Custom 2-storey knockdown rebuild - Canberra

Trimega · Jul 18, 2018 9:27 am

Hi all.

So we've finally bitten the bullet and decided on a KDR of our old home! It's an exciting time but we're total noobs and have found this forum to be very valuable.

We've gone with custom, 2 level design.

Our primary objectives were a 4brm home, plenty of light, storage and a spacious interior and good flow. It looks good to us, but is there anything we're missing? We also would like to site a fireplace somewhere and we probably don't need such a big terrace.

Would love to get opinions on layout. North is to the rear, block is 500sqm.

Like ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅

Like ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅

Like ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅

gillybean · Jul 18, 2018 9:43 am

Layout looks awesome, I’ll have a closer look later but can’t see too much wrong with it atm.

Edit - Wrt fireplace I’d put it either on a 90 degree angle to the tv, where the window is in family room, or put it on the same wall as tv in living room on far left side.

Hillsbuilds · Jul 18, 2018 9:49 am

Nice orientation, you’re lucky to have a rear to north block!

My only suggestion would be to reconsider the window to the pantry, as it’s west facing so may heat that room up a fair bit. Not ideal for storing foodstuffs! Same goes with the west facing window in MBR, but if it’s one of those high windows it may not be as much of an issue.

Good luck, will be following!

algernon · Jul 18, 2018 2:13 pm

Good to see another Canberra build!

I think you've done a good job of capturing the orientation with that plan, although I second Hillsbuilds' concerns about those two west-facing windows . Are there any particular views that you'd like to catch as well?

I like your understairs WC (we had one in our original plan, but not in our final) - are you considering an access hatch from the laundry to access the rest of the understairs space?

I'm a bit concerned about your entry void - voids that small run the risk of ending up as (not very impressive) 'vertical tunnels', with all the disadvantages of voids with none of the advantages. Is a void something that you're really keen on?

What heating/cooling are you having, and where are the units going to be positioned?

ligongl · Jul 18, 2018 10:57 pm

Your plans looks great Trimega! it will surely be light filled spacious home with fantastic outdoor living too!

Agree with the comments from algernon and Hillsbuilds on the number of west faced windows, however, I can understand the kitchen window from the cooking area - they do look great in the display homes we been!

If I read your site plan correct, your block is elevated towards west, which could play to your advantage in blocking harsh westerly summer sun - if there are any trees in the neighbors’ block or a tall hedge. Otherwise consider planting some advanced bush-trees in front of the west exposed windows (although there are restrictions in the trees that can go to easements), other than that, tinted windows and perhaps external shutters where needed are also some remedial measures.

Just my 2c.

All the best to your journey ahead, we are already watching your thread,:-D as we are also hoping to start our KDR early next year.
Cheers

ligongl
https://forum.homeone.com.au/viewtopic.php?f=31&t=91829

Trimega · Jul 19, 2018 8:45 am

Thanks for the comments! Some interesting points we hadn't considered and glad that it seems mostly OK.

We might need to rethink some of the west facing windows.

The void was an idea to maximise light into what otherwise could be a dark entry and to give a spacious feel. Haven't considered where the aircon unit will go - we have seen some display homes where they were right next to a bedroom and very loud.

Trimega · Sep 12, 2019 11:27 pm

So it's been over a year since my last post, but happy to report that demolition commenced today! They demolition team turned up and didn't waste anytime tearing the place down. It was kind of scary seeing just how easily the machine destroyed everything in its path. I managed to get some cool drone footage that I'll upload once I do some editing. They should have the rest of the building down and site cleared tomorrow. I'll be posting regular updates as the build progresses and hope to draw on the experiences of others who have also gone through the process.

https://the35thweek.blogspot.com

Like ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅

Trimega · Sep 22, 2019 10:53 pm

Visited the site again after last week's demolition. Pic from my DJI Spark drone 50m above the site

Like ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅
https://the35thweek.blogspot.com

ligongl · Sep 23, 2019 12:31 am

keep an eye on the site work/site cut, it is an item normally builder underquote, esp. if you are relying on an allowance for the site work. Looking great! its a clean slate for a fresh start.

SaveH2O · Sep 23, 2019 12:45 am

You need to pay particular attention to the soil moisture levels when doing a KDR.

Trimega · Oct 14, 2019 3:37 pm

Like ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅

Like ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅

Slab down!

Josh22 · Oct 16, 2019 9:38 pm

Hey mate, which builder do you go with in Canberra?
Did you end up changing the plans from last year?

Trimega · Nov 08, 2019 1:04 pm

Josh22

Hey mate, which builder do you go with in Canberra?
Did you end up changing the plans from last year?

We went with Blackett Homes - no the plans stayed pretty much the same.

Trimega · Nov 10, 2019 4:42 pm

We went away for a few weeks and came to this.

Blog updated for those playing at home

Like ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅ Like ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅

Like ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅

algernon · Nov 25, 2019 8:17 pm

Looking good so far - how have you found dealing with the builder?