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Detached / Details / Street to Front Door /

2Responding to the street

Design Outcome

The design of the frontage responds to the context of the wider street

​​​​​In order to maintain the character of a street, the setback of the house and treatment of the front yard should relate to the wider context of the street, and to the buildings on either side of the house. Fencing, landscaping and boundary treatments offer a positive way to acknowledge the existing context.

The right response to the street will differ depending on each location. The fundamental principle is to identify and respond positively to aspects of the street that are valued, and improve any aspects that are not.

In well established areas where large change is unlikely, the building setback should respond to the existing houses. In areas where large scale change is likely to happen it may be more appropriate to place houses closer to the street.

Better Design Practice

Analyse the site in the context of the surrounding area.
​This is to help understand the characteristics of the street and the houses and front gardens that line its edges. 
​​Consider the setback (the distance from the road) of the existing houses, the types of fencing, and what sort of landscaping has been used along the street. 

Refer to or repeat existing setback patterns from front and side boundaries and landscaping, to help a development fit into the area and reinforce a sense of place. 

Consider using common local frontage fencing, boundary treatments and materials if these already meet good design standards. Avoid repeating bad design elements, such as high fences which cut the house off from the street.

Aim for the final design outcome to positively contribute to and improve the streetscape. 
This should be balanced with getting a positive outcome for the individual house. 
Design any house on a street corner to address and overlook both street frontages, and be specifically designed for each street.
The primary frontage will generally be to the busiest street, and will have low fencing, direct access to the front door and be overlooked from the main living area. The secondary frontage might include some higher fencing and privacy screening, but should still be overlooked from the main living room.