Emerging from the remnants of three red brick residences, this bespoke townhouse development rises like a phoenix. The product of a collaboration between Bellevue Building Projects and DNA Architects, the project aimed to create an urban infill development. It seamlessly merges into the parkland surroundings, enhancing the local streetscape. It also offers residents the opportunity to age in place within their community.

However, like most builds of this size and complexity, it wasn’t without hurdles. In fact, the challenges began before the build could commence. The entire design pivoted around an existing stormwater line that ran through the centre of the site and wasn’t large enough. It would always flood the street, impacting the existing residents, pedestrians, cyclists and vehicles.

‘The most complex thing was to relocate the main stormwater that ran through the block and into Haig Park. We took it on because we couldn’t get any traction with the authorities. We had to get approval and then spent a lot of money removing and redirecting it. But in the end, we created a whole new stormwater main in Haig Park,’ tells Andrew Mills from Bellevue Building.

The stormwater was one thing, but Haig Park has many significant trees and is heritage-listed, so the planning and construction phases were particularly tricky. But just as with the storm drain, the team were undeterred and got the planners on board. By pushing the building back, they could relax some of the rules in the rear zone to enable it to happen. ‘There was an existing enormous liquid amber tree in the front. It was a significant tree and was protected,’ explains Glen Dowse from DNA Architects, ‘but that big feature tree is pretty special.’

Once the build began, and they navigated COVID, the rain and material shortages, it produced 12 custom three-bedroom terrace-style townhouses. All units were sold before construction commenced, allowing for customisation tailored to individual buyer needs. Each unit offered a well-resolved base plan that buyers could tailor to their preferences, from landscaping and window adjustments to internal courtyard finishes. Owners had complete control over internal fit-outs, including kitchens, wardrobes, study joinery, fireplaces, lifts, cellars, bathrooms and solar power.

The townhouses are characterised by the innovative use of timber battening and copper cladding, which add warmth and create a distinct identity. The architectural design incorporates a raked cantilevered roof towards the street. Maintaining a two-storey structure with a low pitched roof minimises the overshadowing of neighbouring properties.

A striking feature is the cleverly repurposed original Canberra red bricks from the site’s heritage to form the structure and forge a tangible connection to its past. But repurposing meant cleaning the bricks, and that’s where Andrew’s team took up the challenge. ‘No-one was keen to do it. We’d nominate days and try to clean 1000. There were lots of pizzas, loud music and beers – a real teambuilding exercise. We cleaned 35,000 bricks and still didn’t have enough. We managed to source another 7000 from another job, and one of my apprentices finished the job,’ recounts Andrew.

It’s evident that both the DNA and Bellevue teams stepped up and adapted to all the challenges on a project like this. Andrew acknowledges, ‘Our team is willing to go above and beyond. They deserve a huge wrap for the effort they bring to developments like this.’

But Haig Parkside is not your typical development; it’s a testament to sustainability, accessibility and social cohesion. It caters to a range of owners at different stages of life. Prioritising convenient entry, level ground-floor access, and provisions for internal lift access to all levels ensure residents can age in place.

Passive environmental design principles, privacy and functionality are seamlessly integrated. Each townhouse boasts a northern orientation with strategically placed overhangs for solar control and is energy-rated above 6 stars. Central courtyards flood the interior with natural light and facilitate cross-ventilation, promoting energy efficiency and comfort.

To the rear, a courtyard features alfresco dining areas and optional plunge pools. Direct access takes you to an expansive northern common area spanning the width of the three original blocks, with communal garden space elevating each residence beyond the typical confines of their allotment. ‘The communal space is really special. The residents all hang out and have barbecues or drinks at the weekend. It’s a real community we’ve created and are immensely proud of,’ says Glen.

Rainwater harvesting and rooftop solar panels further reduce the development’s environmental footprint, providing irrigation for lush gardens and supplementing the plunge-pool water supply.

The cleverly designed layout accommodates triple garages for all 12 townhouses and ample basement storage, cellars and workshop areas for every unit, a remarkable feat within a confined space.

When you compare Haig Parkside to conventional developments, it’s unsurprising that it won the 2023 HIA ACT Southern NSW Townhouse/ Villa Development and recently took out the title of 2024 HIA Australian Townhouse/Villa Development at the HIA-CSR Australian Housing Awards in May. The judges were impressed by the high quality of workmanship and thoughtful design, which utilised the site to its full potential.

Andrew describes the win as incredible to see flash up on the big screen. ‘It was huge. Since the win, I’ve been reflecting on some little stories tied to the build. I feel we deserve it – a lot went into this one.’ Andrew concludes, ‘At the end of the day, we found an exceptional product. It’s been a challenge, but the design process and the build were magnificent. We have a great link; we work well together and are mates. We couldn’t be prouder.’

Awards

Award: 2024 HIA Australian Townhouse / Villa Development

Partnered by: Brickworks

Materials:

• External cladding: Custom rolled copper; 9mm expressed joint fibrous cement
• Flooring: Blackbutt hardwood
• Front facade: Flat plate steel around windows
• External bricks: Recycled

First published on 5 July 2024