Noosa Council imposes an eight-metre height limit on most residences in the region. ‘To ensure there were no mishaps with height calculations during the build, several height surveys were conducted at key points throughout and at completion to ensure the building was compliant,’ Steve explains.
Overhead electrical wires, an all too common problem for Australian suburban builds, prevented both concrete pumps and crane deliveries from the street. The only solution was to undertake concrete pours from the driveway, complicated by the fact it is shared by three neighbouring properties.
During excavation, CFA piles were used instead of sheet metal piling because of the depth the team were required to bore down to in order to stabilise the sandy ground. Steve adds this additional stability helped to maintain the structural integrity of both adjoining properties and the shared driveway.
‘The neighbours were all very patient with us,’ he says. ‘We would give them plenty of notice of a concrete pour, so they could move their vehicles if they needed to.’
It’s precisely this responsible attitude that has earnt SX Constructions its formidable reputation and incentivises clients to recommend them time and time again. ‘We do the right thing by people and they appreciate it,’ he adds.
Nature wasn’t always compliant during the build either. The basement level was below the existing storm water system, meaning pumps were essential throughout the project. Thanks to Noosa’s famous sub-tropical downpours, the pumps were tested to their limits trying to keep the water out while the house was constructed.
The final hurdle was an all too familiar pain point of 2020: COVID-19.
‘Handover was a tricky time,’ Steve admits. ‘COVID-19 was just starting to get traction in Australia and there was a lot of uncertainty in our industry and the community in general. At the time, we didn’t know if the construction industry would get shut down.’
Determined to keep the project moving for the clients, SX Constructions did everything possible to get them settled in before the Queensland lockdown – meaning the entire process, from earthworks to completion, took just 14 months.
‘We went full steam ahead,’ he says. ‘As it turned out, construction was allowed to continue to operate in Queensland. However, we were pleased to have our clients into their new home to settle and rest during the peak of the pandemic.’
Given the site constraints, an incredibly impressive level of privacy has been created, from the second and third-floor bedrooms with amazing coastal views to the u-shaped courtyard with its swimming pool, polished concrete surrounds and timber-look decking.
Despite complex and very specific building requirements, the ‘Sunshine Beach House’ is a true testament to SX Constructions’ building expertise – and will no doubt earn them more of those well-deserved referrals in the future.