Site Analysis
Understanding all the features of a site, using and protecting the best, and minimising the impact of the worst.
Site Analysis: Introduction
The first step towards designing or substantially renovating a house that will minimise its impact on the environment, minimise the use of resources and be comfortable and healthier to live in is understanding the site.
You will need to distinguish between macro (regional or large scale) effects and micro (site specific) effects.
-
New Zealand Climate/ Environmental ZonesClimate affects building size/form and location on site, material choices, window/door size and placement, bracing requirements, and Building Code compliance.
-
Plants, Trees and LandscapeAnalysing the impact or benefit of plants, trees, landforms, and adjacent buildings on sun, shade, shelter, and a site’s intrinsic value.Site assessment checklist.
-
HazardsAssessing risk from earthquakes, floods, slips, slumps and erosion, and contamination or pollution.
-
Services and InfrastructureDetermining the availability of and access to water, energy services, stormwater, sewage, vehicular access, phone and other services.
-
Site Assessment ChecklistQuick checklists for documents to gather and what information to collect on-site.
-
Ground StabilityAssessing stability of ground and banks/cliffs; assessing acceptable soil bearing pressure and soil types; and water table.
-
Culture and heritageConsidering the historical and cultural context of the site – building style, materials, scale, protected structures and trees, and permitted development.