Before and after! It's been awhile since I've posted anything but right now we have just finished the backyard it's been a major mission. Still got a lot more things to do around the house but I just thought I'll share these pictures. I'm not sure if the Japanese buxus will grow nicely as the soil is very damp in that area.

don't go into that thread and reply anymore that way it won't be the first to appear when people go into design dilemma ..it will slowly go down the page until we can get it deleted

Hi Jaymee, my name is Dean from Dean Dyson Architects. Without firstly fully understanding all the requirements and restrictions of your project we are unable to offer correct and useful advice. We have a process to help clients in your exact position. We go through a 'Needs and options review meeting proces'. This a one hour meeting with us at our studio is designed to help you understand your options and how to achieve them. We will bring you all the facts regarding your block, listen to your needs and ideas, advise you accurately on what you are able to do and tell you whether what you want to do is feasible. This process allows us to provide you with correct reliable advice and with actual achieveable options. Our clients have told us that following their meeting with us they instantly knew what was possible and how to achieve it. It saved them time and from having the same repeat conversations of can we even do that? If you would like to discuss your project further with me feel free to call our studio or visit our website should you wish to find out more. All the best with your project, Dean - 0400 039 508 Dean Dyson Architects.

This is really a job for a professional, as there are so many implications for town planning, fire and acoustic separation between dwellings (covered under the building regulations), legal (are you on seperate titles, or is it strata titled), front setbacks, and structural implications. I haven't seen too many houses that have been subdivided into two units that are on two seperate titles in recent times as the complexities are so challenging with the current planning and building regulations. Your project will need a lot of research and careful management of the bureaucracies, depending on where you live. Your best bet would be to start with a local professional who is familiar with the local planning laws and council requirements. You will find it a lot easier to limit your new work to the existing building envelope. Best of luck, Dr Retro