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Site Analysis
Section 02: Site Analysis
Section 02: summary
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The site was exceptionally challenging architecturally as it was a flat site with little to no existing surrounding context. Therefore much of the site analysis involved investigations into the future neighbourhood plans and creativity to envision what the site would look like in five years. The area around the site is primarily residential which means limiting the noise of the ambulance branch is a priority. There are also lots of wetlands in proximity to the site which provides a design opportunity. In terms of environmental benefits, the surrounding buildings will be between 1-2 storey tall which means there will be minimal overshadowing on the site. The road is on the west of the site which means the garage will get very hot in summer due to the strong afternoon sun.
I found that this site was a great exercise as it forced me to try a different approach to design development. Traditionally, my designs are strongly based off surrounding context therefore a flat empty site gave me more freedom to explore. In addition, the lack of slope on the site provided opportunities for engaging and creative landscape designs.
Response Radius
Key Takeaways
• The site is positioned between two key target zones • The site is within proximity to three main hospitals • The red circle shows the target 15 minute response radius of the proposed ambulance branch
Traffic congestion
Key Takeaways
• Matterhorn drive has minimal traffic congestion • Most of the traffic congestion is to the west of the site • As the surrounding area is developed the traffic flow and congestion could change
Neighbourhood context
Key Takeaways
• Surrounding context is primarily residential • Large shopping precinct to the west of the site • Aged care facility to the west of the site • Clyde North Precinct to the north (under development) • Future Town Centre to the south (under development) • Future Medical Centre to the east (under development)
Surrounding Buildings
Key Takeaways
• Most of the surrounding building will be between 1-2 storeys • The site is located in an urban growth zone • There is a special use zone to the south of the site underneath the power poles
Neighbourhood Context
DENALI DR
CAVE PL
RAINIER CRES MATTERHORN DR PICNIC AVE
FUJI ST
KAKADU ST
SERENGETI ST
MOVEMENT AND VIEWS
Key Views Site Access Future Road Route to Main Road
0 15 45m
N
Key Takeaways
• Key views are to the west across the street • There are some future roads that will be added around the site • The route to the main road is located to the north • Site access is only from the west
Climate context
Key Takeaways (Bureau of Meteorology, 2020)
• The site is relatively flat • Most of the wind in winter comes from the north • Most of the wind in summer comes from the south and west • Highest wind was 94.3km/h (2019) • 2019 lowest temperature -- 7.9C • 2019 highest temperature -- 42.9C • Average maximum temperature has risen 0.6C within the last twenty years • Annual rainfall is 687mm (2019) • Highest monthly rainfall is 121mm (2019) • Lowest monthly rainfall is 19mm (2019)
Clyde North demographics
11% 0-4 years old
27% 35-55 years old 29% 20-34 years old 21% 5-19 years old
12% 55+ years old
Key Takeaways (Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2017)
• 8156 residents • 51% female, 49% male • 0.3% Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander • 55% native English speakers • 2.4% need assistance from disability or health condition • Median age is 30 as it is a young suburb • Most people earn $800-1249 per week
Annotations of Site
Key
1. Primary access to site 2. New road to be added 3. Way to main road, traffic noise 500m away 4. Site Low Point (29.8m) 5. Site High Point (30.7m) 6. Warmer wind from North 7. Cooler wind from West 8. Services setback 9. Corrugated steel roof suggested 10. Low traffic flow road 11. Green open space
Site analysis summary
Distance of findings from site
• Impact of green space at all scales • Lots of residential buildings around the site • Lots of water features (wetlands) in proximity to the site
Opportunities
Large, flat site Located next to future town centres Proximity to future green space Low traffic Only one mental health centre close to site Summer wind comes from north and west Lots of rain Proximity to water features Indigenous plant re-introduction Future bike lanes Importance of wetlands Good soil for gardening endeavors
Constraints
Garage noise in residential area No immediate connection to healthcare Garage will be on western face (heat) Limited views - only west Noise during day from Lollipops 45% of residents non-native English speakers Northern winter wind Setback from future builds to north Limited public transport Site located near bushfire risk Quarry nearby - contamination Close to power lines
