Turramurra Villas | Seniors Living

This seniors residential development in Turramurra is located close to the Turramurra town centre and demonstrates how carefully considered architectural design can achieve increased density within a sensitive heritage context.

Zoning
The site is zoned R2 Low Density Residential and is located within a Heritage Conservation Area (HCA), requiring a design response that is both compliant and sympathetic to its surroundings.

Constraints & Opportunities
The irregular L-shaped lot presented inherent planning challenges, particularly in achieving efficient layouts and access. The site is also located adjacent to a listed heritage item, further reinforcing the need for a respectful built form. In addition, several substantial trees required retention, shaping both the footprint and spatial organisation of the development.

Design Strategy
The architectural design proposes four traditionally styled Class 2 villas arranged above a centralised basement. This approach allows parking to be concealed below ground, reducing visual bulk and enabling the built form to sit comfortably within the landscaped setting. The design draws on traditional architectural language to align with the HCA, incorporating appropriate roof forms, materials and proportions. Careful siting ensures the development responds to the adjoining heritage item while preserving key trees and maintaining a strong garden character.

Approval Pathway
The Development Application was pursued under the Seniors Living SEPP (now incorporated within the Housing SEPP) and was ultimately approved by the Land and Environment Court (LEC), demonstrating a robust and compliant planning strategy.

Outcome / Value Proposition
This project highlights how strategic architectural design can unlock development potential on constrained and sensitive sites. By aligning planning pathways with a contextually responsive design, the scheme delivers a balanced outcome that respects heritage, preserves landscape value and achieves a viable residential development.

Architectural Services
Our engaged services extended to preparing the concept design, architectural documentation and project management of the consultancy team for the Development Application (DA).

Architect | McCullum Ashby Architects

Seniors Housing | Ku-ring-gai Council

Site Area = ~1,664m² | 5 dwellings | 9 car spaces

Keywords | Turramurra, multi-dwelling, villas, seniors living, heritage, town centre.