Townhouse Design: 8 Tips To Help You Achieve Its Maximum Potential

Townhouse development in Victoria is a long process with several planning stages to make the most of your land and investment. One of the most crucial stages is the townhouse design stage.

Apart from making the design functional and affordable, you must also be aware of state regulations to seek planning and building approval from the council without a hitch.

However, you might wish to do some self-research before jumping into your new townhouse development project. Identifying the pros and cons of your townhouse design will always lead to a better deal.

Here’s a brief guide to maximise your townhouse’s design potential, exactly how experts do it, and with tips, we have learned from years of experience.

So let’s dig into the gold mine of information! 

8 Ways To Make The Most Of Your Townhouse Design 

Looking at a piece of land the same way seasoned professionals do can be a challenge if you’re new to the real-estate construction market in Victoria. The design stage is often the most important part of your townhouse development project and can not be taken for granted.

Great design decisions will eventually lead to great construction and better turnover with time, so here are the 8 tips right from our design gospel to give you the closure you need when it comes to maximising your design’s potential for profit: 

1. Conduct a massing study 

A massing study analyzes a project’s shape, form, size, and envelope. Mass studies are useful because they are quick to investigate. Professional architects can quickly compare a wide range of massing strategies, then make an apples-to-apples comparison.

Conduct a massing study with all the ResCodes plotted and determine the maximum buildable area to maximize the property’s land value. (min. Setbacks, garden areas, and SPOS are all plotted first).

2. Use a feature and level survey 

The next step is to use a detailed feature and level survey. Feature and level surveys provide a detailed view of the site conditions at the subject site to plan with, including the location of all topographical features and any physical boundaries between adjacent properties.

This will help to determine an ideal finished floor level to minimize excavation while reaching the maximum building height and the number of stories per the zoning requirement. In general residential zones with high populations, you can get up to 3 stories with a basement and car parking within an 11 meters maximum building height.

3. Refer to the local council

A pre-application meeting with the council to get early and firm advice to support the increased residents and parking requirements. You don’t want a knockback after you’ve completed your design. This will also allow you to remain confident throughout the construction stage and reduce unnecessary hurdles or rejections that could slow down your progress.

4. Choose minimal variance

Try a simple, open-plan design with minimal variance between units. Articulating the façade avoids overshadowing and gives privacy protection more than visual interest.

In the case of subdivisions and the building of two or more townhouses on the same land, using the same plan will also minimize the cost of material and construction and the need for more approval by the council.

5. Stay on the ground

Attach the units on the ground and build over the garage if possible. The building is above ground, and no excavation for a basement saves you money and time. It’s also less complicated to plan the interior, utility connections, and drainage without a basement.

6. Make the front functional

Leaving out front space according to regulations is mandatory, but you can utilise that space to make your townhouse design more functional. If possible, multiply and pack more functions into the minimum front yard setback; they could be onsite parking, private open space, and secluded private open space (SPOS).

7. Plan for local materials 

Local materials have the definite advantage of reducing the significant environmental impacts of transporting materials long distances. As experts, we see the benefits in helping to build vernacular styles, supporting the local economy, and connecting the industry directly with the impact of our choices.

Plan your design around local availability and use local and sustainable materials throughout the construction to save money and the environment.

8. Share the space

Minimise the area for a driveway, shared areas, and services like a mailbox. Feed the garden areas into the yards instead of nature strips. Using the land effectively will be convenient for you, your tenants, and the neighborhood.

Consult The Experts For The Townhouse Design You Need!

At SQM Architect, we tailor each design to complement Victoria’s land dimensions and local regulations. While you might not be able to master the art from a simple guide, these tips will push you in the right direction to maximise the potential of your townhouse design.

There’s more to know and always more to do for a unique property for townhouse development. Consult our experts for advice during any stage of property development in Victoria, so we can help you make the most of it with our years of expertise!