Brisbane – Massing study

This is the first step before we design the actual house.

First, we model the site in 3D, so we understand the terrain, the views, any privacy issues.

In this case, a double section with panoramic sea views on the Sunshine Coast near Brisbane, there´s a number of huge rocks on the top left, a neighbour the client doesn´t want to see, and an electricity pole that can´t be removed. On the other side, an existing house leaves a number of “ready made” building pads which we could use to save on building costs.

The higher part of the land slopes quite a bit; and the “left” part slopes quite differently from the “right” part. Finally, there´s an electricity pole on the street in frontll that we´ll want to keep out of sight.

We also design the restrictions created by the building codes – in this case, an invisible “max height” that floats 8m above the natural terrain. This allows us to see exactly how far the different parts of the buildings and overhangs can go without hitting this invisible ceiling; and it allows us to position the house as high as possible to ensure the best views.

As such, the massing study allows us to see how the client´s briefing could be sculpted on the terrain.

It also allows us to discuss what goes where – should the master go on top, for privacy, or on the main floor to be closer to guests?

Do we give the gym some of the panoramic ocean views, or do we put that in the back or even a basement?

In a nutshell, doing a massing study in 3D allows the client to see if the overall shape and distribution of spaces works for him, before we start designing.

It can also be done before buying the land, so one gets a feeling of the possibilities before making the big decision.