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Fundamentally Correct Architecture

Fundamentally Correct Architecture

Establishing a Design Brief

 

A good architect or architectural designer listens carefully to create an accurate and detailed design brief, aligning the project with your needs and goals. Great briefs facilitate great designs, and these become the cornerstone of any design process.

  • Lifestyle (work, play, and relaxation)
  • Family dynamics
  • Past experiences and preferences
  • Project goals, budgets, and timeframes
  • Spaces and places that you have been considering

 

An effective brief ensures that all stakeholders are aligned and that every design choice contributes to a cohesive and functional result.

 

Assessing the Site and Locating a Building Platform

 

Site assessments include reviewing property files and reporting, council data and conducting a collaborative site visit. A thorough assessment and discussions will identify the best opportunities to develop the site and locate a building platform.  Each part of the assessment, from building orientation, to optimizing views and mitigating challenges helps a client and architect or designer understand what is possible in the design process ahead. 

Key factors include:

  • Ground contours (flat, sloping, or steep)

  • Privacy and neighbouring properties

  • Views, sunlight, and weather patterns

  • Access, manoeuvrability, and parking options

  • Services opportunities and identifying relevant systems

 

Optimizing and Exploring the Footprint

 

With a strong brief and understanding of the site conditions, spaces and places will begin to naturally fall into place. Early-stage sketch designs and bubble plans help visualize layouts and get everyone on the same page. It’s important to be sure these early investigations and ideas move the project toward a fundamentally correct foundation. 

Prioritize key areas to maximize amenity usability and comfort:

  • Northeast locations: Ideal for kitchens, breakfast and living areas. Also a good location for additional bedrooms 

  • Northern aspects: Best for lounges, living areas, decks, outdoor living spaces and pools

  • Northwest aspects: Best for master bedrooms, guest suits and library or office spaces

  • Southern aspects: Ideal for garages, laundries, bathrooms, toilets and service spaces

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