Masterplan showing projected housing density

The great Australian backyard - from quarter acre block - 1000m2 to a now 300m2 and getting smaller. This estate offers a range of housing densities - with 70-80 % projected to be fully detached 300-400 m2 lots. On offer are single storey 3 bedroom homes averaging around 160m2. However, to keep the pricepoint low, smaller townhouse allotments will become available in future stages of the development offering just 180m2 parcel of land. However, the design guidelines stipulate no more than 60% of the allotment can be covered, and 20% is required to have a permeable surface. 

Raingarden

Urban water runoff has been addressed in this estate with the installation of raingardens placed at intervals along the streets:

Raingardens are used in built-up areas to divert some of the rainwater away from the stormwater system, which can often become overloaded during a substantial rain event. Stormwater runoff can lead to increased pollution of local waterways, erosion and flooding. Raingardens can trap some of the runoff and filter the water through the plants and soil before it reaches the ground water or the local creek. 

The raingardens provide a nice contrast to the standard  naturestrips that have been installed inside the estate - kikuyu grass with a Ulmus parvifolia (Chinese Elm), a very common street tree in the neighbouring suburb of Reservoir. The streetscape has also been included in the above masterplan drawing.

Additionally, along the outer boundary of the estate landscaped naturestrips have popped up, planted with a preference for dry-tolerant natives including Correa, Dianella and Eucalyptus species. This instant landscape has been carefully designed to thrive with neglect and tolerate being planted in summer, receive little if any maintenance and appeal to the prospective home buyer.