I am not sure about NSW but there are a few in Victoria who do projects interstate. There was one pre-fab builder who is happy to source items that are not available in their catalog. Probably this will get you alot closer to a Scandinavian design and more suitable for slopes.

hi Petal84 we are also looking to build in Sydney on a sloping block in a quiet dead end street. But as soon as i say either sloping block or that my council wants DA approval (due to the suburb i am in) most project builders run for the hills. Waiting for GJ Gardner to come back. Have a 2m rise from the street with uphill block. Then another 2-3m rise over the area that ideally i would want to build in. Be good to know what Hotondo say. Will keep you posted with GJ Gardner.

Well GJ Gardner is out. Now need to look for possible architect/draftsperson and then custom home

schmalex There are a lot of great architects in Sydney. I recently came across an interesting house in Lane Cove that was on a site with a 12 meter fall in a significant bush fire danger zone as well. Built from Integrated Concrete Form blocks as well. I had a good chat with the builder of this project as well.

What do you think of the builder? Did you get to talk to the owner? Are they happy with the result?

We are building in upper north shore and the land has a slight slope. Very interested in talking to more builders. It will be greatly appreciated if you could share your insight.

If possible, consider 3 level split.

Should be suiting your 5 m quite well. I have a split design on 3 m fall, cut and fill sorts most of the issues: I have around 1 m cut from the back + 1.7 m split with some fill at the front.

Yes, I would still have to pay extra for the retaining walls and high quality rafted slab with piered footings, but those costs are quite reasonable. My neighbour certainly had paid more for his excavation and almost 50 tipper trucks.

If you are thinking about ICF (which you probably should on a very sloping block), check out Durisol/Nexcem ICF which far better/more ecological/fire safe alternative to standard polystyrene ICFs (durisol.com.au). When comparing to brick, it won't be settling at all. Building from ICF can take a bit longer, but with current Sydney pricing, you can build your walls cheaper than brick veneer and they will be rendered throughout, so no gyprock. Also, they are breathable, have good thermal mass and offer good insulation.

They can also recommend you a builder.

WBR,
Alex

It was the builder's first time with the product and it was recommended to him by the client. Both the architect and the builder were pretty keen once they had a chat with Zego. Zego was the ICF supplier in this project.

I have heard good things about the builder and he is essentially carrying on his father's business. We spoke on multiple occasions and he made the time to chat with me as well.

Architect is currently looking into other projects near the Blue Mountains to use ICF. Happy to pass on the architect and builder's details if you want.

I'm pretty sure if you google you can figure it out.

I never heard of Nexcem before.. I am surprised the about the claim for zero blow outs. It doesn't make sense how that would be possible.

Not sure where exactly this specific claim is coming for, but Durisol material itself is MUCH stronger than polystyrene, it is often referenced as "woodchip"-based light concrete. In Europe, people are actually building 3 storey houses out of woodchip concrete solid blocks as their compression strength can easily go up to 3 mPA, it also can bend quite well and it is really hard to break the block even with a sledgehammer.

the only issue i see is accessibility to materials like this and experienced trades people who have used it. The only downside I see with ICF is the issue of blow outs.

Montgomery homes claim to be the sloping specialists