QUEENSTOWN LAKES DISTRICT COUNCIL RESIDENTIAL ZONE DESIGN GUIDE - Queenstown Lakes ...

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QUEENSTOWN LAKES DISTRICT COUNCIL RESIDENTIAL ZONE DESIGN GUIDE - Queenstown Lakes ...
QUEENSTOWN LAKES
DISTRICT COUNCIL
RESIDENTIAL ZONE
DESIGN GUIDE

                   QUEENSTOWN OFFICE   WANAKA OFFICE
                   10 Gorge Road       47 Ardmore Street   E: services@qldc.govt.nz
                   Queenstown 9300     Wanaka 9305         www.qldc.govt.nz
                   P: 03 441 0499      P: 03 443 0024

                                                                                      Revision G March 2021
QUEENSTOWN LAKES DISTRICT COUNCIL RESIDENTIAL ZONE DESIGN GUIDE - Queenstown Lakes ...
PROPOSED DISTRICT PLAN – DESIGN GUIDE FOR RESIDENTIAL ZONES

    Project no:		           2018_081
    Document title:		       2018_081_PDP (Stage 3) QLDC_Design Guide-Residential
    Revision:		 G
    Date:			                4 March 2021
    Client name:		          Queenstown Lakes District Council
    Author:			              David Compton-Moen / Blair Devlin / Erin Quinn / Hannah Dow

    DOCUMENT HISTORY AND STATUS
     REVISION DATE          DESCRIPTION            BY           REVIEW         APPROVED

     -         31/01/2019   DRAFT ISSUE            DCM / EQ / BE               DCM / BD
                                                   HD / BD

     A         29/04/2019   DRAFT FINAL ISSUE      DCM / HD
                                                   / BD

     B         07/05/2019   DESIGN GUIDE           DCM

     C         09/05/2019   DESIGN GUIDE           DCM

     D         19/2/2020    S42 VERSION            TM / DCM

     E         5/3/2020     S42 VERSION_A          DCM          BE             DCM / BD

     F         20/8/2020    RIGHT OF REPLY         DCM/BD       BD             DCM / BD

     G         4/03/2021    FINAL                  DCM/BD       BD             DCM / BD

    DCM URBAN DESIGN LIMITED                                              VIVIAN+ESPIE

2   Level 3, 329 Durham Street North                     1/211B Glenda Drive, Frankton,
    Christchurch 8013                                                    Queenstown 9348
QUEENSTOWN LAKES DISTRICT COUNCIL RESIDENTIAL ZONE DESIGN GUIDE - Queenstown Lakes ...
CONTENTS
I. THE PURPOSE OF THIS GUIDE						                                      4
II. HOW TO USE THIS GUIDE							                                        5

RESIDENTIAL ZONES
HDR    HIGH DENSITY RESIDENTIAL						                                   6
MDR    MEDIUM DENSITY RESIDENTIAL					                                  8
LDSR   LOWER DENSITY SUBURBAN RESIDENTIAL INCLUDING RESIDENTIAL FLATS   10

DESIGN ELEMENTS
01 BUILDING DIVERSITY AND ADAPTABILITY					                             12
02 ENTRANCES AND DETAILING						                                        13
03 BUILDING DOMINANCE AND SUNLIGHT ACCESS				                           15
04 CONNECTIONS TO OPEN 						                                           17
05 OUTDOOR LIVING SPACE 						                                          19
06 ACCESSIBILITY							21
08 WASTE AND SERVICE AREAS         					                                23
09 PRIVATE AND SAFE ENVIRONMENTS					                                   24
09 SITE COVERAGE AND LOW IMPACT DESIGN				                              25
10 BUILDING MATERIALS AND ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY			               27
11 LANDSCAPE MATERIALS AND PLANTING					                                28

III. GLOSSARY								32

                                                                            3
QUEENSTOWN LAKES DISTRICT COUNCIL RESIDENTIAL ZONE DESIGN GUIDE - Queenstown Lakes ...
I           THE PURPOSE OF THIS GUIDE

    THE PURPOSE OF THIS DESIGN GUIDE IS TO         There are variances between the objectives, policies and rules        Striving to achieve Integration, communication,
    PROMOTE GOOD DESIGN PRINCIPLES TO ACHIEVE      of each zone but there are key elements which are common to           transparency and partnership across planning, engineering
    HIGH-QUALITY, HIGH-AMENITY BUILT RESIDENTIAL   all residential developments. The guide presents ‘exemplar’           and parks teams to provide an effective and efficient
    DEVELOPMENTS WHILE PROVIDING FOR GROWTH        designs for each zone type and methods for addressing                 regulatory process for the developer.
    IN THE QUEENSTOWN LAKES DISTRICT. THE DESIGN   issues particular to that density type, before addressing
    GUIDE APPLIES TO THE FOLLOWING ZONES:          different design or built elements individually. Residential       STATUS OF THE DESIGN GUIDE
                                                   zoned areas are able to be identified in the District Plan Maps.      This design guide is intended to complement and assist in
                                                   The design guide will help developers, occupiers and the              the interpretation of the District Plan.
        HIGH DENSITY RESIDENTIAL (CHAPTER 9)       public experience good design outcomes.
                                                                                                                      The Design Guide has been incorporated by reference into
        MEDIUM DENSITY RESIDENTIAL (CHAPTER 8)     Key design elements addressed in this Design Guide are:            the District Plan. It provides examples of how to achieve
                                                                                                                      good design and outlines the key design elements to bear
                                                   01 Building Diversity and Adaptability
        LOWER DENSITY SUBURBAN RESIDENTIAL                                                                            in mind when designing a development. The assessment
        (CHAPTER 7)                                02 Entrances and detailing                                         of proposals against the Design Guide are not intended to
                                                   03 Building dominance and sunlight access                          be assessed in terms of compliance but rather whether a
                                                                                                                      proposal has addressed the relevant good design elements
                                                   04 Connections to open space
                                                                                                                      promoted by the Design Guide. It is acknowledged that there
                                                   05 Outdoor living space                                            may be suitable alternatives to the examples provided within
                            LDSR
                                                   06 Accessibility                                                   the Design Guide based upon site specific characeristics and
                                                                                                                      other factors that guide development.
                                                   07 Waste and service areas
                                                   08 Private and safe environments                                      The policies and rules of the District Plan chapter
                                                                                                                         acknowledge that development has a variable nature and
                           MDR                     09 Site coverage and low impact design                                there is no strict formula to create a good design.
                                                   10 Building materials and sustainability
                                                                                                                         Differences in neighbourhood character, environmental
                                                   11 Landscape materials and planting                                   opportunities and constraints and the provision of
                                                                                                                         infrastructure require a response tailored to each situation.
                                                                                                                         Development that is consistent with the intent of the design
                                                                                                                         guide is likely to be consistent with the relevant District
                                                   THE COUNCIL WILL ENCOURAGE GOOD DESIGN BY                             Plan Chapter objectives and policies.

                                                     Recognising where effort has been made to integrate and             Version G MARCH 2021
                HDR                                  enhance existing and planned waterways, stormwater
4                                                    paths, pedestrian and cycle connections, within and
                                                     between developments.
QUEENSTOWN LAKES DISTRICT COUNCIL RESIDENTIAL ZONE DESIGN GUIDE - Queenstown Lakes ...
II        HOW TO USE THIS GUIDE

Would you like to develop your residentially zoned property? Follow these steps:

 S TE P                                                               STEP

     1                                                                 3
          DETERMINE YOUR ZONE                                                DESIGN YOUR DEVELOPMENT

          There are variances in the objectives, policies and rules          Use the design guide as a tool when designing your
          which apply to each residential zone. An exemplar for              project to ensure your project will achieve high quality
          each zone is described and illustrated in this guide,              design outcomes.
          highlighting key elements which apply and need to be
          addressed. This guide applies to:

                High density residential (Chapter 9)                  STEP

                                                                       4
                                                                             SEEK ADVICE / CONSULT COUNCIL
                Medium Density Residential (Chapter 8)
                Lower Density Suburban Residential (Chapter 7)               The earlier you talk to council, the more time you can save
                                                                             and reduce the risk of abortive work being undertaken.
                                                                             The design guide is based on creating positive design
                                                                             outcomes, which may in some cases infringe rules but do
 S TE P                                                                      not result in adverse effects.

     2
          INCORPORATE DESIGN ELEMENTS
                                                                             There is also the opportunity to present your proposal
          Eleven different design elements are highlighted to show           before the Urban Design Panel. While a non-statutory
          design methods and techniques which can be used to                 review group, the panel consists of skilled and experienced
          minimise adverse effects even when a District Plan rule            practitioners who can offer and often add value to your
          or standard is breached. Review these elements to see              proposal.
          whether they have been addressed in the design of your
          development.                                                       Consulting does not avoid the RMA process but it can
                                                                             lead to a much smoother path and greater certainty of the
                                                                             outcome.

                                                                                                                                           5
QUEENSTOWN LAKES DISTRICT COUNCIL RESIDENTIAL ZONE DESIGN GUIDE - Queenstown Lakes ...
HDR HIGH DENSITY RESIDENTIAL

    HIGH DENSITY RESIDENTIAL ZONES ARE LOCATED WITHIN CLOSE
    PROXIMITY OF TOWN CENTRES OR MAIN TRANSPORT ROUTES WITH THE
    PURPOSE OF CONSOLIDATING GROWTH IN EXISTING URBAN AREAS. THE
    OBJECTIVES, POLICIES AND RULES ARE CONTAINED WITHIN CHAPTER 9
    OF THE DISTRICT PLAN.

    As the Queenstown Lakes District           Higher densities have many benefits,
    continues to experience strong             including:
    population growth, it is important
    to design highly efficient residential     •   Increased positive social interaction;                                                    Terrace housing on sites less than 200m2 is a common
    spaces that utilise higher densities of    •   Opportunities       for      improved                                                     typology where shared facilities are not provided.            2
    housing. This is where the High Density        community facilities and open space;
    Residential Zone becomes highly            •   Support for public transport, and;
    relevant to providing a solution for the   •   Avoiding urban sprawl by reducing
    rapidly growing population and for             the demand for greenfield land.
    creating or maintaining a vibrant and
    active town centre.                        Buildings need to:

    The High Density Residential Zone is       •   Have a high-level of visual interest;
    generally located near town centres        •   Avoid blank or unarticulated walls or
    and is easily accessible from public           facades;                                 Apartment style units stepping up the hillside
                                                                                            allow for greater development potential
    transport routes, cycleways and            •   Achieve a high level of natural
                                                                                                                                         1
                                                                                                                                             Shared entrances and facilities are common in many higher
                                                                                                                                                                                                       3
                                                                                            without breaching height controls                density developments.
    walkways. Small businesses may also            surveillance over public spaces;
    be found within this zone to support       •   Provide a greater level of housing
                                                                                             Developments       in     a    high-density
    these intensified areas of housing.            choice, and;
                                                                                             residential zone are likely to be 3 storeys
                                               •   Have a positive relationship with         and possibly four in some locations
    Developments are likely to be multi-           neighbouring properties.                  depending on their design.            Small
    storey terrace or apartment style                                                        commercial offices or retail maybe
    dwellings with no restrictions on          The illustration on the adjoining page is     included. Dwelling typologies are likely
                                                                                             to be either terrace or low rise apartment
    density. These buildings should be         an exemplar showing how key design
                                                                                             buildings
    designed to a high standard and reflect    elements can be incorporated into high
    the character of the surrounding area      density developments to achieve a             1. Central Queenstown
    in terms of form, materials, colour,       positive design outcome.                      2. Hobsonville Point, Auckland
    setbacks and landscaping.                                                                3. Central Queenstown
                                                                                             4. Riccarton, Christchurch
6                                                                                                                                            Apartment blocks with strata/unit titles are envisaged in this
                                                                                                                                             zone.                                                          4
QUEENSTOWN LAKES DISTRICT COUNCIL RESIDENTIAL ZONE DESIGN GUIDE - Queenstown Lakes ...
terrace style
                                                                                                           typology
                                                                                                                            apartment style typology                                                         3 and 4 storey buildings
                                                                                     02                                                                                                                       are anticipated in the
                                                                                                                                 12m                                                                           high density zone in
                                                                                                                                       max                                                                        Queenstown
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                                                                                                                                                  erm
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                                                                                                                                                        09

                                                                                                                                                                            10

                    03
                                                                                                                                             06

                                                                                                                                                                              11
                                                                                                          02

                                       07
                                                                    04
                                                                                             01

   GOOD DESIGN ELEMENTS
01 Entrances and detailing                                 Internal recession planes are not required.      or a balcony, ideally directly from internal living               allowing views over public areas to provide natural
   Ensure entrances are clearly visible from the                                                            areas.                                                            surveillance.
   street and large blank walls are avoided.            04 Site coverage and low impact design
                                                           Small changes to provide rain gardens,        07 Accessibility                                                10 Materials and environmental sustainability
02 Building height and roof form                           swales and on-site tanks can all contribute      Consolidating vehicle crossings provides more                     Materials and systems need to reflect the
   Look for opportunities where additional height          to reducing stormwater runoff peaks, and         on-street parking opportunities and improves                      local character while not creating maintenance
   can be provided without adversely affecting             demands on infrastructure and perceived          pedestrian connectivity. Ideally parking is located               issues. Designs should encourage environmental
   neighbouring properties or views. A higher              bulk and dominance.                              to the rear, side or under developments to prevent                sustainability including access to sunlight and north
   ceiling stud on the ground floor can allow                                                               facades being dominated by garages or vehicles.                   or west facing living areas. Extra height requires
   future flexibility of use. Greater building height   05 Connections to open space (not shown)                                                                              exemplary environmental sustainability.
   is supported when designed to achieve an                Providing gates and minimising fencing        08 Waste and service areas (not shown)
   exemplary standard of quality and environmental         can have positive community outcomes,            Easily accessible communal systems are                       11 Landscape
   sustainability.                                         minimising travel times and encouraging          recommended for high-density developments,                        Use landscaped areas to add significant amenity
                                                           social interaction between residents.            screened from public and neighbouring properties.                 and value, and combined these with low impact           7
03 Sunlight and recession planes                                                                                                                                              approaches to stormwater management. Also look
   Recession planes are required on boundaries          06 Outdoor living space                          09 Creating private and safe places                                  to retain well-established trees if possible.
   with neighbouring sites but not along road              Consider providing each unit with access to      Ensuring windows, balconies and outdoor spaces
   frontages or reserves within town centres.              an outdoor living space, whether at ground       are designed to provide privacy between units while
QUEENSTOWN LAKES DISTRICT COUNCIL RESIDENTIAL ZONE DESIGN GUIDE - Queenstown Lakes ...
MDR MEDIUM DENSITY RESIDENTIAL

    MEDIUM DENSITY RESIDENTIAL ZONES ARE LOCATED WITHIN CLOSE
    PROXIMITY OF TOWN CENTRES OR MAIN TRANSPORT ROUTES WITH THE
    PURPOSE OF CONSOLIDATING GROWTH IN EXISTING URBAN AREAS. THE
    OBJECTIVES, POLICIES AND RULES ARE CONTAINED WITHIN CHAPTER 8
    OF THE DISTRICT PLAN.

    The Medium Density Residential Zone          unarticulated walls or facades, achieve
    provides for an increased density than       a high level of natural surveillance
    the Lower Density Suburban Residential       over public spaces, provide a greater
    Zone and plays a key role in minimising      level of housing choice and have a                                                       A two-storey standalone dwellings on ~250m2 sites
    urban sprawl and increasing housing          positive relationship with neighbouring                                                                                                      2
    supply.                                      properties.

    Medium Density Residential Zones             The illustration on the adjoining page is
    are located within the urban growth          an exemplar showing how key design
    boundaries as identified on the District     elements relating to medium-density
    Plan, generally near key town centres or     developments can be addressed to
    areas of population growth.                  achieve a positive design outcome.

    Lot sizes within this zone are typically
    between 250m2 and 450m2. The main                                                        A two-storey standalone dwelling on ~300m2
                                                                                             sites                                    1   A two-storey standalone dwelling on a ~300m2 site
    housing typologies anticipated are
    terraces, semi-detached and detached                                                                                                                                                      3
                                                                                              Developments in a medium-density
    houses. These buildings should be                                                         residential zone are likely to be 1-2
    designed to a high quality and reflect                                                    storeys and possibly three in some
    the character of the surrounding area in                                                  locations subject to their design. Small
    terms of form, materials, colour, setbacks                                                commercial offices or retail may be
                                                                                              included, particularly in the Wanaka
    and landscaping.
                                                                                              Town Centre town centre overlay where
                                                                                              they integrate with and support the role
    Well-designed medium-density buildings                                                    of the Town Centre. Dwellings are likely
    can contribute positively to urban                                                        to be either terrace, duplex or detached
    settlements if the Design Principles are                                                  buildings.
    followed. Buildings can have a high-
                                                                                              1. Shotover Country
    level of visual interest avoiding blank or                                                2. Lake Hayes Estate
8                                                                                             3. Christchurch City
                                                                                                                                          A two-storey standalone dwelling on a ~200m2 site
                                                                                              4. Bullendale, Arthurs Point
                                                                                                                                                                                              4
QUEENSTOWN LAKES DISTRICT COUNCIL RESIDENTIAL ZONE DESIGN GUIDE - Queenstown Lakes ...
gable end roofs may penetrate recession                                                                   2 storey buildings are
                                                                 planes by no more than one third of the                                                                    anticipated in the
                                                                              gable height                                                                                medium density zone
                                                                                                                                           02

                                                                                                                           09
                                                                                                                                                                                         10

                03

                                                                                                                                            06

                                                                        04
                                                                                                           05

   GOOD DESIGN ELEMENTS
01 Entrances and detailing (not shown)                 04 Site coverage and low impact design               07 Accessibility (not shown)                               10 Materials and environmental sustainability
   Ensure entrances are clearly visible from the          Small changes to provide rain gardens,                Garaging and parking are designed to minimise             Materials and systems need to reflect the local
   street. The number of units facing the street          swales and on-site tanks can all contribute           visual impacts on the streetscape and the building’s      character while not creating maintenance issues.
   should be maximised where possible.                    to reducing stormwater runoff peaks and               facade.                                                   Designs      should     encourage  environmental
                                                          demands on infrastructure as well as the                                                                        sustainability including access to sunlight and
02 Building height and roof form                          perceived bulk and scale of the building.         08 Waste and service areas (not shown)                        north or west facing living areas.
   Look for opportunities where additional height                                                               Easily accessible communal or individual
   can be provided without adversely affecting         05 Connections to open space                             systems are recommended for medium-density             11 Landscape
   neighbouring properties or views.                      Providing gates and minimising fencing                developments, well-screened from public and               Well designed landscape treatment for a
                                                          can have positive community outcomes,                 neighbouring properties.                                  development can add significant amenity and
03 Sunlight and recession planes                          minimising travel times and encouraging                                                                         value, and can be combined with low impact
   Recession planes are required on boundaries of         social interaction between residents.             09 Creating private and safe places                           approaches to stormwater management. Also look
                                                                                                                                                                                                                             9
   a flat site, but are only applicable to accessory                                                            Ensuring windows, balconies and outdoor spaces            to retain well-established trees if possible.
   buildings on sloping sites. Recession planes do     06 Outdoor living space                                  are designed to provide privacy between units
   not apply along road frontages or reserves within      Consider providing access to an outdoor               while allowing views over public areas to encourage
   town centres.                                          living space, ideally at the same level as the        natural surveillance.
                                                          principal living area.
QUEENSTOWN LAKES DISTRICT COUNCIL RESIDENTIAL ZONE DESIGN GUIDE - Queenstown Lakes ...
LOWER DENSITY SUBURBAN RESIDENTIAL
      LDSR                    INCLUDING RESIDENTIAL FLATS

     THE LOWER DENSITY SUBURBAN RESIDENTIAL ZONE IS THE LARGEST
     RESIDENTIAL ZONE IN THE DISTRICT AND ALLOWS FOR TYPICAL
     RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT AS WELL AS THE INCLUSION OF A 70M2
     RESIDENTIAL FLAT (NON-SUBDIVIDABLE), SUBJECT TO MEETING BULK
     AND LOCATION REQUIREMENTS. THE OBJECTIVES, POLICIES AND RULES
     ARE CONTAINED WITHIN CHAPTER 7 OF THE DISTRICT PLAN.

     The Lower Density Suburban Residential       urban design principles. However, the
     Zone is the most common residential zone     Design Principles and Elements outlined
     in the District providing for residential    above and following are still relevant, and                                                  A single-storey standalone dwelling on a 450m2 site
     development within the urban growth          contribute to creating a higher amenity,
                                                                                                                                                                                                         2
     boundaries.                                  more connected community.

     Lot sizes within this zone are typically     Community       facilities     and    home
     between 450 and 1000m2 with the main         occupations are anticipated in the zone,
     building type being standalone housing.      subject to controls as it is recognised that
     Houses should be designed to a high          some activities are best suited to being
     quality and reflect the character of the     within a residential community. However,
     surrounding area and zone in terms of        commercial activities in general are not
     form, materials, colour, setbacks and        suited unless they are small scale and
     landscaping.                                 can show that residential amenity will not
                                                                                                                                               A single-storey standalone dwelling on a 600-700m2 site
                                                  be compromised.
     There is provision to allow sites down to                                                                                                                                                           3
     300m2 in area and larger comprehensively     The illustration on the adjoining page is      A two-storey standalone dwelling on a 450m2
                                                                                                 site                                      1
     designed developments as for the             an exemplar showing how key design
     construction       of    non-subdividable    elements relating to lower-density              Developments in a lower density
     residential flats.                           developments can be addressed to                suburban residential zone are likely to
                                                  achieve a positive design outcome.              be 1-2 storeys. Dwellings are likely to
     Well-designed low density developments                                                       be detached buildings with attached
     can contribute positively to urban                                                           garages or carports. Some sites will
                                                                                                  include accessory buildings and subject
     settlements if the Design Principles                                                         to controls, may include a second
     are followed. With larger sites, there                                                       residential flat up to 70m2 in size.
     is greater flexibility for design and site                                                   1. St Albans, Christchurch
     layout without adversely compromising                                                        2. Silverstream, Kaiapoi
                                                                                                  3. Shotover Country
10                                                                                                4. Jacks Point, Queenstown                   A large standalone dwelling on a site >1,000m2.
                                                                                                                                                                                                         4
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   GOOD DESIGN ELEMENTS
01 Entrances and detailing                                04 Site coverage and low impact design
   Ensure entrances are clearly visible from                    Small changes to provide rain gardens,          07 Accessibility                                            10 Materials and environmental sustainability
   the street and large blank walls are avoided.                swales and on-site tanks can all contribute        Ideally garaging and parking are designed to                    Materials and systems should reflect the local
   Windows can be added to garages or garages                   to reducing stormwater runoff peaks and            minimise visual impacts on the streetscape and the              character while not creating maintenance
   setback behind the front facade to ensure they               demands on infrastructure, as well as              building’s facade by being setback behind the front             issues. Designs should encourage environmental
   do not visually dominate the streetscape.                    reducing the perceived bulk and dominance.         door. This also allows for on-site parking.                     sustainability including access to sunlight and
                                                                                                                                                                                   north or west facing living areas.
02 Building height and roof form                          05 Connections to open space                          08 Waste and service areas (not shown)
   Simple, uncomplex roof forms are best such as                Providing gates and minimising fencing             Individual systems are recommended for lower             11 Landscape
   gables, hip or a mono-pitch.                                 can have positive community outcomes,              density developments, screened from public and                  The landscape treatment of a development
                                                                minimising travel times and encouraging            neighbouring properties                                         can add significant amenity and value, and can
                                                                                                                                                                                   be combined with low impact approaches to
03 Sunlight and recession planes                                social interaction between residents.
   Recession planes are required on boundaries of                                                               09 Creating private and safe places                                stormwater management. Also look to retain well- 11
   a flat site, but are only applicable to accessory      06 Outdoor living space                                  Ensuring windows, balconies and outdoor spaces                  established trees if possible.
   buildings on sloping sites.                                  Each dwelling should have access to a north        are designed to provide privacy between dwellings
                                                                or west facing outdoor living space, ideally       while allowing views over public areas to encourage
                                                                directly accessed from internal living areas.      natural surveillance.
01                     LEGIBILITY,DIVERSITY
                                HOUSING     ENTRANCESANDAND
                                                         ADAPTABILITY
                                                            CHARACTER

     TO ENCOURAGE HOUSING DIVERSITY WHICH CATERS TO A LARGE
     SEGMENT OF THE POPULATION, FOR ALL STAGES OF LIFE
     Diversity in building type and unit size is
     considered a positive attribute of designs
     which should be achieved where possible.
     Dependent on a development’s location,
     providing a mix of house types is beneficial
     to the housing market and can assist with
     housing affordability if done well.

     Not all house buyers are seeking the same
     number of bedrooms or lot size, have the
     same maintenance expectations or the
     same lifestyle. By providing diversity it is
     possible to cater to a wider proportion of        Different house sizes within a development    Terrace housing is an efficient and effective     These 2 bedroom dwellings are part of a wider development
     the market, and positively, allows people to      widen its market appeal                   1   typology for higher density developments      2   which has a mix of typologies and unit sizes.             3
     move within a community or neighbourhood
     when their circumstances change.

     It is also important to create buildings,
     spaces and facilities which allow flexibility
     and adaptability of use. This improves
     sustainability of a development by allowing
     a building to be used for a variety of uses
     without significant changes.

       Housing diversity in a development can
       contribute positively its character and
       functionality. All of the images to the right
       show different house typologies which will
       cater to the needs of different people.

       1. Jacks Point, Queenstown
       2. Central One, Christchurch
12     3. and 4. Waimeha, Kapiti Coast
                                                       There will still be a demand for 3-4 bedroom standalone
                                                       houses in many locations. Providing variety is key.                                                                                                      4
WELL-DEFINED ENTRANCES AND DETAILING TO
   02                    IMPROVE LEGIBILITY

TO CREATE BUILDINGS WHICH POSITIVELY ADDRESS THE STREET,
PROVIDING A HIGH LEVEL OF LEGIBILITY AND VISUAL INTEREST WHILE
AVOIDING BLANK WALLS OR FACADES.
In    all   residential    developments,      build efficiencies. This results in the end
but particularly with higher density          units being no different from the middle
developments there is a risk that buildings   unit but can result in a reduction of natural
become bigger and lack detailing at           surveillance over a public space or a
the human scale, making it difficult          side yard which is largely inaccessible.
for residents to relate to or imposing        The placement of windows, doors and
                                                                                                                                                   The wall of the end unit is lacking windows or any detailing.
adversely on the receiving streetscape.       material changes in the end elevation                                                                                                                                3
This can be prevented by using a number       all combine to avoid the adverse effects
of simple design measures.                    outlined above while providing a point
                                              of difference between units which may
For example, dwellings should be clearly      appeal to different residents.
definable as individual units, designed
and articulated to provide a sense of         End units have an advantage in that if
individuality. Developments should relate     additional windows / doors are provided
to the street. Often long narrow sites        more natural light is allowed into a
are developed as a series of dwellings        dwelling. The units are typically on slightly
accessed by a long driveway without any       larger lots where the additional space can
relationship to the street. There is little   be utilised as a sitting or play space.         Large windows and balconies on this building         A small porch provides shelter over the front door as well as
opportunity for residents to interact, and                                                                                                         improving legibility                                          4
                                                                                              create a positive relationship with the street. 1
the parking areas can be unattractive.          Blank walls do not create visual interest
                                                or allow natural surveillance over public
                                                or shared spaces. Access to the front
A preferred design option is to maximise        floor is clearly defined and visible from
(as far as practicable) the number of           the street.
dwellings that front the street to create
a strong built edge to the street and           Providing a sidelight adjacent to the
                                                front door is a small detail but allows for
encourage a sense of community. The
                                                natural surveillance over the street and
design and treatment of ‘end walls’             a strong visual connection between the
should avoid large blank walls which            dwelling and the street.
give the appearance that a development
is unfinished or does not take account          1. Central Queenstown
                                                2. Central One, Christchurch
of its setting. Many past and recent
                                                3. Hobsonville Point, Auckland                                                                                                                                         13
developments have a ‘typical’ building          4. Lake Hayes, Queenstown                     The front door is directly visible from the street   A sidelight adjacent to the front door provide passive
                                                                                                                                              2                                                                  5
design which is replicated to achieve           5.Hobsonville Point, Auckland                 providing a high level of legibility.                surveillance over the street without creating privacy issues.
B

                                                                                                                                                                         G

                                          A

                                                                                                                        E
                                                                                                                                     D

        DESIGN ELEMENT CHECKLIST
    A Minor changes to detailing and the placement         C End walls (not shown) on terrace buildings          amount of on-street parking available and the           G Each development is required to have a
        of elements can have a significant effect             and apartment buildings have the potential         ability to plant street trees. On standard roads this       percentage of landscaping (refer to section 11).
        on improving the legibility and amenity of a          to provide additional amenity to residents         can result in wider carriageways which in turn can
        development, along the streetscape.                   while avoiding large blank walls.       End        encourage higher vehicle speeds where they may
                                                              units often sell for more than middle units        not be appropriate.                                         RELEVANT DISTRICT PLAN
     Visibility of the front door from the street, along      because of this additional amenity/space,                                                                      POLICES
   B
     with either sidelights or windows in the door            providing further variation and choice within   E Large expanses of asphalt and concrete can have a
     allowing people to see visitors, can improve             a development.                                     negative effect on streetscape amenity but can be                9.2.2.1 (a) (b) (c), 9.2.5.1, 9.2.5.2,
     people’s understanding of where to go. Front                                                                easily broken up.
     doors located in front of the garage door to
                                                                                                                                                                                  8.2.3.2
                                                           D Numerous      vehicle crossings in close
     provide better legibility for pedestrians and            proximity to each other can have a negative
14                                                                                                            F Bins and service areas should be screened from                    7.2.1.2, 7.2.1.3, 7.2.3.2, 7.2.4.2,
     visitors.                                                effect on pedestrian accessibility and             the street and public areas but often end up being
                                                              streetscape amenity. It can reduce the             placed in the front yard.                                        7.2.3.1 (c)
03                   BUILDING DOMINANCE AND SUNLIGHT ACCESS

     TO ALLOW FOR FLEXIBILITY IN BUILDING HEIGHT WHERE POSITIVE
     DESIGNS AND VISUAL INTEREST CAN BE CREATED WITHOUT RESULTING
     IN ANY ADVERSE EFFECTS DUE TO VISUAL DOMINANCE.
     The height of a building plays These design aspects should always be
     an important role in the overall considered when designing a building.
     appearance and function of a street or
     neighbourhood. Maintaining consistency
     between building heights contributes to
     the character and overall feel of a street
     while variation in form, in particular roof
     form, can provide the variation necessary
     to create an interesting street scene.

     Each zone has standards for the                                                                   Simple, uncomplex roof forms are aesthetically more pleasing
     maximum height a building can be, with                                                                                                                         2
     the HDR Zone allowing for taller buildings
     than the MDR and LDR Zones. Within
     those standards there may be different
     height allowances for buildings on flat
     sites and buildings on sloping sites due
     to the importance of maintaining views
     for residents on sloping sites. If any       Variation in roof form creates visual interest
     additional height is desired that does                                                        1
     not meet standards, the following key         Roof forms should add variation to the              Buildings are broken down into clearly defineable units
     design aspects need to be considered          surrounding development / streetscape.              assisting legibility and reducing the perceived mass of
     to maintain the suburban intensity and        Additional height can be added to                   buildings.                                                   3
     character of the zone:                        buildings in order to create visually
                                                   interesting roof forms and detailing.
                                                   Roof form is varied with added detailing,
     •   Building design                           glazing and changes in materials.
     •   Roof form
     •   Building dominance                        1. Shotover Country
     •   Sunlight access to neighbouring           2. St Albans, Christchurch
         properties and public spaces              3. Shotover Country
                                                   4. Jack’s Point, Queenstown
         (including roads)                         5. Central Queenstown
15   •   Privacy for occupants and                                                                     Modulated roof forms result in smaller gables, allowing light     Flat roofs can allow views from buildings behind to   15
         neighbours                                                                                    into internal spaces.                                         4   be maintained.                                   5
     •   Effects on public views
HIGH DENSITY (FLAT)
                                                                                                                           45°
                                                Recession planes
                                                                                                                45°                                                             DESIGN CHECKLIST
                                                for the High Density
                                                Residential    Zone                                                                                                         A   Adding roof details like gables, dormer
                                                are up to 2.5m                                                                                           2.5m                   windows, balconies or parapets may be
                                                then 45° on all                                                             45°                                                 considered a positive design aspect and
                                                boundaries other                                                                                                                can make roof space usable without a
     TO AVOID ADVERSE EFFECTS OF                                                                          55°
                                                that the northern                                                                                                               great increase in height.
     SHADING ON THE AMENITY OF                  boundary      where
     ADJOINING PROPERTIES.                      a 55° recession                                                                                                             B   Emphasizing corner sites with additional
                                                plane applies (flat                                                                                                             height can create local landmarks, helping
                                                                                    ST
                                                sites only).                  th            R                                                                                   to provide a sense of place without
     Recession planes are a control to                                      r                   EE
                                                                         No                          T                                                                          affecting adjoining properties.
     ensure neighbouring properties are not                                                                                                                        Exi
                                                                                                                                                                       s
     adversely affected in terms of sunlight                                                                                                                      Ho ting       Dormer windows and balconies can
                                                                                                                                                                    use     C
     and/or privacy by a development                                                                                                                                            create visual interest as well as providing
                                                                                                                                                                                additional space without increasing
     while allowing for development and
                                                                                                                                                                                shading on adjoining sites.
     intensification to occur in residential
     areas. There maybe a degree of            MEDIUM / LOW DENSITY (FLAT)                                                                                                      Has the building frontage been modulated
                                                                                                                                                                            D
     change which occurs from existing                                                                                                                                          to reduce effects on the amenity of
                                                Recession planes
     conditions but at a level where change                                                                                                                                     adjoining residential areas, the streetscape
                                                for the Low and
     is considered to be acceptable.            Medium       Density                                                                                                            and adjoining public space?
                                                                                                                       35°
     There are several methods which            Residential Zones                                               45°
                                                are up to 2.5m then                                                                                                         E   Shading may be reduced by setbacks or
     can be implemented to minimise                                                                                                                                             modulation of the top storey. Buildings can
                                                45° on the western
     adverse effects on shading including       and          eastern
                                                                                                                                                         2 .5 m                 be set back to allow for an outdoor area
     modulating the building form, setting      boundaries,      55°                                                       45°                                                  that does not shade the apartments below.
     buildings back from the boundary, or       on the northern                                                                                                                 Look at ways to minimise shading effects
                                                                                                         55°
                                                boundary and 35°                                                                                                                on neighbouring properties by modulating
     avoiding long, linear walls.                                                                                                                                               the built form or setting back buildings from
                                                on the southern
                                                boundary (flat sites                                                                                                            the boundary.
     Where the existing ground profile
                                                only).                             ST
     under the building footprint exceeds                                  th           R                                                                                   F   Minimise effects on amenity of the
                                                                          r                 EE
     6o, no recession planes apply to the                              No                        T                                                                              adjoining residential areas, the streetscape
                                                                                                                                                              Exi               and adjoining public space by varying the
                                                                                                                                                                  s
     site but the maximum building height                                                                                                                    Ho ting
                                                                                                                                                               use              built form and avoiding long, linear walls.
     is reduced to 7m above the existing
     ground profile.                                                                                                                                                            No recession plane to road boundaries
                                                                                                                                                                            G
                                               ALL RESIDENTIAL ZONES (SLOPING SITES)                                                                                            provides the opportunity to build higher up
                                                                                                                                                                                to the street edge.
                                                There are no
                                                recession planes                                                                                                            RELEVANT DISTRICT PLAN
                                                on sloping                   Maximum                                                                                        POLICES
                                                sites (except             height above
                                                for accessory              ground level                                                                                          9.2.2.1(a) (b) (c), 9.2.2.2.2, 9.2.2.1 (d),
                                                buildings). Sites
                                                are defined as                                                                                                                   9.2.6.2
                                                sloping where                                                                          6° minimum
                                                the ground slope                                                                                   int                           8.2.3.1, 8.2.3.2, 8.2.6.1, 8.2.6.2, 8.2.6.3
                                                exceeds 6o across                                                                            tpr
16                                                                                                                                     foo
                                                the extremities                                                                  ing                                             7.2.1.2, 7.2.1.3, 7.2.3.3, 7.2.3.1(a) (b) (c), 16
                                                of any building                                                            ild
                                                                                                                      Bu
                                                elevation.                                                                                                                       7.2.4.1(a) (b)
CONNECTIONS TO OPEN SPACE TO CREATE SAFE,
   04                    HIGH AMENITY SPACES

TO CREATE PUBLIC AND COMMUNAL OPEN SPACES WHICH PROVIDE
ADDITIONAL AMENITY TO RESIDENTS PROMOTING COLLABORATION,
CUSTODIANSHIP AND TO MAXIMISE CONNECTIONS.
Public and communal open space, if well-
designed, can add significant benefits
and value to a residential development.
When not considered to be ‘left over’
space, open space can provide an
opportunity to enhance the character of a                                                                                                  Solid fencing and no gates limits access, both visually and
site. Often the best designed spaces are                                                                                                   physically, to this space.                                  3
those which integrate well with adjoining
dwellings and enjoy a high level of natural
surveillance from private living areas.
The spaces are highly accessible, and
if successful can be a real focal point to
build custodianship and collaboration.
Spaces should allow a high degree of
choice and flexibility for both passive
and active activities while recognising the   Each unit has direct access to the
                                              communal open space                     1
needs of the residents / local community.
                                               While the space in the photo top- right
Accessibility and connections are very         is centrally located, high solid fencing
important to the success of a space,           has resulted in the area appearing                                                          Higher density develoment next to high amenity spaces.
ideally with multiple entry / exit points      as a ‘left-over’ space with limited                                                                                                                    4
(Crime Prevention Through Environmental        accessibility. In the other photos
                                               the space is easily accessible from
Design) and spaces being close to living       dwellings with no fencing or open
areas. The simple inclusion of a lockable      style fencing/landscaping in between
gate from a dwelling to an open space          the dwellings and the open space.
can mean the difference between space          Windows overlook the space creating
being used or not. Where privacy is            a safe, usable space with a high
                                               amount of natural surveillance.
required trees and hedging can be used
instead of solid fencing, or possibility a     1. Hobsonville Point, Auckland
combination of the two.                        2. Central One, Christchurch
                                               3. Styx Mill, Christchurch                 A mix of open style and solid fencing provides
                                               4. Silverstream, Kaiapoi                                                                    Developments relates positively to the adjoining public space   17
                                                                                          privacy while maintaining passive surveillance
                                               5. Lake Hayes Estate, Queenstown                                                       2    with open fencing and gates.                               5
                                                                                          over a public or communal space.
LEGIBILITY, ENTRANCES AND CHARACTER

                                                                                  B

                                                                                                                                C
                                                                                                                                                                              A

                                    D

   DESIGN ELEMENT CHECKLIST
A Designs should integrate well with adjoining and    C Providing     connections  throughout    a      E Providing a mix of open and close style fencing can    RELEVANT DISTRICT PLAN
   proposed open spaces, with building layout and        development creates choices for residents,        provide the necessary privacy for residents while     POLICES
   landscape treatments designed to maximise             in the best-case scenario creating links          allowing residents to have a sense of custodianship
   connections and the ability for people to enjoy/      which promote active forms of transport,          over the adjacent open space.                            9.2.2.1 (b) (d), 9.2.6.1,
   utilise the amenity of a space.                       thereby reducing vehicle usage for short,
                                                         local trips.                                   F Views from principle living areas, both indoor            9.2.6.2
                                                                                                           and outdoor, can be possible of the open space
B Landscape treatment can have a significant                                                               providing natural surveillance.                          7.2.1.4, 7.2.3.3, 8.2.21
   impact on the character of a development. The      D In a worst-case scenario open space is
   proposed landscape treatment should reflect the       completely screened from a residence with
   character of the area and/or enhance resident’s       no accessibility or connectivity. Properties
18 amenity.                                              adjacent to an open space should have direct
                                                         access with gates (lockable) incorporated
                                                         into the design.
PROVIDING OUTDOOR LIVING SPACE FOR
    05                    RESIDENTS’ AMENITY

TO PROVIDE OUTDOOR LIVING SPACES THAT ARE ACCESSIBLE AND ALLOW
RESIDENTS TO RELAX OUTSIDE

While the District Plan does not specify            have a smaller, easily maintained
a minimum outdoor living space area                 outdoor living area.
requirement, the site coverage rules
mean all residential dwelling units in the    •     The spaciousness of the outdoor
LDSR and MDR will have outdoor space.               area should be maximised. For
Ideally this should be directly accessible          example, creating one larger outdoor
from the indoor living areas.                       living area rather than multiple small
                                                    outdoor areas around the dwelling,
Key points to consider:                             avoiding small narrow spaces.

•   Outdoor living areas can be in a          •     Access should be off the main living                                                      Each unit has a private, easily accessible outdoor living area
    number of forms - balconies, rooftop            area if possible.
                                                                                                                                              which receives direct sunlight.                                3
    gardens, ground level back or front
    yards.                                    For     LSDR     developments,    infill       A balcony directly accessible from indoor
                                              developments should carefully consider         living areas.                               1
•   Sun path - what side of the site will     how outdoor living space can best be
    get the most sun during the day?          placed.
    Ideally outdoor living areas should be
    north facing.
                                                  The most desirable option is to provide
•   Context - where are neighbours                direct access and large glazing to allow
                                                  free movement between indoors and                                                                                                                              3
    yards located? Is the yard adjacent           out. The size and nature of the space
    to any public open space or other             will depend on the type of development
    public land e.g. walkways? (Consider          and its proximity to other amenities.
    connectivity if there is - gated access       End walls on HDR and MDR developments
    etc) Where are neighbours buildings           can be treated to provide additional
                                                  value and amenity for residents. Often
    located?                                      end units are more sought after and can
                                                  provide a premium to developers
•   Outdoor living areas should be
    purpose built. For example, a small           1. Atlas Quarter, Christchurch
    apartment should not have a huge              2. Central One, Christchurch
    rear yard as generally apartment style        3. Shotover Country, Queenstown
                                                  4. Silverstream, Kaiapoi                                                                                                                                       19
    living is low maintenance and should                                                     Outdoor living space directly accessible from    Outdoor living spaces looking out over an adjacent reserve.
                                                                                             indoor living areas.                         2                                                                 4
LEGIBILITY, ENTRANCES AND CHARACTER

                                                                                                                                                                          E
                                                                                                               D
                          B

                                                           A
                            C

        DESIGN ELEMENT CHECKLIST
     A The amount of private open space provided          C The design of open spaces can create                   E Well-defined spaces allow residents to take
        should be directly related to a development’s          opportunities for variation and choice within         ownership of a space but this does not necessarily
        proximity to public amenities or communal              a development. Side gardens provide an                have to be at the expense of openness.
        spaces. Close proximity to communal open               opportunity to create additional amenity/
        space or public amenities can allow for a lower        value.
        provision of private outdoor space.
                                                          D Ideally outdoor living space is directly
     B Landscape treatments can have a significant             accessible from indoor living spaces, i.e.
        impact on the character of a development. The          from lounge, dining or family spaces, and
        proposed landscape treatment should reflect the        receives direct sunlight.
        character of the area and/or enhance resident’s
20      amenity, using a mix of hard and soft landscape
        materials.
CREATING HIGH LEVELS OF ACCESSIBILITY FOR ALL
   06                  TRANSPORT MODES

TO CREATE A HIGH AMENITY STREETSCAPE WITH HIGH LEVELS OF
ACCESSIBILITY FOR ALL MODES WHILE MINIMISING THE VISUAL EFFECT OF
VEHICLES AND GARAGING.
Providing for carparking and vehicle         Communal parking at the rear allows
access often plays a significant role in the buildings to front the street and minimises
design process at the expense of other       manoeuvring space for multi unit
attributes. A preferred design solution is   developments. Blank or unmodulated
                                             walls and facades should be avoided.
for vehicle movements and parking to play
a secondary role to pedestrian movements     Blank walls do not create visual interest                                                          Provision of underground carparking to reduce the adverse
and streetscape amenity, creating active     or allow natural surveillance over public                                                          effects of surface car parking.                           3
frontages and/or north facing outdoor        or shared spaces.
living spaces. Ideally carparking should be
                                              The front door is clearly visible from
located either underground, at the rear of a
                                              the street, and with glazing in the door
site or via a laneway where accessways can    and the side window a strong visual
be shared to reduce the number of potential   connection is created between the              Consolidating vehicle access to a single point
conflict points with pedestrians walking      house and the street.                          improves pedestrian accessibility.             1
along the street.
                                                 Windows have been added to the end
                                                 wall allowing the side yard to be a
Garaging, large areas of driveway and            usable space. The addition of doors and
vehicles parked in clear view of the street      a pergola would have added further
can have a significant adverse visual            value and functionality to the side yard.
impact on the quality and appearance of a
                                                 1. and 3. Parkview, Christchurch
development. With increased density also
                                                 2 and 4. Hobsonville, Auckland                                                                 Provision of a rear lane to move garages away from the street
comes the need for more efficient land use,      5. Lake Hayes Estate, Queenstown                                                               frontage.                                                  4
including more creative responses to on-site
parking. Communal or shared facilities are
one response but must be designed well.
Safe and convenient access for pedestrians
and in larger developments for cyclists and
service vehicles should also be ensured.

                                                                                             Car crossings are consolidated at the rear of      Garaging is pushed back behind the front line of the building21
                                                                                                                                                facade.                                                      5
                                                                                             the block.                                    2
Street or reserve

                            LEGIBILITY, ENTRANCES AND CHARACTER
                                                                                                                                E

                                                                                                     A

                                                                                                                                    Laneway or minor street
                                                                                                                                    where low vehicle speeds
                                                                             B
            D                                                                                                                           are anticipated

                                        C

     DESIGN ELEMENT CHECKLIST
A The incorporation of pedestrians, cyclists and   C Not all locations have the same ‘modal’               E Even on lower density developments          RELEVANT DISTRICT PLAN
  vehicles into a design can have a significant      requirement with developments closer to public          laneways can be incorporated to             POLICES
  effect on people’s choice of transport mode,       amenities, including public transport, allowing the     remove vehicle parking and garaging
  how they move through a space or on the            flexibility for less garaging but potentially more      from the front yard and allow for a more          9.2.1.2, 9.2.6.1, 9.2.6.2,
  functionality of the adjoining streetscape.        storage space. The design should reflect a site’s       pedestrian orientated street.
                                                     location to allow residents a degree of choices.                                                          9.2.6.3, 9.2.6.5,
B Large expanses of hardstand area for vehicles,                                                                                                               8.2.1.1, 8.2.1.2, 8.2.1.3,
   especially if immediately adjoining a street,   D Providing for different vehicle modes provides
   can have a negative effect on the character       an opportunity for creativity to solve ‘space-                                                            8.2.2.3, 8.2.5.1, 8.2.5.3,
   of a development or street.        Landscape      demanding’ modes.          On higher density
22 treatment can be used to ‘soften’ and improve     developments there is an opportunity to investigate                                                       8.2.8.7
   the character of a development.                   communal spaces or accessways.
                                                                                                                                                               7.2.6.1, 7.2.6.3
HOW TO INTEGRATE WASTE AND SERVICE AREAS SO
   07                    AS NOT TO AFFECT AMENITY

TO ENCOURAGE USEFUL STORAGE
AND SERVICE AREAS THAT HAVE                            Communal
MINIMAL ADVERSE EFFECTS ON
RESIDENTS AND NEIGHBOURS.
                                                       Communal or individual
As intensification occurs with more
people residing in an area, the provision
of space for storage and service areas                 Individual
becomes more important.          This is                                                     Provision for bins was not considered at the design
particularly noticeable on collection                                                        stage or were located in an inconvenient location
days when footpaths are often blocked                                                        resulting in their placement in the front yard.
by numerous bins, creating hazards for
pedestrians, cyclists and motorists. With
larger developments, individual ‘wheelie’
bins may not be practicable for each
unit. Options for communal storage and
collection systems are encouraged for
high density developments and larger
medium density developments.

For     medium       and    low     density
                                                                                                                                                          DESIGN CHECKLIST
developments,        more     conventional                                                                                                                Provide each unit with access to a
                                                                                                                                                      A
systems may be used as units will             Storage units are screened and located in an   Each unit is provided with a screened service area for       storage and service space
typically have their own street frontage or   accessible location                            bins
own ground level yards allowing for the                                                                                                               B   Service areas are required to be
placement of bins. The placement of bins       Some developments include lockable                                                                         screened from the street
should aim to minimise adverse visual          storage areas. In the example top right,
                                               bins are being stored on the driveways                                                                     On sloping sites, ensure it is
effects on the street and neighbours.                                                                                                                 C
                                               beside the rear access lane, negatively                                                                    possible for bins to be easily moved
Ideally bins should not be located in          affecting the visual amenity of the lane                                                                   to the street side for collection.
the front yard, but where this cannot be       and creating hazards for pedestrians,
avoided they should be screened and not        cyclists and motorists.
                                                                                                                                                          RELEVANT DISTRICT
affect access to the front door.
                                               Bins, gas bottles and other equipment                                                                      PLAN POLICES
                                               have been hidden behind timber screens
Service areas free up internal space by                                                                                                                       9.2.3.2
                                               but are integrated into the landscape
providing storage space for recreational       design. This avoids any adverse effects
                                                                                                                                                              8.2.3.2                            23
or maintenance equipment, larger               the bins have on the visual amenity of        Gas bottles and bins are hidden from site.
household items or clothes lines.              the street.
08                     CREATING PRIVATE AND SAFE ENVIRONMENTS

     TO CREATE DEVELOPMENTS WITH
     A HIGH LEVEL OF PRIVATE AMENITY                                                                                                                            DESIGN CHECKLIST
     BALANCED WITH CREATING PUBLIC
     SPACES WITH A HIGH LEVEL OF                                                                                                                            A   Setting back balconies from the
     NATURAL SURVEILLANCE.                                                                                                                                      main wall as opposed to extending
                                                                                                                                                                the balcony out forward of any party
     Good developments have a successful                                                                                                                        wall provides privacy from elevated
                                                                                                                       A
                                                                                                                                                                views.
     balance of private amenity and a high
     level of natural surveillance over public
                                                                                                                                                            B   Solid or semi solid fencing between
     spaces.     Custodianship, collaboration                                                                                              E                    units to a height of 1.8. Slat fencing
     and connection principles have a key                                                                                                                       can be used but slats must be
     role to play to ensure poorly designed                        B
                                                                                                                                                                close enough to ensure direct views
     developments are not created, where the                                                                                                                    through are not possible.
     living area of one unit looks directly into                                                                                       D
     the outdoor living of an another. Poor                                                                                                                 C   Privacy and safety can be achieved
     design can be mitigated through building                                                                                                                   with a mix of permeable (see-
                                                                    C                                                                                           through) and solid fencing.
     design and modulation, site layout,
     landscape elements or a combination
                                                                                                                                                            D   Raising the ground floor level of the
                                                                                                                                                                development above the street level
                                                                                                                                                                to allow people to clearly see out
                                                                                                                                                                but not in (not shown).

                                                                                                                                                            E   Placing higher kitchen windows on
                                                                                                                                                                the frontage so that occupants are
                                                                                                                                                                often looking out over the street (not
       Windows are oriented to the street rather                                                                                                                shown).
       than toward adjacent properties to
       provide increased natural surveillance
       over the street and to maintain privacy
       between dwellings.                                                                                                                                       RELEVANT DISTRICT
       A mix of solid and visually permeable
                                                                                                                                                                PLAN POLICES
       materials provides a balance between                                                                                                                          9.2.3.2, 9.2.3.3, 9.2.3.1
       privacy and natural surveillance over
       public spaces.                                                                                                                                                8.2.3.1, 8.2.3.2, 8.2.2.2
                                                                                                                     A mix of open and solid fencing
24     1. Jacks Point, Queenstown                  Limited or no fencing creates a positive relationship between     provides a balance between privacy              7.2.1.3, 7.2.3.1(b)
       2. Central One, Christchurch                                                                              1   and natural surveillance           2
                                                   dwellings and public spaces.
09                    SITE COVERAGE AND LOW IMPACT DESIGN SOLUTIONS
                         TO REDUCE INFRASTRUCTURE DEMANDS

TO PROVIDE SUFFICIENT SPACE FOR OUTDOOR LIVING, WASTE AND STORAGE
AREAS, AND ON-SITE VEHICLE MANOEUVRING WHILE LIMITING STORMWATER
RUNOFF PEAKS
Maximum site coverage limits ensure            design phase (as opposed to being
sufficient space is provided for different     retrofitted) but require maintenance to
functional requirements of a development.      ensure their effectiveness is retained. By
Often there is a tendency for buildings to     implementing systems such as these they
be limited to a single storey which can        can reduce peak stormwater discharges
have a detrimental effect on the amenity       reducing the impact on Council owned                                                           Landscaped swales instead of piping stormwater reduces
or character of a development. Higher          stormwater infrastructure, subject to on-                                                      runoff peaks                                               3
site coverage is permitted in higher density   site solutions being well-designed and
developments to allow for larger buildings,    maintained.
but there is still an expectation that other
amenities and manoeuvring can be
provided on site.

In terms of stormwater runoff, It is
possible for low impact design solutions
to be incorporated on-site to minimise                                                         Landscaped rain gardens for large hard paved
runoff and peak flows with a view to             Reducing stormwater peak runoff are           areas                                      1
achieving stormwater neutrality or at            achieved using a combination of different
least a reduction. All of the systems are        techniques which collectively reduce
                                                 demands on public infrastructure, and                                                        Rain tanks reduce stormwater runoff peaks and can assist
cost effective if incorporated during the
                                                 in some examples assist with improving                                                       with irrigation                                            4
                                                 plant growth and health. With higher
                                                 site coverages it will be necessary to
                                                 look at the site holistically to ensure the
     Site Coverage       Permeable Surface       minimum permeable surface amount
                            (minimum)            is achieved while also achieving other
                                                 functional requirements.

          70%                   20%              1. Rain garden, Central Christchurch
                                                 2. Planted retention basin, Marshlands
          45%                   25%              3. Planted swale, Waimeha, Kapiti
                                                 4. Rain tank, Kapiti
                                                 5. Minimising impermeable surfaces,
          40%                   30%                 Kapiti                                     Landscaped stormwater detention basins for     Reducing hard paved, impermeable surfaces reduces
                                                                                                                                                                                                         25
                                                                                               larger developments                        2   stormwater runoff                                          5
LEGIBILITY, ENTRANCES AND CHARACTER
                                                                                                        A

                                                                                                                                                           E

                                                                                                                                    B

                             to
                                  de
                                    ten
                                       tio
                                          nb
                                             asi
                                                n

                                                                            C

                                                                                                                                    D

                                                                                                                                        Stormwater discharge point from the site

        DESIGN ELEMENT CHECKLIST
     A Living Roofs                                             C Rain gardens                                                E Permeable Paving                                     RELEVANT DISTRICT PLAN
        Living roofs are able to capture rainfall - 80/150kg/       Rain gardens can be located to filter runoff from           Permeable pavers can be used for driveway and        POLICES
        m2 substrate based green roof.              Are there       hard surfaces such as driveways or carparking. Are          carpark areas (the paver has a flowrate of no less
        opportunities to reduce the potential for runoff            rain gardens being used help to filter runoff and           than 30l/s/m2). Are Permeable paver being used          9.2.6.4
        from roofing through the use of Living Roofs?               reduce the amount that goes into the drain?                 instead of hard surfacing such as concrete to
                                                                                                                                allow the water to filter through to the ground?        8.2.2.4, 8.2.5.2, 8.2.8.1
     B Rainwater Storage                                        D   Swale (Planting)
        Rainwater storage tanks can be located on the               Swales can run along the property boundary to                                                                       7.2.6.2
        roof or in the ground. Can rainwater storage tanks          naturally filter runoff from hard surfaces. Planting is
        be used to capture the runoff from roofs and store          also a great way to increase the absorption of storm
        it for later uses (e.g. watering the garden)?               water, in particular trees as they can absorb larger
26                                                                  amounts of water through their roots. Does the
                                                                    design use planting and Swales as a natural drain
                                                                    to filter runoff?
10                   BUILDING MATERIALS AND ENVIRONMENTAL
                         SUSTAINABILITY

TO ENCOURAGE THE USE OF LOCAL, SUSTAINABLE MATERIALS AND
SYSTEMS TO SUPPORT THE REDUCTION OF LONG TERM MAINTENANCE
COSTS                                                                                                                                                DESIGN CHECKLIST
The choice of building materials can         • Provide safety signage and lighting                                                                   Will the choice of cladding
have a considerable effect on how a            that integrates with the building                                                                 A
                                                                                                                                                     require ongoing maintenance
development is perceived as well as on         design.                                                                                               to protect its appearance from
long-term maintenance requirements.          • For additional character consider                                                                     exposure to the elements?
Materials that require less maintenance        engaging a lighting designer to
with a longer design life are more             provide attractive exterior lighting                                                              B   Are the communal        areas
suitable for higher density developments,      around entrances and street                                                                           sufficiently lit?
                                                                                           Abodo eco-timber is a sustainable timber product
particularly when multiple parties are         facades.                                    with low maintenance requirements
involved. The durability of materials                                                                                                            C   Does the dwelling provide
can be improved by ensuring adequate                                                                                                                 sheltered outdoor areas with
protection from the corrosive effects of the                                                                                                         natural light?
elements, for example by incorporating
eaves and flashings in the design.                                                                                                                   RELEVANT DISTRICT
                                                                                                                                                     PLAN POLICES
Artificial lighting around entrances and
in common areas should provide for                                                                                                                       9.2.2.2, 9.2.6.4
safety, usability and contribute to amenity
                                                                                                                                                         8.2.5.2
without excessive energy use. Review
the Southern Lights strategy.                                                                                                                            7.2.4.1c, 7.2.6.2
                                              Linear board, steel and timber mix           Painted brick is a permanent material solution with
•   Provide lighting design that enhances                                                  relatively low maintenance requirements.
    development character features
    while ensuring usability and safety is       Timber cladding utilises a renewable
    retained for communal areas when             resource but may result in additional
    dark                                         maintenance requirements. Materials
•   Design and specification of lighting         used are common and sourced from
                                                     sustainable sources. A variety of
    fixtures and controls minimises
                                                  materials have been used to create
    ongoing energy use                               a visually aesthetic design using
•   Provide good lighting levels in              materials that reflect the character of
    interior and exterior communal areas                          the surrounding area.
    to improve safety.
•   Provide an even spread of lighting                                                                                                                                                27
                                                                                           Macrocarpa timber
    that illuminates all areas.
11                       LANDSCAPE MATERIALS AND PLANTING

    TO CREATE HIGH QUALITY, HUMAN-SCALE, LOW MAINTENANCE SPACES
    WHICH ENCOURAGE COLLABORATION, CREATING AND CUSTODIANSHIP.
    Landscape          materials        (surfacing,   large trees where room allows. Trees
    letterboxes, seats, fencing) and planting         provide significant amenity and can
    should be low maintenance but of a                assist with privacy issues by screening
    quality and style which enhance the               views into upper storey rooms.
                                                                                                                                                The avoidance of kerbs and steps where possible to provide a
    amenity of a development. They should
                                                                                                                                                high level of accessibility.
    be designed to appear integrated with the         On the following pages are plants which
    building development / layout so that the         are suitable for residential developments
    use of the site is efficiency utilised. It may    within the Queenstown Lakes District.
    be possible to retain existing vegetation
    which can give a development a sense of
    establishment and character, particularly
    if it is large mature tree.                                                                     A mix of open and solid fencing with
                                                                                                    landscape planting
    Large paved or hardstand areas should
    be designed in a way to reduce their
    perceived visual expanse by adding
    detailing, material changes or different
                                                       RELEVANT DISTRICT PLAN
    finish treatments such as honing or
                                                       POLICES
    decorative saw cuts. Detailing can also
                                                                                                                                                Material variation to break up large areas of hard surfacing,
    be used to delineate carparking areas                   9.2.2.1(d), 9.2.6.4                                                                 define spaces and create a domestic feel.
    without needing to paint white lines which
                                                            8.2.2.5, 8.2.8.3, 8.2.4.1. (c)
    is considered something to be avoided if
    possible as it appears more commercial                  7.2.3.1 (a) (b) , 7.2.3.3, 7.2.4.1(c)
    than residential.

   Planting can be used to delineate                    Examples of how a mix of hard and
   property boundaries, having a softer                 soft landscape materials can provide
   more aesthetically pleasing appearance               a high level of amenity to residential
   than a solid, close board timber fence.              developments
   Open fencing should be used where
   fencing is required but privacy is not an
                                                                                                    The use of local stone and aggregates for
28 issue. Suitably sized trees should be
   incorporated where possible, including                                                           walls and paths helps reinforce the local   Local materials add character and interest as well as having a
                                                                                                    vernacular.                                 low environmental footprint.
TREES (MEDIUM - LARGE)
                             N                           N                           N                           N                           N                            N

                            Mountain Beech              Kowhai                      Makomako / Wineberry        Mountain Ribbonwood         Lemonwood, Tarata         Ornamental Pear
                            (Fuscospora cliffortioides) (Sophora microphylla)       (Aristotelia serrata)       (Hoheria lyallii)           (Pittosporum eugenioides) (Pyrus calleryana )
                             N                           N                           E                            E                           E                           N
SUGGESTED PLANT SPECIES

                            Cabbage tree                Mahoe                       Pin Oak                     Liquidambar                 Copper beech                Marble Leaf
                            (Cordyline australis)       (melicytus ramiflorus)      (Quercus palustris)         (Liquidambar styraclifua)   (Fagus sylvatica purpurea) (Carpodetus serratus)
                            (not in lawns)                                                                                                  Species not appropriate for residential areas close to
                                                                                                                                            the airport but can be used elsewhere
                          TREES (SMALL)
                             N                                  N                                  E                                 N

                                                              Toothed lancewood
                                                              (Pseudopanax ferox)

                                                                N

                            Mountain Totara                   Lancewood (horoeta)                Boxleaf azara / Vanilla tree      Manuka
                            (Podocarpus cunninghamii)         (Pseudopanax crassifolius)         (Azara microphylla)               (Leptospermum scoparium)

                              E                                 E                                 N                                  N

                                                                                                                                                                                                     29
                            Camellia                          Flowering crab apple               Akiraho                           Five Finger
                            (Camellia sasanqua)               (Malus tschonoskii)                (Olearia paniculata)              (Pseudopanax laetus)
                            Deleted Species: Marble Leaf
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