Located in Abbotsbury, this project involved the adaptive reuse of an existing outbuilding to create a self-contained secondary dwelling. The surrounding neighbourhood comprises low-density residential housing, where upgrades and intensification are becoming more common. Converting non-habitable structures into secondary dwellings presents growing opportunities—but also introduces key BASIX compliance considerations, especially where existing forms limit design flexibility.
Although the structure was already in place, Fairfield City Council required full BASIX compliance as if the secondary dwelling were newly built. This added complexity to the application, particularly given the fixed building envelope, construction methods, and limited capacity for passive design improvements. The challenge lay in balancing compliance with minimal disruption to the existing building.
Our Approach
Plan for Tomorrow provided BASIX services with a detailed focus on regulatory compliance. We worked closely with Siric Architects to align the outbuilding’s configuration with current BASIX compliance standards. The proposal incorporated efficient systems and fixtures, including low-flow taps, LED lighting, a 1000-litre rainwater tank, and a high-efficiency gas hot water system. These selections were carefully matched to the as-built form, ensuring that the dwelling met performance targets without requiring structural change.
The Outcome
The secondary dwelling achieved full BASIX compliance, satisfying Council’s sustainability criteria and allowing the conversion to proceed within the development application framework. This project demonstrates how targeted upgrades and planning coordination can enable the reuse of existing structures for infill housing. The solution supported both environmental performance and practical delivery, helping meet housing demand without compromising compliance.
