Browse Forums Building A New House Re: Custom KDR Canberra 6Jul 19, 2018 7:45 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. Canberra knockdown rebuild https://the35thweek.blogspot.com Re: Custom KDR Canberra 7Sep 12, 2019 10:27 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 ⋅ Canberra knockdown rebuild https://the35thweek.blogspot.com Re: Custom KDR Canberra 8Sep 22, 2019 9:53 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 Canberra knockdown rebuild https://the35thweek.blogspot.com Re: Custom KDR Canberra 10Sep 22, 2019 11:45 pm You need to pay particular attention to the soil moisture levels when doing a KDR. 3in1 Supadiverta. Rainwater Harvesting Best Practice using syphonic drainage. Cleaner Neater Smarter Cheaper Supa Gutter Pumper. A low cost syphonic eaves gutter overflow solution. Re: Custom KDR Canberra 11Oct 14, 2019 2:37 pm Canberra knockdown rebuild https://the35thweek.blogspot.com Re: Custom KDR Canberra 13Nov 08, 2019 12:04 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. Canberra knockdown rebuild https://the35thweek.blogspot.com Re: Custom KDR Canberra 14Nov 10, 2019 3:42 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 ⋅ Canberra knockdown rebuild https://the35thweek.blogspot.com Re: Custom 2-storey knockdown rebuild - Canberra 15Nov 25, 2019 7:17 pm Looking good so far - how have you found dealing with the builder? Re: Custom 2-storey knockdown rebuild - Canberra 16Dec 19, 2019 2:57 pm Been to visit the site a few times - still only frame up but all the rooms and spaces feel smaller than we thought it would. Our project manager said it will feel bigger once the walls, ceilings and things go in - which sounds counterintuitive to us. Wouldn't it feel even smaller once everything has gone in? Like ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅ Like ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅ Canberra knockdown rebuild https://the35thweek.blogspot.com Re: Custom 2-storey knockdown rebuild - Canberra 17Dec 20, 2019 5:10 pm Sorry, I wish I'd seen this thread earlier. As I'm going to make a negative comment, & it's probably (though maybe not) too late to make changes. Plus you may not want to in any case.
While I agree with other posters, that you've gone a good job orientating the home with north facing living areas. There's one critical feature that minimises all this good work. The north facing alfresco area! Your north facing living areas need access to direct sunlight in winter time. Particularly in a climate like Canberra, with cold, clear winter days. This alfresco will shade your dining area for nearly the entire day, & the living room all afternoon. Sorry to be the bearer of bad news. It looks like you're too far along to make changes, but maybe not, if you're willing. A north facing pergola would be more appropriate, but may not be possible at this stage. North facing clerestory windows over the alfresco (lighting the dining room) look like they wouldn't be possible either. The only option I can see is LARGE skylights above the alfresco area, near the dining room. Either clear sky, or transparent. This will allow the dining room access to winter sunlight. It may not be possible, or you may not be interested. Just thought I'd give you some options, as this could have a HUGE effect on the comfort of your home, particularly in winter. I'd have a good read of this government website about designing a home for comfort & energy design. It will highlight why I feel so strongly about homes having access to northern winter sunlight, https://www.yourhome.gov.au/passive-design Re: Custom 2-storey knockdown rebuild - Canberra 18Dec 20, 2019 5:23 pm As others have noted, I'd be worried about the western windows. Particularly the western master window. Eaves are quite ineffective at shading western & eastern windows, as the sun is lower in the sky at this time of day. Western bedroom windows are particularly bad, add the room is heated up on summer afternoon, evenings. So you have any plans to counter this? I'd recommend using low-e glass on western windows, exterior vertical awnings & plantings to shade these windows. Re: Custom 2-storey knockdown rebuild - Canberra 19Dec 20, 2019 5:35 pm I'd also consider a door, separating your living area from the hallway/stairway. As it stands, any heat you do gain in your living areas in winter time will be lost, upstairs, where it's not required. As the stairwell will act like a giant chimney. A door will not only keep winter heat in the living areas, it will also limit noise and cooking smells from the rest of the home. Re: Custom 2-storey knockdown rebuild - Canberra 20Dec 23, 2019 9:42 am Appreciate the feedback! Yeah, probably too far along to do much the alfresco area. Will just have to see how it turns out. We'll look to plants to help with the west facing windows. The door suggestion is a good one that we'll look into. Canberra knockdown rebuild https://the35thweek.blogspot.com if the original house is in good condition most of what you listed could be added in stages without the need for KDR and costs and disruption of having to live elsewhere… 1 13686 Hi We have finally decided to complete a KDR on our corner plot in NE Melbourne suburbs. Given its a corner plot approx. 400 sqm just a standard design may not fit the… 0 8578 multiple occ properties are always billed by trades at a premium, rarely per sqm for the lot. You either have trades you know whoe will do by sqm or youre going to get… 1 2250 |