Manifest House Insights:
Smart Design Choices for Efficient Building

PROJECT  Manifest House

LOCATION  Northcote, Victoria

INTERIORS  BuildHer Collective

ARCHITECT  OBI Office

BUILDER  Rubiks Cubed

LANDSCAPE DESIGNER  SilverLeaf Studios

There’s something to be said about the power of collaboration and smart design to bring ambitious projects to life. Today, we’re excited to share insights from our latest project, Jessie Street in Northcote, aptly named Manifest House. This project is not just another construction; it’s a masterclass in joint ventures and efficient building strategies designed to maximise return on investment in today’s economic landscape.

Embracing Collaboration for Success

The Jessie Street project began unexpectedly during one of our Developers Weekend Intensives. Initially, there was no intention to take on another project, but the numbers looked promising, and the property was too good to pass up. Despite not having immediate funds, the solution lay within our community. Several members stepped forward to invest, turning this into a joint venture.

Here’s how the joint venture was structured:

1. Project Management: Managed by BuildHer Collective.
2. Land Purchase and Loan: Handled by one partner.
3. Funding the Build: Split into two shares, funded by other partners.

This structure demonstrates how leveraging collective resources and expertise can lead to significant opportunities.

Smart Design Choices for Efficient Building

Manifest House is designed to be both cost-effective and luxe. Key design decisions were made to streamline the construction process, saving time and reducing costs without compromising quality.

• Efficient Structural Design: Instead of complex overhangs or cantilevers, the design features straightforward structural elements. For instance, aligning the first and ground floors avoids the need for costly and time-consuming modifications.
• Waffle Slab Foundation: Opting for a waffle slab over a traditional raft slab results in substantial savings. This method uses polystyrene blocks to create voids, reducing the amount of concrete needed and speeding up the build process.
• Prefabricated Trusses: Utilising trusses for both the walls and roof allowed for quicker assembly on-site. These were designed to accommodate heating and cooling systems seamlessly, ensuring efficiency without added costs.

These choices highlight the importance of designing with construction efficiency in mind, a critical factor in today’s market where material and labour costs are significant considerations.

The Value of Practical Aesthetics

One of the project’s highlights is its commitment to combining practicality with aesthetic appeal. By focusing on areas that enhance the home’s livability and marketability, we ensured that every dollar spent added tangible value.

• High-Quality Materials: Upgrading to premium windows and insulation not only improved energy efficiency but also increased the home’s appeal and comfort.
• Innovative Cladding: Inspired by the Hamptons, the exterior features James Hardie cladding with stylish detailing, creating a distinctive and attractive façade.
• Interior and Exterior Cohesion: The choice of materials, such as beautiful stone and pavers, was made to ensure a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor spaces.

Take-aways from Manifest House

The success of Manifest House offers several key takeaways for anyone looking to take on a building project, especially in today’s economic climate:

1. Leverage Joint Ventures: Collaboration can open doors to opportunities that might be out of reach individually. Identify partners with complementary skills and resources.
2. Design for Efficiency: Smart design choices can lead to significant cost and time savings. Focus on straightforward, effective solutions rather than complex, costly alternatives.
3. Invest in Quality Where It Matters: Prioritise upgrades that enhance liveability and market appeal. Efficient spending on materials and finishes can greatly increase the property’s value.

Project Update

So where is this project currently at? Building Contracts have just been signed, the house has been demolished and the pool is underway! Keep an eye on our Projects page for further updates.

Manifest House is the perfect example of what can be achieved through thoughtful collaboration, smart design, and strategic investment. We can’t rely on a rising market so projects like this demonstrate that with the right approach, it’s still possible to build beautifully and profitably.

If you have any questions or would like to learn more about this project, please get in touch – we love talking strategy!

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