Design Checklist
- Both aural and visual privacy to and from neighbouring sites is optimised in the design of the mixed use development
Overview
Within a single mixed use development the potential conflict between different adjacent uses requires consideration and a design response. Consideration must also be given to the privacy of occupants on adjacent sites.
The side boundary condition can generally be one or more of:
- side yard separation
- buildings on both properties abut a common boundary
- “zero lotting“ of one property on the boundary (one party builds very close to, or on the boundary with a blank wall to give privacy, while the neighbouring property sets back to allow light and air, and wall articulation).
The rear yard or ‘back-to-back’ distance between buildings should maximise sunlight, privacy and usable outdoor space. A generous rear setback also allows for more planting, including mature trees.
Visual privacy measures should aim to increase residents’ privacy within all interior spaces and private outdoor spaces without compromising views, outlook, ventilation, solar access or the functioning of internal and external spaces. The consideration of visual privacy requires an understanding of the adjacent context, the site configuration and topography, and the development’s scale and layout. Acoustic privacy is influenced by the distance between spaces but primarily relies upon specification of construction systems and correct execution of these systems in order to achieve anticipated levels of noise reduction.