Values

We begin from first principles

Every project, client and place is unique. This inspires us to develop particular design propositions that meet or exceed client expectations and offer wider than anticipated community benefits.

We eschew preconceived ideas. Instead, we commence our work by adopting what we describe as a ‘first principles’ approach to problem solving. First, we learn by experiencing and connecting with Country to reveal and understand the distinctive attributes of each place from these perspectives. In parallel, we undertake relevant research and analysis to integrate cutting edge design practice with Country to ensure the brief and broader implications of design propositions are comprehensively addressed.

This solid foundation of knowledge enables development assumptions to be objectively assessed with the intent to unlock more appropriate and enduring design propositions in the interest of our clients and the wider community.

We consistently deliver innovative designs that are aligned with contemporary thinking about the future of the world and the habitat of all living beings.

An advantage of our first principles design approach is that we are well placed to challenge development controls when required. We too often find that development controls are conceived and applied on a precinct-wide basis, without consideration to specific site characteristics and ignoring environmental issues of deep concern. Development standards often adopt a ‘one-size-fits-all approach’, translated into numerical standards such as floor space ratio, heights and setbacks, leading to a less-than-optimal solutions for our clients, neighbours and the broader public.

In situations in which we believe development controls are not in the public interest, or waste site specific opportunities for our clients, our first principles approach to design establishes a robust argument for favourable development outcomes from all perspectives. Our thorough analysis of the surrounding area and subject property in physical, social and environmental contexts, taking into account the objectives of development controls, produces an optimal result that satisfies everyone and, in a number of cases, has changed laws to guide future development.

Specific examples of the first principles design approach we adopt can be found in Paddington Terraces and the Queen Street Residence.

At Paddington Terraces, layers of historical analysis guided the appropriate layout and placement of six new terrace houses set out in our client’s brief. Constraints included a historic sandstone boundary wall and an easement. A green space presented an opportunity for recreation and outlook. Our first principles design approach revealed an urban grid, not readily visible, in which two archaeological sites, containing remnants of a store and privy, are in alignment with those of the barracks’ oldest buildings. This led us to align the new houses within that grid – unlike many of the other newer structures, which sit parallel to the later boundary wall – creating improved amenity and a closer relationship with the historic identity of this special place. We drew upon the sandstone of the existing buildings in selecting a face brick with a similar texture and hues. Masonry in the form of hit and miss brick walls added privacy elements where required. Metal raised profile sheet roof material related to the dark slate tiles of the existing buildings, completing a practical and viable construction vocabulary.

Design methodology of Paddington Terraces

The site of the Queen Street Residence is a busy intersection in a heritage conservation area. We were appointed to add a two-bedroom residence behind an existing building which served as a rug showroom. The client wanted to achieve a high standard of architecture, appropriate to the area, and also minimise traffic noise and maintain visual privacy within their home.

Challenging development controls had led to a refusal in the Land and Environment Court of a previous design proposition and, to add to the complexity of the project, prohibited the development on this property on many grounds.

By adopting a first principles approach, we demonstrated that we could align scale and bulk to adjoining conditions by articulating the lower two floors in masonry and housing the third floor within a copper clad roof. This built form and attention to detail in the resolution of the design ensured compatibility with the general bulk, scale and subdivision patterns of the terraces to the north and east of the site.

This visual separation, along with the materiality and detailing of the new façade, assists in distinguishing the character of the existing building and the new proposal. The building form is set back from the western boundary with screens and landscaping to retain the existing amenity of adjoining properties.

The Queen Street Residence demonstrates that high levels of residential amenity can be achieved on small lots with hostile environmental characteristics, while at the same time not disadvantaging neighbouring properties in any way.

Notes

Image Credits:
Murray Fredericks (Queen Street Residence)