Vivien Chan | ARCH1390 | 2013: October 2013

Ben Van Berke and his wife, Caroline Bos are the co-founders of UN Studio, and together they have developed an inclusive concept of architecture that incorporates designers, engineers and specialists in various relevant disciplines to collaborate on large- scale, ambitious projects.

Ben Van Berke has a wife and one daughter, so the design of the house will need to accommodate the needs of the three members of the family. The design of the house will have to be one that is based on structure and function, particularly emphasizing on how it gives people an atmosphere to function. A lot of thought will be put on how certain spaces in the house will allow each member of the family to perform certain tasks and function.

Ben Van Berkel is particularly fascinated in drawing and painting. He is intrigued by the use of colour in architecture because by using colour he feels it can change the impression that a building makes. An art studio/ space would be particularly fitting for Van Berkel to create artworks and plan his architecture. The design will have a lot of natural lighting, so big windows and skylights will be incorporated into the studio/ space.

“I am obsessed about public construct, public conditions and how they separate from private” this quote form Van Berkel is important in considering how to separate the public and private spaces in the house.

Ben Van Berkel has once said in an interview that he thinks the living room used to be the most important meeting place in a house- as a semi- public, semi- private space. Now the kitchen has taken over that function as the kitchen is big enough for visitors to gather when entertaining. In his own kitchen, Van Berkel has a sofa. The reason for this is that together with his wife and daughter he can sit back and enjoy each others company while on of them cooks.

The bedrooms will also be grouped together to further emphasize the separation of public and private spaces in the house. The bedrooms will be put together to maintain a degree of privacy. The guest bedrooms and family member bedrooms will be slightly separated (different end of the corridors) to give guests and family members privacy and space between each other.

Room List:

· Kitchen

o Double wall oven

o 2 bowl sink

o Island benchtop with free standing range hood

o Walk-in pantry if possible

· Living room

o Fireplace

· Dining room

· Informal family area

· Art Studio

· Studio /workshop

o For drawing and art projects, music etc.

· Library

· Study room

· Master bedroom with walk in robe and ensuite

· Bedroom 1

o A bathroom associated with these two bedrooms

o Bath and separate shower

· Guest bathroom
. Guest bedroom

· WC

· Laundry (sufficient to do washing, ironing, etc inside the room)

· Garage (2 cars)

1. Site Analysis

The proposed site is located on number 5 Wyargine Street, Balmoral. The total area of the land is 713m square. As the floor space ratio is 1:50 according to the FSR map Mosman LEP, the maximum floor space is 355.2m square. The proposed site is located 60m away from Balmoral Beach, which is South East from the site. The major side for views from the site is on the East side, this is also the direction that the sea breeze comes from. The back of the proposed site is subjected to the sun orientation (North) and hot winds (West). The South West facade of the site is subjected to more of the rain and storm. The closest means of transport is by bus as there is a bus stop located 50m from the site.

2. Planning Controls

Objectives	Planning Controls
Siting and scale
Controls for these elements are important to facilitate an acceptable siting and scale of development that maintains a satisfactory relationship with neighbouring properties and the wider street context. Buildings should be designed “from the ground up” with ground floors located at or near ground level. Height and Floor Space Ration (FSR) Controls regulate the height and bulk of development, and intend to reflect the existing or desired pattern of housing scale, having regard to the location of the site and townscape area character. A greater building height and bulk is generally encourage on larger sites located near to public transport, shops and services, reflecting best practice sustainability and urban consolidation principles.
01. To have the effects of bulk and scale of buildings arising from new development minimised. 02. To have a scale of development which is not excessive and is consistent with the existing or desired future townscape area character. 03. To have a built form that is typical of traditional building types in Mosman, and encourage pitched and gabled roof forms.	P1. For all residential zoned land to hich a maximum building height of 8.5 metres applies under the LEP, the following also applies: a) a maximum wall height of 7.2m; b) a maximum of two storey’s. Council may allow an additional storey in attic roof space of existing and new buildings, or in the foundation space of existing buildings, provided that the building height and bulk is of an appropriate form and scale. P2. Council may consider pitched roof forms to extend beyond the maximum building height set out in the LEP where a consistent pitched roof style is an important local character element or it is appropriate for an identified heritage item. New works should sit comfortably in the existing context without being visually dominant or overall prominent.
Building setback Setbacks define the overall footprint of a building and the outer extremities of that building in relation to the front, side and rear boundaries.
04. To have front setbacks complementing existing setbacks in the street. 05. To have adequate side setbacks for basement excavation to allow for deep soil planting between buildings. 06. To have adequate side setbacks to provide spatial relief between buildings, encourage view sharing, and minimize overshadowing of neighbouring properties. 08. To have rear setbacks which complement existing setbacks and which provide sufficient space for substantial planting, provide adequate separation of buildings, and have regard to cross views of neighbouring properties. 09. To have buildings which are sited to relate to the topography with minimal cut and fill, preserve existing significant trees, vegetation, rock outcrops, water courses, natural features and promote new vegetation links.	P3. If a new development is to take place in a street with an established pattern of development, new buildings should be setback a similar distance from the street. P5. The setback of any basement area must be at a minimum equivalent to the setback of the ground floor of the building. P6. Excavation is not permitted within the minimum setback area except for shallow excavation (less than 1m depth) required for the provision of utility services. This will require all footings, drainage works, structural support etc. to be located beyond the minimum setback. P8. Development must have a minimum side boundary setback of: a) Single storey (or less than 3.6m wall height: 900mm. b) Two storey (or up to 7.2m wall height): 1.5m. P9. Upper storey additions must be set back from the side boundary to comply with the above. P10. For new dwelling houses, and for multiple dwellings, greater than single storey, the side boundary setback should be equal for all levels of the building. P11. Building bulk should be distributed to minimize overshadowing to neighbours, streets and public open space. Building forms should enable a sharing of views with surrounding residences and permit views from public streets and open space. P12. Council may require an additional side setback to ensure adequate daylight and sunlight access to adjacent buildings or to minimize view loss. In particular, an additional side setback from the southern boundary for east- west oriented lots, especially for first floor additions, may be required. P19. Where the existing pattern of development displays an established rear setback, development should retain this setback to provide sufficient space for substantial planting, provide adequate separation of buildings, and have regard to cross views of neighbouring properties. P21. Buildings should be sited having regard to topographical features. The building footprint should be designed to minimize cut and fill. P22. Buildings should be sited to preserve existing significant trees, vegetation, rock outcrops, watercourses and natural features and promote new planting.
View sharing Public views and vistas occur along streets that focus on water and distant headlands. In sloping areas, views from public streets and between buildings on the low side of streets enhance the Mosman identity and provide views of landmark features and adjacent landscapes. How are the views obtained and assessed? Views from private dwellings considered in development assessment are those available horizontally to an observer standing 1m from a window or balcony edge (less if the balcony is 1m or less in depth).
02. To have the value of existing views from private dwellings recognized and encourage view sharing through building design, location and landscape design, whilst not restricting the reasonable development potential of a site.	P4. New development should be designed to minimize view loss to adjoining and adjacent properties while still providing opportunities for views from the development itself. P5. Development must not significantly obstruct views enjoyed from living and entertainment areas of neighbouring properties. Views available from other areas within residential buildings generally will not be protected particularly if views are available from living and entertainment areas in the building concerned. Views from private dwellings considered in development assessment are those available to an observer standing 1m from a window or balcony edge (less if the balcony is 1m or less in depth).
Streetscape and building design Streetscape refers to the way a street looks and is fundamental in defining neighbourhood identity and townscape area character. It is the arrangement of these components (buildings, landscape elements, fences, footpaths, driveways and utility services) and their visual appearance that influences the streetscape character. Important elements of building design are: · Height · Bulk · Roof form · Finishes · Overall street presentation
01. To have development of a scale and appearance which is in keeping with the street and desired future townscape area character. 02. To have building bulk controlled by incorporating facades that are well articulated. 03. To have variety within development, where consistent with the street and desired future townscape area character.	P1. New development should incorporate articulated facades to avoid a bulky appearance and to create proportions consistent within the streetscape. P2. Applicants much demonstrate that buildings are designed “from the ground up” with ground floors located at or near ground level and incorporating reasonable ceiling heights. The use of extensive void areas under or within a building is discouraged. Roof design of building: P8. Flat roofs, when well designed, may be acceptable and allow for the retention of views from neighbouring properties and public views. Where flat roofs are selected, particular attention should be give to the detailing of the wall/ roof junction. Parapet walls are discouraged. P9. Deep eaves on buildings are encouraged as a design element and for passive solar control. Materials and finishes: P11. The colour and surface of external finishes should be sympathetic to the street and desired future townscape area character and contribute to the overall appearance of the development. P14. Use of highly reflective materials, including glazed balustrades on north facing elevations, reflective factory finished roof sheeting and glazed roof tiles is discourages. The use of preweathered zinc and copper as an alternative material for roof sheeting is encouraged.
Carport and garage design The provision of car parking should reasonably satisfy the needs of current and future residents but recognize the needs to balance car parking access and provision with design, heritage and sustainability objectives. In almost every case, garages and carports have a substantial impact if constructed on or near the front boundary; for this reason Council has identified preferred locations for garages and carports- at the rear, side and, finally, at the front of the dwelling house of semi- detached dwelling.
01. To have carports and garages designed to be in sympathy with the residential building without becoming the dominant feature on the site. 02. To have areas forward of the front building alignment reserved predominantly for vegetation and landscaping and to make a positive contribution to the streetscape.	P1. For new development, the siting of garages or carports must be integrated into the building design at the time of the application.
Fences and Walls Fences and walls play major roles in determining the appearance of developments and their contribution towards the streetscape.
01. To have new fences and walls that are compatible with positive elements of the streetscape and satisfy the character objectives for the townscape area. 02. To have low open style front fencing as a means of reducing the visual impact of solid fencing styles, encourage safety through passive surveillance of streets and private property, and allow for public views.	P1. Fences and walls must be consistent with identified streetscape and townscape area character elements. P3. Front fences, and side fences forward of the building line, should be no more than 1.2m in height about footpath level.

Vivien Chan | ARCH1390 | 2013

Wednesday, 23 October 2013

Final Design- Progress

Friday, 11 October 2013

Room sizing

Modified Brief

Thursday, 10 October 2013

Assignment 2: Commentary

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