Found the perfect slice of rural heaven and planning to build your forever home? Here are a few key points to consider as you start out:
1. Access: The Foundation of Your Project
Access is the most critical part of your entire project. You’ll need to establish reliable, all-weather access for both light and heavy vehicles to support the construction phase. While a sealed track may not always be necessary, it becomes essential if the gradient is steep. In such cases, asphalt sealing over a properly formed track ensures trucks can deliver construction materials safely to the site. Additionally, a turning circle of up to 12 meters onsite may be mandatory rather than optional, depending on regulations.
2. Water Supply: The Lifeline of Your Home
Water is the second most vital element of your rural design. While humans can survive without power, water is non-negotiable. Planning for collection, use, reuse, reserves, and dispersal requires technical expertise to ensure your site remains habitable and fire-defensible. Each region has specific laws regarding minimum water supply requirements, and incorporating a gravity-fed system is critical for unplanned power outages.
3. Power Supply: Going Off-Grid
Off-grid power is now more achievable than ever. When planning your power system, prioritize durability and onshore maintenance support over simply choosing the cheapest option. This is especially crucial for self-sustainable living. Future-proofing your system is equally important, as advancements in this rapidly evolving field may allow for upgrades down the line. Your power system will also influence appliance selections for your new home.
4. The Local Environment: A Key Influencer
The local environment will significantly shape your design. Environmental overlays such as creek or waterway buffers, slope stability, erosion prevention measures, and flora or fauna protection (e.g., koala habitats, ancient forests, or cultural landmarks) can affect the position of your dwelling and supporting infrastructure like wastewater and stormwater systems.
Wind speeds and storm risks are often major factors in rural designs, impacting structural requirements and sometimes the overall site location. For example, an ideal rural site with panoramic views may need to meet stringent cyclonic ratings.
5. Bushfire Safety: Plan Ahead
Bushfire safety can have a substantial impact on your budget and design details. Engaging a consultant to assess risks and provide management strategies is essential. This will influence water supply design, access, landscaping, and the construction of the dwelling itself. Even if your site is outside a registered bushfire overlay, incorporating basic bushfire protection measures is crucial to ensure your home is defendable against ember attacks and small fires.
6. Security: Practical and Proactive
Security is often overlooked in rural design but can be addressed with simple strategies. Designing living and working spaces with clear lines of sight to sheds and entry points improves personal security. Incorporating modern fixtures and appliances that offer remote monitoring and operation adds convenience and peace of mind.
For example, the ability to monitor water tank levels or remotely control pumps can save an entire year’s supply of rainwater from being wasted while you’re away. Integrating such solutions from the concept stage can save time, stress, and resources.
Final Thoughts
Building a resilient, durable rural home requires thoughtful planning and collaboration with an experienced team. By addressing these key considerations, you’ll create a home that’s not only functional and sustainable but also capable of being cherished by future generations.
