Subdividing Suburbia

Subdividing Suburbia explored an alternative approach to densification of rail corridors, in this case in the suburb of Granville, from highrise development to low two storey small dwellings. Through a proposed mixture of 1-3 bedroom housing we were able to fit approximately 12 dwellings to a an existing single freestanding house. This subdivision required an access lane on each lot. The generic nature of these subdivisions prompted us to envision a pattern book approach to housing design, allowing great variation with a simple planning system. We designed two building designs to illustrate our point but could support any number of pre-approved designs.

It was acknowledged that local and state government assistance would be necessary to aid in the areas densification and therefore a system below was used as a guideline:

  • Architects are invited to speculatively design houses suitable for the location.
  • These houses are fully documented and submitted for Development Approval
  • Homebuyers may choose from these pre-approved designs
  • A homebuyer may customise their chosen design within the parameters set out below without voiding DA.
  • Changes outside this scope will need to be resubmitted for approval to ensure environmental amenity and integrety are maintained.

We proposed extending the existing mainstreet to follow a neglected creek. Mixed use zoning will activate the streetway and ghatt style steps down the creek will provide seating for the varying water level heights.

Lot lane way perspective
Lot lane way perspective
Long section of lane way subdivision.
Long section of lane way subdivision.
Site plan of subdivided lots
Site plan of subdivided lots
Plans
Plans
Perspective
Perspective
Detailed Sections
Detailed Sections
Perspective from garden.
Perspective from garden.