With the arrival of the Chinese Year of the Monkey, many of us are taking time to consider their goals for the future, and for some planning to buy or build a new home. If this is you, you may also want to think about incorporating the philosophy of Feng Shui into your home design.
Feng Shui is a way of using design and architecture to maintain harmony with the energy in the environment. It has been practised in China for thousands of years, and is used as a means of promoting a peaceful home environment, as well as to bring wealth and prosperity to the home and its inhabitants. This is achieved through focusing on such aspects as clean design lines, specific orientation of furniture, and the way in which work and rest spaces are kept separate. Feng Shui also emphasises a clutter-free household, both inside and out, allowing for a more natural flow of energy, or ‘chi’.
However, it’s not just for these reasons that many who are looking to build their new home follow the principles of Feng Shui. This approach to design can also be used for aesthetic and practical reasons, and following a traditional Feng Shui philosophy can result in beautiful and highly liveable architecture. However, those homes designed in accordance with these principles are just like any other, subject to the Building Code of Australia (BCA) and Council’s planning controls, and for some clients this can cause concern.
So how do you ensure that your design passes the required building regulations? The first step is to discuss your plans with an architect at the start of the process. Be open to suggestions, but don’t feel shy about insisting on parts of the design that follow Feng Shui and which are important to you. At Navon Solutions we regularly work with experienced architects who can also assist with Feng Shui requirements.
The next step is to contact Navon Solutions because we understand the bureaucratic process and can help to ensure that you can still have the home of your dreams, while meeting Council’s controls. Contact us on either 02 8355 7108 or at office@navonsolutions.com.au for more information.
On Friday 22 September, the Chatswood Chamber of Commerce is hosting their annual event to raise necessary funds for the Salvation Army and Streetwork. Chatswood Sleeps Rough aims to raise awareness of homelessness and domestic violence.
Navon Solutions is a proud member of the Chatswood Chamber of Commerce and we encourage everyone to support this worthwhile initiative, either by sleeping out or donating.
Here is an anecdote of Noah trying to get planning approval for his trusty ark that someone sent us via email the other day and we couldn’t resist sharing it. Enjoy!
In the year 2017, the Lord came unto Noah, who was now living in Australia and said:
“Once again, the earth has become wicked and over-populated, and I see the end of all flesh before me. Build another Ark and save 2 of every living thing along with a few good humans.”
He gave Noah the blueprints, saying: “You have 6 months to build the Ark before I start the unending rain in Sydney first for 40 days and 40 nights.”
Six months later, the Lord looked down and saw Noah weeping in his yard – but no Ark. “Noah!,” He roared, “I’ve started the rain in Sydney! Where is the Ark?”
“Forgive me, Lord,” begged Noah, “but things have changed.” “I needed Development Application, a Construction Certificate and a Builder’s Licence,
Insurance, consent from my neighbours, a kerbside deposit, Site Survey, Engineering, Energy Efficiency Compliance Certificates, Fire Certification, and a full set of signed off working drawings.”
“I’ve been arguing with the Boat Inspector about the need for an on-board sprinkler system.” “My neighbours claim that I’ll violate the neighbourhood zoning and Bye-Laws by building the Ark in my backyard, and exceed the height limitations. We had to wait five months for a Council Planning Committee decision.”
“Then the Local Council and the Electricity Company demanded a shed load of money for the future costs of moving power lines and other overhead obstructions, to clear the passage for the Ark’s move to the sea. I told them that the sea would be coming to us, but they would hear nothing of it.”
“Getting the wood was another problem. There’s a ban on cutting local trees in order to save the Greater Spotted Mopoke.” I tried to convince the environmentalists that I needed the wood to save the Mopokes – but no go!”
“When I started gathering the animals the RSPCA took me to court. They insisted that I was confining wild animals against their will. They argued the accommodations were too restrictive, and it was cruel and inhumane to put so many animals in a confined space.”
“Then the Environmental Protection Agency ruled that I couldn’t build the Ark until they’d conducted an environmental impact study on your proposed flood.”
” I was stopped by unions and the Building Commission for not using registered painters, plumbers, and Electricians. Stopped again by Health and Safety because they wanted more scaffolding, ladders, harnesses, ramps and Hi-vis clothing. All my tools had to be tested and tagged by electricians too! Then the local council demanded we provide Disabled Toilets, signs in Braille, widen passages and install ramps everywhere.
I’m still trying to resolve a complaint from The Human Rights Commission over how many minorities I’m supposed to hire for my building gang.” “Everything then stopped when Immigration started checking The Visa status of most of the people who wanted to work.”
“The trades unions even said I can’t use my sons. They insist I have to hire only Union workers with Ark-building experience.”
“To make matters worse, the Australian Taxation Office seized all my assets, claiming I’m trying to leave the country illegally with endangered species.” “So, forgive me, Lord, but it will take at least 10 years for me to finish this Ark.”
Suddenly the skies cleared, the sun began to shine, and a rainbow stretched across the sky.” Noah looked up in wonder and asked, “You mean you’re not going to destroy us?”
“No,” said the Lord.
“The Australian Government’s beaten me to it.”
Navon Solutions has been involved with the approvals for numerous child care centres across Sydney, and it’s subsequently important to highlight that the NSW Government has released a new initiative to review the existing policies associated with the approvals of child care centres. This falls under the proposed Education and Child Care State Environmental Planning Policy (SEPP).
The proposed changes include:
In relation to these bold changes, Anthony Roberts, Planning Minister said: “The community have told us they want more quality child care that is more affordable, flexible and closer to home and jobs. To achieve this, a system that has clear regulation and planning arrangements is required. The proposed changes will streamline planning approvals for child care services to increase the supply of facilities and support families who are struggling to access quality care.”
One of the key issues associated with child care centre projects is that Council’s planning controls have been left outdated and are out of touch with the modern day child care centres. For example, some Councils still cap the number of children in their Development Control Plans (DCPs). This is often challenged because there are existing approved centres with more children than what was permitted. Also, larger sites can accommodate more children while fully complying with the building envelope controls and car parking requirements.
It is our hope that with the adoption of the Education and Child Care SEPP, expected in late 2017, the approvals of child care centres will be streamlined, quicker and easier.
For your child care centre project needs contact us on 8355 7108
Draft Planning Policy- NSW Department of Planning and Environment
