Hi there can you tell me why the stepped in courtyard behind the laundry as thats taking up a lot of much needed space cheers

Yes because we cant build along the boundary all the way along due to regulations and we need a window or door into the second bedroom. We will mirror the neighbours stepped courtyard. What we are thinking to do is the second plan putting a bedroom ensuite upstairs

Thanks for you input

Adding to that

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my suggestions include a downstairs bathroom with sliding door into the lightwell/courtyard, linen storage under the vanity and full width mirror doored medicine cabinets (extra door into the bedroom would sacrifice too much space in both bedroom and bathroom especially complicated by the change in floor level) accessing the laundry pantry from the hallway adds extra counter space for kitchen and laundry pantry with room for a drop in sink, under bench washer, condenser dryer, laundry baskets, broom cupboard and full size fridge or freezer as well as generous counter, wall cabinets, tall pantry shelves and a splashback style window allowing a view to the courtyard while preserving privacy in the bedroom and bathroom.

The original plans have the correct compass direction. The plan for windows upstairs would be one over the bath facing n/w and sliding doors onto the terrace. The terrace is directly behind the original roof over bedroom 1 and 2.

Can you please explain the last plan, are there two bathroom just to show different options.

Thanks

the two bathrooms upstairs are just different ideas but (subject to the view through the trees to the rear) the ensuite above the downstairs bathroom and wiw above the laundry (both with windows to the light well) and a balcony at the rear might be worth considering but i need to understand the spaces better to be more specific..ie downstairs living is 4.4 m wide but upstairs bedroom is only 3.4 m wide?? is part of the upstairs plan missing? is the raised floor upstairs next to the lightwell and the terrace above the bedroom?

Attaching one of my rough sketches.

By running the kitchen along the long wall and extending storage/computer desk under the stairs gives far better use for this space. and a bigger kitchen with more storage. You could even have the double sink and DW tucked away on the long bench into the WIP.

Combining the WIP and laundry with or without a door to the passage, without you get better space in this area

Bathroom with shower/WC and basin to service both bedrooms and Powder room for guests.

Internal courtyard have windows/doors from kitchen/bathroom/bedroom giving good light and fresh air to all rooms, you could even have a removable clothes line in the courtyard.

Even considered moving the stairs further to the rear?, But with this layout you have kitchen/dining/Living spaces which should work flowing out onto the rear deck. cheers

So many ways of approaching these projects, but also yes you will be somewhat constrained by the limitations/issues/impacts resulting from going up. I always try and absolutely maximise the opportunity in these small space scenarios. I did a very similar project in Collingwood a few years ago, on a smaller block, one boundary dimension was under 4m (!), and we managed to achieve 3 and 1/2 bedrooms (one being a study/mezzanine/guest) so maximising options/function and ultimately value. the key to it is not wasting a single square inch and it comes down to deftly managing the planning, understanding exactly how you want use the spaces, maximising zoning and minimising any wasted "passage only" planning. I'd be getting the kitchen set-up exploiting the length rather than say approaching it from the back and squeezing it's proportion - plenty of planning tricks possible here.........also without understanding your particular preferences as suggested above you may want to consider consider the laundry/pantry combo as it can work well, but some of those things are ultimately personal....I could go on and on with planning suggestions for certain details but knowing these projects there's a fair bit involved here in order to achieve a comprehensively considered front to back, internal/external solution/resolution....... to best protect and maximise your investment (which for this will be significant, whatever particular version/option/layout) my advice is to seek professional design advice/process. It's (presumably inner) Melbourne, most likely a heritage scenario and ultimately it will involve a delicate balance between your budget, your particular requirements/priorities and negotiating the natural constraints involved here (physical/council/code).....and with full respect to the general concept you've presented (in my opinion) this one involves proper assessment of your conditions and clarification of/working through your particular goals before getting into fine detail resolution (which is resolved appropriately in due course) first things first, what is your budget and what are you specific (prioritised) requirements......that's the critical and fundamental information......I always endeavour to comprehensively understand how a client wishes to live (and also the particular context) and practically the budget limitation before providing specific/accurate advice one way or another.......These are exciting projects and it's a great opportunity for you (& assume family?!) - best of luck with it!! Hope this helps in getting your thinking focused appropriately at this critical early stage :)

Hi a b, how wide is the rear entry to the deck..is that where you want to park cars? It's hard to see from the site plan. Same with overshadowing of neighbours. Not sure your budget either. If you can provide further info I should be able to design something. Cheers.