McCullum Ashby Architects are very proud and would like to congratulate Capital One Projects on receiving a merit award in the 2017 MBA Awards for their work on our Wharoonga residence design. Capital One Projects is a family run property and construction group consisting of a father and sons team (Dylan, Kayne and Frank Deguara). Being highly suited to construction in all major property sectors (commercial, retail, residential, government, hospitality, health and aged care) their core operation centres on luxury residential construction – represented by 70% of their engagements.

For their workmanship on the Wahroonga project Capital One has been duly recognised the Merit award for house additions / alterations / renovations $1.5 million to $1.7 million category for “Woodville” Wahroonga. McCullumashby architects, working closely with Capital One are very proud to have been the architects for this project and look forward to much more successful collaborations.

Capital One Projects: http://capitaloneprojects.com.au/

The post Capital One Projects 2017 MBA Awards. appeared first on Mccullum Ashby Architects | Wahroonga Architect.

No.65 to 69 Burdett st is a 22 unit terrace style senior’s development that is achieved through amalgamation of three individual lots. A balanced built form/landscape and context scale is achieved through positioning larger residential dwellings to face Burdett st; behind which are the remaining units with four premium units to the rear of the site. From the public space the architectural form embraces, in order to reflect, the architectural language of the surrounding residences. Individually most units incorporate a large 1^st floor void over the living area, which in turn opens onto a private courtyard garden. Each unit is easily accessed onsite through a basement car space that combines a large storage area with ample parking spaces.

The result is a well-lit, accessible, comfortable and respectful contemporary solution to seniors housing. This unique boutique development offers a sense of the individual space at a low scale.

The post 65 to 69 Burdett Street – Seniors living. appeared first on Mccullum Ashby Architects | Wahroonga Architect.

If an existing residence possess a heritage significance it is important that prior to any development or works on site that an archival report be submitted to the councils heritage advisor. In many cases archival records are required by authorities (such as local councils or the Heritage Council) as part of a conditional approval for work to be carried out. The amount and type of record required will usually depend on the degree of significance of the item. The archival recording of buildings is undertaken in accordance with the Heritage Council of NSW and the Heritage Branch of the Office of Environment and Heritage. The archival documentation of heritage related buildings is a service that we are able to provide to both commercial and private clients from all sectors. If you have a DA condition requiring an archival report please do not hesitate to call our offices today for a free quote.

The post Archival Recording of Buildings appeared first on Mccullum Ashby Architects | Wahroonga Architect.

The digital era of the web has allowed for the easy sharing of images. Popular  access to high quality design images through apps and popular media has created awareness among the general public of the benefits of good design. We might confidently argue that we are not yet at the stage where everyone is a design connoisseur, but it is now widely accepted that that the idea of poorly designed buildings being hard live in and hard to sell to sell and lease has filtered into a general collective psyche. The key words here are design and design awareness. Effected in part by this growing collective sentiment toward the benefits of good design and the need to stem the rise poorly considered developments – the NSW government has unveiled its intention to implement reforms to the state’s planning laws. Reforms which intend to see the role of design rightly promoted to centre stage in the production of the NSW built environment.

The summary of proposals states: “The design object, if implemented, will ensure that design is considered and balanced with the other objects of the EP&A Act. For example, the promotion of good design will be considered in a framework that also promotes land use planning that encourages economic development and the principles of ecologically sustainable development. This will be the task of decision makers in the context of both strategic planning and development assessments.” (Cheng 2017). As architects even the slightest recognition of the importance of design is uplifting, even better is the intention to implement legislation that sees good design become the main focus in any construction related undertaking in NSW. For practicing architects throughout NSW it is important to embrace the opportunities such reforms might bring and champion any attempt at enhancing the often less tangible, but vital, aspects of our daily practice. Reforms such as these will in part give back to architects a sense of confidence regarding exactly where the agency of our profession lies. More importantly it is hoped that this breath of fresh air will ultimately translate into bricks and mortar sooner rather than later – which is the intention. Here at McCullum Ashby architects we eagerly await the opportunity to incorporate these legislative reforms into our practice so we can continue to build upon our already existing portfolio of high quality designs.

For a link to a summary of the draft proposals click here.

Cheng, (2017). Good design to be championed in NSW planning law, http://architectureau.com/articles/good-design-to-be-enshrined-in-nsw-planning-laws/?utm_source=ArchitectureAU&utm_campaign=35fef294b5-

The post Updates to the State Planning Legislation appeared first on Mccullum Ashby Architects | Wahroonga Architect.

As the architects for the project we are very excited to see the final stages of this mammoth restoration project worthy of any episode on The Restoration Man (UK)

The post 35 Fox Valley rd Wahroonga Restoration project almost complete appeared first on Mccullum Ashby Architects | Wahroonga Architect.

The property address is 85 & 85a Braeside St Wahroonga.

http://chadwickrealestate.com.au/5904312/1-7-85-Braeside-Street-Wahroonga

The project was completed by renowned builders Dreambuild who have a track record of delivering quality residential projects.

http://www.dreambuild.com.au/

The post Works Complete at 85 & 85a Braeside St appeared first on Mccullum Ashby Architects | Wahroonga Architect.

In 2014 our clients came to us with a green site sold as part of a new subdivision in Berowra within the Hornsby Council area. The site embraces the top of the Turner Road ridge and commands amazing panoramic views of Berowra Creek. The site however is not without challenge being a BAL-FZ and BAl-40 bushfire prone lot and those views are all westerly which creates some interesting architectural challenges.

The architectural form of the design is born from its setting resulting in a longitudinal building embracing the ridgeline but allowing the occupants to undertake a journey through a series of separable zones of the home to allow efficient thermal control but also suit the owners lifestyle. The dwelling provides commanding views from every room of the house yet each room has been individually considered so that privacy is maintained and the thermal comfort maintained. The architecture is defined by a contemporary industrial style embracing simplicity of materials expressed through the use of galvanised steel, raw and polished concrete as well as lots of glass.

McCullum Ashby Architects are proud to feature this home on their website and look forward to posting updated photos as the build progresses.

Work commences on site,  March 2016.

Slab and blade walls  completed, July 2016.

Roof framing under construction, August 2016.

The builder for this project is The Lost Art of Construction with McCullum Ashby Architects  preparing all documentation for the development application and  construction certificate approvals.

The post Construction commences on contemporary Berowra home appeared first on Mccullum Ashby Architects | Wahroonga Architect.

Do you want to join a small team of creative, energetic and talented architects?

Do you enjoy challenging yourself and want an opportunity to make an impact in design and help clients realise their vision?

If you are a freshly trained and enthusiastic architect who gets excited by design just like we do so then you might be just who we are looking for.

McCullum Ashby Architects is a boutique practice (residential and commercial) that provides an ideal learning environment and we’re currently looking for a full-time graduate architect to join our team.

Tell me more about the role?

Well, the advantage of working in a boutique firm is that you will get your ‘hands dirty’ on all aspects of architecture design projects, including concept design,  documentation for  development applications and construction certificate submissions, preparation of 3d models and renderings, written reports, project management and client servicing.

You will need to have excellent design and documentation skills and the ability to communicate effectively. Attention to detail and independence are an absolute must, as is professionalism in dealing with clients.

Ideally you’ve completed an Australian architecture degree (or equivalent) in the past 2-5 years and gained relevant post-graduate work experience, though we will consider more recent graduates who have gained suitable experience during their study.

You will also need excellent time management and organisational skills to successfully juggle a number of projects at once.

You should also enjoy working in collaboration and be happy to pitch in whatever the task – initiative, creative thinking and enthusiasm will take you far!

Interested?
Please email your CV to staff@mccullumashby.com.au  or apply via Seek  

And be sure to let us know what your core skills are that will wow us and where would you like to / need to develop!

APPLICATIONS CLOSE 4pm FRIDAY 20th MAY 2016.

The post GRADUATE ARCHITECT required for boutique architecture studio appeared first on Mccullum Ashby Architects | Wahroonga Architect.

Mother and son are recovering well (and we hope dad is too).

Jacob, Luiza, Luke, Matt, Renata and Murray are looking forward to the first of many bring your kid to work days!

The post Welcome to the world Lachlan McCullum appeared first on Mccullum Ashby Architects | Wahroonga Architect.

Is your property heritage listed?  Are you wondering if you can still develop your site with multiple dwellings?

McCullum Ashby Architects recently received approval for six new luxury townhouses on a heritage listed property in Ku-ring-gai Council area.

The Development Application involved initially sub-dividing the large parcel of land of 8,693sqm into two lots. The existing dwelling is to retain the front half of the block totalling 3,844sqm creating a new battle axe allotment to the rear of 4,849sqm. To offset the significant costs of this work, the rear of the property is to be subdivided into a community title development with six new townhouses and a communal lot which will contain the Blue Gum High Forest (BGHF) zone and the communal driveway. It is then proposed to carry out substantial conservation works to the existing heritage listed item including additional improvements such as a new in-ground pool to the rear.

Given townhouses were NOT permissible in the 2(c) or now R2 zone, the application was made under the Heritage Incentive provisions of the Ku-ring-gai LEP.  The subsequent approved project was a great outcome as the original home was going to be lost altogether and now it will be restored back to its flamboyant self.

An extract from the heritage incentive provision:

 The consent authority may grant consent to development for any purpose of a building that is a heritage item or of the land on which such a building is erected, or for any purpose on an Aboriginal place of heritage significance, even though development for that purpose would otherwise not be allowed by this Plan  

Most developers are reluctant to purchase heritage listed properties due to the inability to develop the sites, however this project demonstrates that if the heritage incentive provisions are applicable and you have the right team behind you; that good outcomes are possible for both developer and the broader community.

The original heritage item ‘Rothiemay’

The scale model of the original DA submission.

Some press about the site.

http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/newslocal/the-hills/derelict-wahroonga-mansion-rothiemay-on-the-market-for-8-million/story-fngr8i1f-1226953463744

http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/newslocal/north-shore/saga-of-neglected-6million-rothiemay-finally-has-romantic-ending/story-fngr8h9d-1227075765359

http://radicalterrace.com/post/31481255857/35-fox-valley-road-wahroonga-rothiemay

http://www.heraldsun.com.au/realestate/news/sydney-nsw/wahroonga-mansion-rothiemay-looking-for-a-buyer-to-restore-it-to-its-former-glory/news-story/1dc1f00ab210acd7a3acf0df867a5f20

http://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-wahroonga-117515167

http://www.propertyobserver.com.au/forward-planning/advice-and-hot-topics/trophy-homes/33971-rothiemay-wahroonga-trophy-home-for-august-auction.html

The post Heritage incentive provision allows non-permissible use (townhouses) on heritage listed site. appeared first on Mccullum Ashby Architects | Wahroonga Architect.