Project Overview:
In one of our recent projects in Coffs Harbour, we had the opportunity to demonstrate the adaptability and flexibility of the Buildonix® system on a tricky site.
Our client wanted to build a detached secondary dwelling on the lower portion of their property, an area that had remained largely unused.
The site was far from straightforward. It was heavily overgrown, located on a moderately steep slope, and had an inground pool positioned close to the proposed building area, leaving limited space between the pool and the rear boundary.
Access was also restricted—only a narrow 1.2-metre path alongside the house was available for entry, though we did have the option of rear access with some logistical hurdles to manage.
Site Challenges:
One of the first tasks was to clear the overgrowth to get a better understanding of the land and its constraints. Dense with trees, shrubs, and other vegetation, it wasn’t easy to assess the available space initially.
Once cleared, the next challenge became apparent: large tree stumps and roots crisscrossed the building area, particularly near the pool. Completely removing these stumps and roots posed a risk to the pool’s structural integrity and would have led to significant cost blowouts, with the need for extensive earthworks and retaining walls.
The restricted access down the side of the existing house, coupled with limited operational room at the rear of the property required a different approach, and out of the box thinking on the part of our designers.
Innovative Solution with Buildonix®
Instead of burdening the client with these unexpected costs, we worked closely with our engineers to come up with a smarter solution. We adapted the foundation design to suit the natural terrain, removing only the stumps and roots directly in line with the pier placements.
We also incorporated a cantilevered foundation, allowing the structure to be built as originally planned, without the need for expensive excavation and retaining wall works. This approach not only keep costs under control but also ensured the integrity of the pool remained intact, enabling the build to proceed smoothly.
Outcome:
We find that few building sites are perfect, and many clients worry that challenging conditions will either make their dream project impossible or too expensive.
However, with the flexibility of the Buildonix® system, we’re able to tailor our designs to suit a range of site conditions that would typically be cost-prohibitive or outright impractical with conventional construction methods.
This project is a testament to how Buildonix® can provide effective, cost-conscious solutions even on the most complex sites, delivering quality results while avoiding unnecessary expenses.