Four Walls Architecture Deal With Possible Problems On Small Sites

With Auckland’s housing crisis seemingly rolling on without an end in sight, and as sites get smaller, particularly within the greater Auckland area, the importance of planning for these high density builds becomes extremely important. As Amy Hendry of Four Walls Architecture explains, as these sites are reduced in size, constraints on them become more complicated, with issues that buyers and/or clients may be unaware of, which makes it even more vital to engage the services of an architect.

 “It makes much more sense to commission a qualified architect who will provide an excellent client service, comprehensive drawings, and cultivate a relationship with a builder that makes the construction smooth and quality driven”.  The Four Walls Architecture client brief is to make sound decisions about planning, form, materials and building methodology and they also have an extensive network of industry consultants who can help with very specific sustainable building design requirements.

Amy goes on to say, it’s all about getting the right advice at the right time, before problems, not necessarily normally encountered on a larger site rear their ugly heads, and this is where an architect’s advice can be so useful. These can be difficulties such as storm water or wastewater pipes that go straight through a smaller site which would make building that much more difficult. Other examples can be rules in the District Plan that may constrain the size and proximity to boundaries of the build that could affect standard design decisions. When an architect is intent on effective and efficient use of the land involved, they need to know everything about the District Plan so they can come up with solutions.

Similarly, something as ubiquitous as a steep slope can make construction more complicated, and all these things can add to the cost and, of course, the time spent on the build. However, an architect can help mitigate some of the effects by alerting the client to the issues before starting the design and can also address them during the architectural design process.

Before work starts on site, Four Walls Architecture recommend the NZIA’s Standard Conditions of Contract for most projects. It is a comprehensive contract, and allows the architect to observe the work, run site meetings, issue instructions to the contractor, process their invoices, and settle any issues that arise. As Amy goes on to explain, an architect on site allays much of the workload for the client and helps the project to run smoothly.

For further information please go to http://www.fourwallsarchitecture.co.nz