Site Use

Considering how a building and site impact on each other, enhancing energy efficiency, comfort and convenience.

Site Use

The location of the home on a site is a crucial part of the preliminary design of the building project. Good location is a matter of balancing all aspects of a site, prioritising requirements, and considering how both site and building will impact on each other (for example, orientation for sun may conflict with views, or the easiest building platform may occupy the best outdoor living or garden spaces).

Good building location can enhance the energy efficiency and passive design features of a home, resulting in cost savings and greater comfort for the inhabitants.

In addition to building planning, early planning of driveway access, garaging, outdoor living areas, garden and utility areas, and fencing will ensure that the site’s advantages are fully utilised.

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    District Plan RequirementsBuilding distance to boundaries, maximum permitted height and form of the building, and maximum permitted site coverage.

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    Positioning a Home on the SiteWhere to place a home on its site to take advantage of sun and views, and minimise undesirable effects of wind, noise etc, and minimise impact on biodiversity (some form of site restoration may also be possible).