Duplexs & Multi-Unit Developments

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New Duplex construction

 
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Simple construction
 
O'Mara has been building multi-unit developments of various types for over 40 years. We have built townhouses and duplex's of many different styles and designs. Some on sloping blocks, flood affected sites, battleaxe blocks, narrow blocks and in aircraft noise area's. 
 
MULTI-UNIT DEVELOPMENTS
These can be Strata Title, Torrens Title or Community Title, Each local council will have specific requirements (development control plan or DCP) that need to be meet. Local council also require that the construction process is completed with all landscaping, new fencing and driveways completed. These cannot be delayed until a later stage like many home owners do. We recommend that a "draft concept" plan be first prepared to evaluate the development.
 
TYPES OF DUPLEX'S
Duplex's can be in the following forms;
ₕ Attached
ₕ Detached
ₕ Strata title
ₕ Torrens title
Each type of duplex will have different council requirements and design restrictions. For example in some areas 450m2 of land is required for attached dual occupancies and 600m2 of land is required for detached dual occupancies
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STANDARD DESIGNS
Some building companies advertise that they have standard designs for multi-unit developments, namely duplex's but simply they will not work. There are too many external factors that need to be considered for multi-unit developments that are not required for single dwellings. Each local council has its own DCP (Development Control Plan) that is specific to its area that needs to be complied with. This is usually the size of a Sydney phone book and outlines many requirements that need to be adhered to, including items such as streetscape, north facing living areas, setbacks, car parking, building height envelopes, just to name a few. This means that each multi-unit development must be design to suit the site and local council conditions.
 
The best method is to first have a "concept plan" prepared by and architect or draftsman. This is a basic plan with minimal dimensions but drawn to scale. It will only consist of simple floor plans, a couple of elevations and a site plans. From this "concept plan" the builder can price the project exactly, cost alternative and obtain verbal council approval. Only then would final building plans be prepared for council development submission along with other professional designs.
 
SITE CONSIDERATIONS
Every local council has different rules when it comes to designing duplex's. Some building companies advertise that they have standard duplex designs that will suit your block of land. However in reality all duplex's will need to be designed to suit the site conditions and the local council requirements as every project differs greatly. Items that will need to be considered include;
ₕ North facing living areas
ₕ Neighbours privacy
ₕ Streetscape
ₕ Setbacks
ₕ Building height envelope
ₕ Car parking & turning circles
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Duplex in Windsor 
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RECENT PROJECTS
Our most recent duplex projects include ;
Duplex at 421 Sydney Road, Balgowlah (near Manly) - currently under construction
New Duplex 610 George St, South Windsor (Intersection of George & Macquarie Streets)
New Duplex 608 George St, South Windsor (Intersection of George & Macquarie Streets)
New Duplex Bradley Street, South Windsor
Duplex at 55 McGrath Road McGrath's Hill
Duplex at 11 Ilma Close, McGrath's Hill
Renovation of existing house and construction of a new dwelling to create a detached dual occupancy at 7 Maurice Street, St. Clair
Detached dual occupancy at 21 Ocean Street Budgewoi
 
 
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Duplex A - floor plans 
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Duplex A - elevations 
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Duplex A - 3D & sections 
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Duplex A - 3D 
 
MULTI-UNIT DEVELOPMENTS
These projects can be very complex. Each local council has a development control plan (BCP) that needs to be complied with. Issues that need to be addressed include;
 

ₕ Designated areas of multi-unit development as indicated by council
ₕ Streetscape
ₕ Neighbours privacy
ₕ Shadowing and North facing living areas
ₕ Stormwater detention
ₕ Site levels
ₕ Environmental effects
ₕ Car parking
ₕ Building height envelopes and fencing
ₕ Disabled access
ₕ BASIX
ₕ Private open space
ₕ Sewer design
ₕ Heritage issues
ₕ Existing trees on site

ₕ Acoustic issues for aircraft, traffic or rail
ₕ Landscape design
ₕ Fire safety
ₕ BCA (Building Code of Australia)
ₕ Sydney Water Section 73 fee's
ₕ Integral Energy Compliance of Level 3 upgrade to mains power
ₕ AGL & Telstra compliance certificate
ₕ Payment of council Section 94 contributions for open space & recreation
ₕ Private certification fee's for issue of construction certificate, inspections during construction and issue of occupation certificate
ₕ Home Owners Warranty insurance policies
ₕ Legal fees and real estate agents commissions
ₕ Borrowing and finance fee¡¦s from lending authorities  


With so many issues to consider it is difficult to budget for construction costs unless "Concept Plans" are first prepared. These concept plans can be viewed by council at a panel meeting to obtain verbal council approval. Only then can an accurate construction cost be estimated.
 
RECENT PROJECTS
Our most recent multi-unit projects include ;
ₕ 8 townhouses at 182 March Street, Richmond
ₕ 6 townhouses at 161 Francis Street, Richmond
ₕ 6 townhouses at 13 Moray Street, Richmond
ₕ 6 detached houses at 10 Arndell Street, Windsor
 
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Balgowlah duplex currently under construction 
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Balgowlah (Manly) duplex showing the suspended concrete slab 
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Balgowlah duplex using full brick construction and incorporating some old recycled feature brick walls 
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Pouring suspended concrete duplex slab 
DUPLEX'S 
We have been working with a quality local building designer to come up with a standard design for a duplex that would suit most blocks and could easily be adapted to suit specific owner requirements and local council regulations. We have 2 options at this stage. Above is a more traditional facade. Below is the same floor plan but altered to suit a more modern contemporary street view
 
This design can easily be altered to a 4 bedroom duplex or altered to maximise northerly winter sun or possible views, This design is only an example to display what is possible but there are many different design options. Our designer now has a new computer program with 3D technology that allows you to not only view the design in a 3D perspective but fly around the duplex & walk-thru the house in full 360 degree's. The program is very easy to use and extremely impressive.
 
Please contact our office for more information on how we can arrange for your duplex concept plan to be prepared today