Joyful House

We spread the delivery of our architectural services across eight project phases that commence with discovery and conclude with construction.

To give you an idea of how this works, read on for a case study of one of our completed house renovations, Joyful House.

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1. Discovery

Duration: 4-6 weeks

Our clients, Zytel and Mat, engaged us shortly after purchasing their new home in Rippleside.

They loved its heritage character, generously sized bedrooms and large backyard. They disliked the closet-sized kitchen and lack of a proper dining space, which made daily life difficult with three energetic young children. They knew how they wanted to live in the house but needed creative and technical input to make this a reality. In the discovery phase, we gathered information about their property, and assisted them to articulate a design brief for their renovation.

2. Masterplan

Duration: 4-6 weeks

We put together three layout options and cost guides against each. This was an important exercise that empowered them to have control over the directions of both the design and their budget.

3. Sketch design

Duration: 8-10 weeks

In the sketch design phase, we converted Zytel and Mat’s preferred masterplan into a three dimensional design that considered form, light and materials, along with construction methods, planning regulations and their budget.

We produced plans, elevations, sections and a physical model to give a holistic understanding of the design. It was here that Joyful House began to really take shape.

It was also here that we arranged to have a cost estimate prepared by a quantity surveyor. Once received and approved, we were able to confidently move forward to the next phase of the project with a renovation project that Zytel and Mat both loved and could affocd.

4. Town planning

Duration: 4-6 weeks + planning approval

In the town planning phase, we met with the local council for a pre-application meeting. This allowed us to work through the planning issues early and gave us a good feel for our likelihood of subsequent success.

We then prepared a formal submission for planning consent. As Zytel and Mat’s property was covered by a heritage overlay, this included a submission for heritage approval along with the usual zoning provisions.

5. Detail design

Duration: 10-12 weeks

In the detail design phase, we resolved the interior design of Zytel and Mat’s house.

To get started, we assisted them to complete another round of briefing, this time focussing on specific requirements for each room. We fleshed out their storage needs, and discovered their love
of sisal carpet and deep baths.

Then came the fun process of showroom shopping, exploring tapware, appliances and light fittings! Meanwhile, we worked to refine the design of cabinets and selection of materials.

We also approached Little Constructions, a talented local builder, to collaborate on the renovation with us and review the project budget. With a builder on board and Zytel and Mat’s budget still on track, we were ready to commence documentation.

6. Documentation

Duration: 10-12 weeks

By now, Zytel and Mat had a thorough understanding of how their house was going to look and feel, which materials were going to be used inside and out, and where all the light switches would be. They also had confidence that the budget was still aligned with the project scope.

In the documentation phase, it was now up to us to translate all this information (and more) into a set of technical construction documents that would enable Zytel and Mat to obtain a building permit, procure a building contract and build their renovation.

We also worked closely with Little Constructions, a structural engineer, environmental consultant and building surveyor to keep a tight lid on the budget and ensure we met all building code requirements.

7. Tendering

Duration: 6-8 weeks

In the tendering phase, we helped Zytel and Mat obtain a building permit, tender their project and establish a building contract.

There are several different tendering approaches, but for Joyful House we had already decided with Zytel and Mat that a negotiated contract with a single builder was the preferred method. We handed our finished documentation over to Little Constructions, who confirmed their price based on our complete detailing.

We were now ready to sign a building contract and begin building

8. Construction

Duration: 6-12 months

In the construction phase, we administered the building contract between Zytel and Mat, and Little Constructions.

This was one of our favourite parts of the project, where all of our previous hard work was transformed from pieces of paper into bricks, timber and glass.

With a building contract signed, Zytel and Mat packed up their house and moved out. Within a week demolition was complete. There was no turning back now! Our role during construction was to help Little Construction ensure the intended design quality was achieved. We attended site meetings every week or two, answering detailed questions and providing extra information.

We also acted as Zytel and Mat’s agent, assessing each progress claim and any variations as they came in. This gave them peace of mind that they were only paying for works that had been completed.

At the end of construction, we did a thorough defects inspection to catch any minor touch-ups that had been missed. Little Constructions were immaculate builders though, so there was very little
that needed remedying.

After a complex yet immensely rewarding process, Zytel and Mat and their three very excited children were able to move back into their new home.

9. Conclusion

The eight project phases covered every requirement of Zytel and Mat’s project. Though there was occasionally some overlap across phases, they generally proceed sequentially and together provided a holistic service that took them from conception to completion.

If you’d like to work with us on your project, we’d love to hear from you.