Better Quality Developments

Townhouse Exemplar Designs 

The Townhouse Exemplar Designs is a new design guide that demonstrates practical, well considered design responses to typical townhouse development scenarios in Merri-bek.

Developed in partnership with a leading Melbourne-based architectural practice, our Townhouse Exemplar Designs aim to encourage better quality developments through funding obtained from the Australian Government Housing Support Program.

The guide includes a set of 8 compelling, usable and thought-provoking designs and responds to the challenges of rapid growth in Merri-bek. 

The designs showcase best practice approaches to site planning, dwelling configuration and architectural expression - illustrating how efficient and contextually responsive outcomes can be achieved with Townhouse and Low-Rise Code compliance.

 Download Townhouse Exemplar Designs (PDF 5Mb)

Frequently asked questions about Townhouse Exemplar Designs

  • Applicants are encouraged to use these Exemplar Designs, in part or in full, to develop context-specific proposals. Not all designs will suit the site dimensions shown as each individual site has unique conditions. While based on eight typical lot configurations, the principles can be adapted to a broad range of sites and settings. 

    All applications will be assessed against Planning Scheme requirements. Design proposals must always consider: 

    • site orientation  
    • site and street topography 
    • existing site features 
    • existing streetscape character and surrounding context including impacts on neighbouring properties. 

  • The Exemplar Designs have been configured to be compliant with the new Clause 55, Townhouse and Low-Rise Code, Deemed-to-Comply Standards, a new streamlined application process developed by the Department of Transport and Planning 

  • Apart from the benefits of reducing timelines through the Deemed-to-Comply application pathway, the designs consider ways to improve the construction process in multiple ways by making it more efficient and cost effective.  

    Firstly, the designs make the most of the usable living space within the site. Reduce reliance on costly car parking space and vehicle infrastructure, and instead prioritising usable private open space, the plans become more efficient and economical to build.  

    When open spaces are well planned, they promote healthy growth of canopy trees which help to reduce urban heating and reliance on mechanical cooling during hotter months. Creating open space with direct connection and views to green and canopy trees, which is highly desirable and appealing to families looking to live in well-connected areas.  

    Secondly, the mostly sheer forms are structurally efficient, so the designs reduce reliance on cantilevered/projecting forms and wide spans, which require structural steel, a costly component in multi-residential construction. The simple and repetitive forms allow for a streamlined staging of trades, cutting down timeframes and costs associated with more complex forms. Simple forms may also reduce the risk of failure at material joins and junctions, reducing the liability risk for the builder and the cost of maintenance and upkeep of the finished Townhouses over time. 

    Lastly, the Exemplar Designs are appealing to a broad demographic of purchasers and potential occupants. The suite of Exemplars demonstrates a range of potential plan configurations across multiple typical lot sizes, types and contexts within Merri-bek.  

    The Design layouts range from compact 2-bedroom dwellings with balconies looking out to shared space and canopy trees, to 4-bedroom dwellings with a master suite, retreat space and large private yard, and everything in between. The variety of dwelling types include something for everyone.  

  • Council developed the Townhouse Exemplar Designs to encourage Better Quality Developments with funding received through a grant from the Australian Government Housing Support Program and appointed leading architecture firm Six Degrees to prepare a set of compelling, usable and thought-provoking plans.

  • There are many challenges to providing places for people to live during a housing crisis. The state government sought to streamline the planning application process (through the development of the Townhouse & Low-Rise Code), while Council is looking to ensure that applicants have a good understanding of what type of development is acceptable and preferable within the Merri-bek context.  

    The Deemed-to-Comply process limits Council’s ability to influence the quality of design, however this document seeks to educate developers, designers and purchasers as to what they should expect from new housing in Merri-bek.  Together we can support a vision through the development of quality residential designs and homes that enhance liveability and improve the character of our streets and neighbourhoods for years to come.   

Survey 

Please take a moment to share how you discovered the Townhouse Exemplar Designs and whether they’re helping to inform your designs and decision-making. Your feedback may be used to help shape future guidelines / initiatives.

Good Design Advice Sheets

The Good Design Advice Sheets provide guidance on ways to improve the quality of medium density development in Merri-bek.

  • Clarify the desired outcomes in complying with clause 55
  • Provide options for how dwellings can provide optimal amenity for residents and neighbours
  • Improve communication between designers, clients and council officers.

Medium density housing is housing that contains 2 or more dwellings on a lot where each dwelling has its own entrance at ground level.

Common types are units, townhouses and terraces. Such developments consist of detached, semi-detached and attached housing.

They may be single storey, 2 storeys or 3 storeys.