Building Elements

4 - Building Elements

Building Elements

Building facades and articulation

Facade treatment and the architectural detail of buildings contribute significantly to the way a building 'reads' from the street and to the character and continuity of the streetscape. The composition and detailing of the building facade also has an impact on the apparent bulk and scale of a building.

It is important when considering the design of new development that the predominant patterns, compositions and articulation of facades reinforces the character and continuity of the streetscape. This does not mean replicating the appearance of buildings. Contemporary design solutions based on sound design principles, which reinforce and make reference to the underlying elements that create the character of the area are encouraged.

Objectives
  1. O.1To ensure the appearance of buildings complement and enhance neighbourhood and streetscape character.
  2. O.2To encourage contemporary designs which integrate with the visual elements of the streetscape.
  3. O.3To provide attractive building facades which establish identity and contribute to the streetscape.
Design Principles
  1. P.1Building design and architectural style is to interpret and respond to the positive character of the locality, including the dominant patterns, textures and compositions of buildings.
  2. P.2Design consideration is to be given to the underlying building elements that contribute to the character of the area. Such things include roof shape, pitch and overhangs; entry porches, verandas, balconies and terraces; materials, finishes, fixtures, patterns, fenestrations, colours and detailing; the location and proportion of windows and doors. The descriptions of housing character types in Appendix - Neighbourhood Character Areas for different areas of the local government area are to be interpreted in the design of residential development to protect and enhance neighbourhood amenity and character.
  3. P.3Building facades should be modulated in plan and elevation and articulated to reduce the appearance of building bulk and to express the elements of the building's architecture.
  4. P.4The facades of buildings should be designed with a balance of horizontal and vertical elements.
  5. P.5Alterations and additions are to be compatible with design elements of the existing building.
  6. P.6Building frontages and entries are to provide a sense of address and visual interest.
  7. P.7Where security grills/screens, ventilation louvres and carpark entry doors are used, they are to be integrated in facade designs.
Design Standards
Balconies and Eaves
  1. S.1Balconies and eaves are not to project more than 800mm beyond the building envelope. Juliet balconies and bay windows are not to project more than 600mm outside the building envelope.
Residential Flat Buildings
  1. S.1Multiple stair/lift cores should be provided to encourage multiple street entries to buildings containing multiple dwellings.
Multi-Unit Housing
  1. S.1Where dwellings do not face the street, they are to have recognisable entries and a sense of address as they would if they faced the street.
  2. S.2A mix of building materials and/or colours should be used to reduce the appearance of bulk and to integrate the building within the materials and colour palettes of the local area.

Refer to Appendix - Neighbourhood Character Areas for details of the patterns, form, proportions, materials and detailing of housing styles that characterise different areas. These are to be used to assist in developing contemporary design of new housing development that fits sympathetically with existing local context.