Need Help With Your Block? Need Help With Your Block?

At Archiblox, we can work with sites of unique shapes and sizes. This includes coastal, rural, and urban blocks in the most amazing corners of Australia.

We understand that sometimes its hard to know what to look for in a block of land, so we have put together this list of things to consider.

Albeit flat sites are preferable, sloping sites are also possible to build on. The latter may require retaining walls, excavation, and leveling.

Image: Sorrento House II

Prior to purchasing the block or commencing the design process, consider the size of the building envelope on your site. The building envelope is determined by easements, setbacks, and the maximum site coverage. It is important to check for potential building height restrictions that may be affecting your site.

Image: Balaclava House

It’s always a good idea to get in touch with your local council to understand any overlays and covenants that may apply to the block. For instance, are there any covenants limiting the design scope, or if there’s an existing house on the block, are there any heritage overlays preventing modification or removal of the existing dwelling.

Image: Brunswick Extension

The BAL (Bushfire Attack Level) is a rating system which evaluates a building’s potential for exposure to radiant heat, ember attacks, and direct flame contact, in a bushfire event. We are able to work with most sites, and with a range of different BAL ratings, including ‘Flame Zones’. The extent of the changes to the design, materials, and engineering will vary according to the site’s rating*.

Image: Clydesdale House

Some trees are protected and are unable to be removed. It’s best the client (or us, once engaged) contacts council prior to commencing works. The density of vegetation may also impact the BAL rating.

Image: Avalon Beach House

An empty site is ideal; however, we can and do coordinate demolition if there is an existing structure to remove*.

Image: Brunswick Extension

For rural blocks, consider how the dwelling may have access to services such as power, water, and sewerage. Off-grid living can lead to long-term savings for your pocket and the environment; however, it does come with a considerable initial outlay.

Images: Bonnie Doon House

A clear street front free of power lines and power poles is desirable. These can often be worked around; however, heights and positions will need to be assessed.

Images: Hawthorn Extension