Luxury Residence in Box Hill – Passive Design, BASIX Compliant
Hothi & Co. Architects presents a meticulously designed luxury residence in Box Hill, tailored for modern family living while adhering to strict BASIX and local council compliance. This two-storey home spans 443 m² of land and approximately 346 m² of built area, featuring a well-planned layout with dual master suites, open-plan family living, dedicated study/media spaces, and a Pooja room. The design maximizes natural light, ventilation, and privacy, integrating passive design strategies to enhance energy efficiency and seasonal comfort. Every element, from the sleek kitchen and pantry to the rumpus area upstairs, reflects a balance of functionality, contemporary aesthetics, and cultural considerations.
The exterior palette combines brickwork, render, wood-look cladding, and Shale Grey metal roofing to achieve a timeless, minimalist aesthetic. Landscaping includes low-maintenance greenery and deciduous shade trees, enhancing the private open space while maintaining sustainability. Safety, accessibility, and durability were prioritized, with sound insulation, fire-resistant materials, and compliant circulation throughout the home. This project demonstrates Hothi & Co. Architects’ expertise in creating modern, sustainable, and culturally sensitive luxury residences, making it a standout addition to any architectural portfolio.
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Design Narrative
The architectural language reflects clean minimalism paired with warmth through material contrast. The façade composition includes a mix of textured render, white masonry, vertical wood-look battens, and a feature metal roof in Shale Grey. Black aluminium window frames accentuate the geometry while providing a sharp, elegant finish.
Inside, the layout is defined by two levels of thoughtful zoning:
Ground Floor:
Open-plan family + dining connected to a sleek, functional kitchen and pantry
Pooja room strategically located for cultural significance and tranquility
Versatile media/study room
Guest bedroom with adjacent accessible powder room
Direct internal access to the garage
First Floor:
Two Master Bedrooms, both with ensuites and walk-in robes (WIRs)
Additional bedrooms and a shared bathroom
Central rumpus area for relaxation or play
Skylight over void for natural daylight and vertical spatial flow
Key Highlights
- Site Area: 443 m² | Total Built Area: ~346 m²
- Design Compliance: Full DA-ready set with pre-final reviews & shadow analysis
- Ground Floor Features: Pooja room, media/study, guest bedroom with powder room
- First Floor Layout: Dual master suites with WIRs and ensuites, rumpus zone
- Exterior Palette: Shale grey metal roofing, vivid white brick/render, black aluminium frames
- Landscaping: Artificial, low-maintenance greenery with deciduous shade trees
- Safety & WHS: Detailed safety considerations covering fall risks, confined spaces & hazardous substances
- Environmental Efficiency: Fully compliant with BASIX water/energy/thermal regulations
Project Gallery
Key Project Metrics
| Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Built Area | ~346 m² |
| Ground Floor Area | 149 m² |
| First Floor Area | 160 m² |
| Garage | 34 m² |
| Landscape Area | 202.8 m² |
| Private Open Space | 24 m² |
| Bedrooms | 4 |
| Bathrooms | 4 (including powder) |
| Car Spaces | 2 |
Environmental & Structural Considerations
BASIX-compliant for thermal performance, water efficiency, and energy use
Compliant building height of 8.5m within LEP limits
Passive design elements include strategic window placements and shade devices
Shadow analysis completed for seasonal sun performance
Site coverage maintained at 41.98% (GF) and 36.11% (FF), within planning thresholds
Durable construction materials selected for low maintenance and longevity
Stormwater drainage in line with AS/NZS 3500.3.2
Sound insulation and fire protection fully addressed through NCC compliance
Safety, Function & Access
The design is backed by a detailed Building Design Safety Report:
Fall and trip hazard mitigation through pre-fabricated elements and compliant stair design
Mechanical and manual handling guidelines factored during construction and operation
Public and onsite traffic flow addressed with temporary traffic management solutions
Hazardous materials and confined space protocols identified in pre-build phase
Landscape & External Features
Low-maintenance artificial turf and hardscaping
Decorative deciduous trees (e.g., Canadian Maple or Birch) for seasonal variation
1.8m boundary fencing with privacy hedging
24 m² of Private Open Space directly accessible from living areas
Masonry letterbox, concrete-look paint textures, and castalleted cladding details
