Description – SINGLE-RESIDENCE DEVEOPMENT
Location of Project – SEAFORTH
Year Project Commenced – 2015
This project showcases the extraordinary ability for MHDP Architects to coordinate the entire project from design and documentation through to funding and marketing. MHDP’s involvement created a product that sold for a price 20% higher than the feasibility target, returning excellent profit to investors
The “Hang-glider” house as it came to be known is an alternation and addition development project managed by MHDP Architects. Apart from resulting in a spectacular house, this project showcases the extraordinary ability for MHDP Architects to coordinate the entire project from design and documentation through to funding and marketing. When the project stalled for our Client at the bank funding stage, MHDP Architects stepped in with a funding model split between client, architect and builder that saw fruit in a successful partnership and profitable result.
The house embraces its cliff-top locality, constructed as a steel frame pinned off the natural rock formations below. The key move of the design was to focus the building not just straight out at the water but, to shift the view down the length of Middle Harbour toward Bantry Bay. On the living level , the dining and kitchen walls peel back to open toward the view and terrace, further re-inforcing a feeling of soaring flight – hence “hang-glider” house.
The project was completed to a controlled budget with an exceptional level of finish. The property was well received by the market and sold promptly for a price 20% higher than the feasibility target returning excellent profit to investors.
TESTIMONIAL
I have known Mark since the first days of his practice when I engaged him to do a residential conversion of our then factory / small Wool Store in Ultimo. More recently, I re-engaged with Mark to produce a beautiful house for me at Seaforth and another for my son at Castle Cove. Mark’s love of the water and his eclectic interest including boats, cars and planes ensures the client will always get an out of the box stand-out solution. He has an infectious enthusiasm for ‘your special’ project throughout the process and is a genuinely nice person.
It is a rare ability these days for an architect to hand draw and sketch alongside the client in order to illustrate an idea or concept for them, making it easy for the client to understand the concept, even for the more non-technical of us.
MHDP Architects financial management and overall understanding of the cost implications of every design decision at the earliest stages is exceptional – avoiding costly re documentation because the builders prices are over budget. MHDP know first-hand the constraints of a project budget based on their own design and development projects. This brings real value to the table.
The team’s project management second to none. Their ability to deliver projects on time and to the agreed quality thorough a network of quality builders and suppliers based upon trust, long developed loyalties and well honed experiences creates the best outcome for their Clients.
Mark and Linda remain very good friends with whom I enjoy waterfront/boating interests and activities. I highly recommend MHDP for any challenging site where a statement can be made, preferably with a water view.
COLIN RYAN