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Complete Design Services To Replace An Old Home With A New Custom Residence Or Development

Knockdown & Rebuild Design Services Melbourne

Vaastu Atelier provides knockdown and rebuild design services across Melbourne, helping homeowners, families, landowners and developers transform older properties into new homes and residential developments with stronger lifestyle, better planning and long-term value.

A knockdown rebuild allows you to keep the location you already value while replacing an outdated or unsuitable home with a new residence designed around your family, site and future.

Our services cover every major stage of the design journey, from initial site feasibility and rebuild strategy through to concept design, town planning drawings, working drawings and consultant coordination.

Whether you are planning a luxury custom home, French Provincial mansion, Contemporary residence, Modern family home, dual occupancy project or townhouse redevelopment, Vaastu can help assess the site and shape the right design pathway.

350+ Projects Completed

18+ Years Experience

100+ Personalised Approach

Melbourne & Regional Victoria

End-To-End Design Services

01

Townhouse Development Design Smart, Efficient Designs for High-Quality Townhouse Living

02

Multi-Unit Residential Projects Thoughtful Planning for Successful Multi-Unit Developments

03

Clause 55 Ready Design Planning-Focused Designs Aligned with Clause 55 Standards

04

Side-by-Side & Terrace Homes Contemporary Layouts Designed to Maximise Every Site

05

350+ Melbourne Projects Extensive Residential Design Experience Across Melbourne

06

Since 2009 Trusted local experience

350+ Projects Across Melbourne Since 2009

Proven Experience in Exceptional Residential Design

Luxury Homes & Knockdown Rebuilds

Bespoke homes designed to elevate your lifestyle and maximise your site.

Dual Occupancy & Townhouses

Smart, functional designs that make the most of every square metre.

Planning-Led Design

Thoughtful design guided by planning requirements and site potential.

Development

Our Knockdown & Rebuild Design Services

Vaastu Atelier provides a complete design and documentation pathway for knockdown rebuild projects.

Our role is to help you understand what your land can support, choose the right development direction and create a properly resolved design that responds to lifestyle, planning controls, site constraints, budget direction and long-term value.

Our knockdown rebuild services include:

  • Site feasibility review
  • Renovate vs rebuild assessment
  • Rebuild strategy and project direction
  • Luxury custom home design
  • French Provincial knockdown rebuild design
  • Contemporary knockdown rebuild design
  • Modern home rebuild design
  • Mansion-scale rebuild design
  • Dual occupancy rebuild design
  • Townhouse redevelopment design
  • Lifestyle brief development
  • Concept design
  • Floor plan design
  • Façade design
  • Pool and landscape integration
  • Town planning drawings
  • Working drawings
  • Consultant coordination
  • Builder pricing documentation
  • Demolition-aware design planning
  • Design refinement during the project

01

Knockdown Rebuild Site Feasibility Review

Before demolishing or designing anything, the site should be reviewed carefully.

A knockdown rebuild project begins with the land. The existing house may be old, outdated or unsuitable, but the land may have significant potential. The right design outcome depends on frontage, depth, orientation, slope, trees, easements, street character, garage access, planning controls, overlays, stormwater and long-term value.

A feasibility review helps determine whether the site is best suited to:

  • One luxury custom home
  • A French Provincial residence
  • A Contemporary or Modern residence
  • A mansion-scale rebuild
  • A dual occupancy project
  • A townhouse redevelopment
  • A retain-and-build-behind option
  • A future subdivision strategy

We Review

  • Property address
  • Land size
  • Street frontage
  • Site depth
  • Orientation
  • Slope
  • Views
  • Existing house location
  • Neighbouring dwellings
  • Street character
  • Zoning
  • Overlays
  • Easements
  • Trees and vegetation
  • Existing driveway
  • Garage potential
  • Pool potential
  • Private open space potential
  • Planning permit triggers
  • Demolition considerations
  • Stormwater and drainage
  • Construction access
  • Development potential
  • Long-term property value

Best For

  • Clients considering whether to rebuild
  • Clients deciding between renovation and knockdown rebuild
  • Clients buying a property for redevelopment
  • Clients wanting to know if dual occupancy is possible
  • Clients wanting to test townhouse potential
  • Clients unsure whether the land suits French Provincial or Contemporary design
  • Clients wanting early design advice before spending heavily

Service Outcome

  • A clear early direction showing what type of rebuild project the land may support and what design pathway should be explored next.

02

Renovate vs Knockdown Rebuild Assessment

Many clients begin with one question:

Should we renovate the existing house or knock it down and rebuild?

The answer depends on the condition of the existing home, the quality of the structure, the current layout, the site value, the client’s lifestyle requirements and the cost of achieving the desired outcome.

Renovation can be suitable where the existing home has strong character, good structure or heritage value. However, a knockdown rebuild may provide a better outcome where the existing home has poor orientation, low ceilings, awkward planning, structural limitations or limited ability to support the desired lifestyle.

We Consider

  • Condition of existing home
  • Existing layout quality
  • Structural limitations
  • Ceiling heights
  • Orientation
  • Natural light
  • Existing room sizes
  • Potential for extension
  • Garage and driveway limitations
  • Pool location limitations
  • Renovation cost risk
  • Extent of required upgrades
  • Value of land compared with building
  • Planning constraints
  • Desired architectural style
  • Future family needs
  • Long-term property value

Renovation May Suit

  • Homes with good structure
  • Character homes worth preserving
  • Heritage or period homes
  • Smaller lifestyle upgrades
  • Clients wanting staged works
  • Homes where layout can be improved without major compromise

Knockdown Rebuild May Suit

  • Poorly planned older homes
  • Homes with major structural issues
  • Homes with poor orientation
  • Sites where land value is high
  • Clients wanting a completely new design
  • Families wanting a luxury custom home
  • Clients wanting a new architectural style
  • Sites suited to dual occupancy or townhouses
  • Homes where renovation cost becomes too high for the result

Service Outcome

  • A clearer understanding of whether your project should proceed as renovation, extension, single home rebuild, dual occupancy or townhouse redevelopment.

03

Knockdown Rebuild Strategy

A knockdown rebuild should not start with drawings immediately.

It should start with a strategy.

The strategy should identify the best use of the land, the preferred architectural direction, the likely planning pathway, the lifestyle requirements, the budget direction and the level of documentation required.

Rebuild Strategies May Include

  • One new luxury custom home
  • French Provincial mansion rebuild
  • Contemporary family home rebuild
  • Modern low-maintenance home rebuild
  • Acreage or lifestyle rebuild
  • Coastal home rebuild
  • Dual occupancy after demolition
  • Side-by-side dual occupancy
  • Front-and-rear dual occupancy
  • Townhouse redevelopment
  • Three or four townhouse project
  • Retain-and-build-behind strategy
  • Premium resale home strategy
  • Family investment strategy

We Help Clarify

  • What should be built
  • How large the new home should be
  • Whether one home or multiple dwellings is better
  • Which design style suits the site
  • Whether planning approval is likely to be required
  • What consultants may be needed
  • What risks should be reviewed early
  • What design direction will support long-term value

Service Outcome

  • A project direction that gives the design process a clear foundation before concept design begins.

04

Luxury Custom Home Rebuild Design

Many knockdown rebuild projects are created for families who love their location but need a completely new home.

A luxury custom home rebuild allows the new residence to be planned around the family’s lifestyle, rather than working around the limitations of an old building.

Custom Home Rebuild Services Include

  • Lifestyle brief development
  • Site planning
  • Floor plan design
  • Façade design
  • Entry sequence planning
  • Formal and family living planning
  • Kitchen and pantry layout
  • Guest suite planning
  • Master suite planning
  • Children’s wing planning
  • Study or home office
  • Prayer room
  • Theatre room
  • Gym or wellness space
  • Garage and driveway planning
  • Pool and alfresco integration
  • Landscape direction
  • Town planning drawings where required
  • Working drawings

Service Outcome

  • A new custom home designed around the family, site, architectural style and long-term value.

05

French Provincial Knockdown Rebuild Design Services

French Provincial design is ideal for clients wanting timeless elegance, classical street presence and a sense of permanence.

A French Provincial knockdown rebuild can transform an outdated home into a refined luxury residence with grand arrival, formal proportions, elegant interiors and strong landscape presence.

French Provincial Rebuild Services Include

  • Classical façade direction
  • Symmetry and proportion control
  • Roof form development
  • Portico and entry design
  • Tall window placement
  • Stone and render direction
  • Garage integration
  • Formal living planning
  • Grand foyer planning
  • Feature staircase direction
  • Luxury kitchen planning
  • Butler’s pantry and spice kitchen
  • Guest suite planning
  • Master retreat planning
  • Pool and formal landscape integration
  • Town planning and working drawings

Best For

  • Prestige family suburbs
  • Luxury family homes
  • Mansion-scale rebuilds
  • Formal interiors
  • Clients wanting timeless design
  • Large sites with strong street presence

Service Outcome

  • A French Provincial rebuild that feels elegant, balanced, timeless and suitable for modern family living.

06

Contemporary & Modern Knockdown Rebuild Design Services

Contemporary and Modern rebuilds are ideal for clients wanting a home with natural light, open planning, strong indoor-outdoor living and a more current architectural expression.

A Contemporary rebuild can be bold, sculptural and dramatic.
A Modern rebuild can be clean, restrained and highly functional.

Contemporary Rebuild Services Include

  • Sculptural façade design
  • Massing and form development
  • Large glazing strategy
  • Curved or cantilevered elements where suitable
  • Double-height space planning
  • Open-plan living design
  • Warm modern interior direction
  • Feature stair planning
  • Garage integration
  • Pool and alfresco connection
  • Landscape-led design
  • Material and colour direction
  • Town planning and working drawings

Modern Rebuild Services Include

  • Clean façade design
  • Efficient floor planning
  • Large window placement
  • Open-plan living
  • Simple roof form direction
  • Warm material palette
  • Integrated storage
  • Indoor-outdoor connection
  • Low-maintenance design
  • Practical family zoning
  • Working drawing documentation

Best For

  • Modern family homes
  • Lifestyle-focused homes
  • Coastal or bayside properties
  • Knockdown rebuilds in established suburbs
  • Clients wanting a bold architectural identity
  • Clients wanting a refined, low-maintenance home

Service Outcome

  • A new Contemporary or Modern home that feels bright, functional, personal and architecturally resolved.

07

Mansion-Scale Knockdown Rebuild Services

Some knockdown rebuild projects are designed as large luxury residences or mansions.

A mansion-scale rebuild requires careful planning because size alone does not create luxury. The home must have a clear hierarchy, elegant arrival, proper zoning, privacy, service areas, outdoor connection and documentation quality.

Mansion Rebuild Services Include

  • Grand foyer planning
  • Double-height entry design
  • Feature staircase location
  • Formal lounge
  • Formal dining
  • Large family living zones
  • Luxury kitchen
  • Butler’s pantry
  • Spice kitchen
  • Guest suite
  • Master retreat
  • Children’s wing
  • Theatre room
  • Gym and wellness spaces
  • Wine cellar
  • Lift provision
  • Basement garage planning
  • Pool and spa integration
  • Outdoor kitchen
  • Landscape and arrival design
  • Service and storage planning

Service Outcome

  • A large custom residence that feels grand, organised, liveable and designed around the family’s lifestyle.

08

Dual Occupancy Knockdown Rebuild Services

Some sites may be better suited to two dwellings rather than one.

A dual occupancy knockdown rebuild can allow a landowner to build two new homes on one lot, subject to site suitability and planning requirements. This may support family living, investment, resale, rental income or subdivision strategy.

Dual Occupancy Rebuild Services Include

  • Site feasibility review
  • Side-by-side layout testing
  • Front-and-rear layout testing
  • Corner block strategy
  • Driveway and access planning
  • Garage design
  • Private open space planning
  • Tree canopy and landscape planning
  • Overlooking and overshadowing review
  • Town planning drawing preparation
  • Consultant coordination
  • Subdivision-aware design
  • Working drawings after approval

Best For

  • Wider blocks
  • Deeper blocks
  • Corner sites
  • Family investment projects
  • Owners wanting to live in one and sell or rent the other
  • Developers wanting two premium homes
  • Older homes on valuable land

Service Outcome

  • A dual occupancy design strategy that balances development potential, planning response, liveability and resale value.

09

Townhouse Knockdown Rebuild Services

Larger sites may be suitable for townhouse redevelopment, depending on zoning, overlays, land size, frontage, access, tree constraints and neighbourhood character.

A townhouse knockdown rebuild requires a development-led approach, with careful attention to planning, yield, vehicle access, private open space, tree canopy, waste, stormwater, subdivision and market appeal.

Townhouse Rebuild Services Include

  • Townhouse feasibility review
  • Yield testing
  • Three-townhouse layout options
  • Four or more townhouse layout options
  • Corner block townhouse strategy
  • Internal driveway planning
  • Garage and access strategy
  • Private open space planning
  • Tree canopy and landscape response
  • Waste and bin storage strategy
  • Town planning drawings
  • Consultant coordination
  • Subdivision-aware design
  • Working drawings after approval

Best For

  • Larger residential blocks
  • Corner sites
  • Consolidated lots
  • Developer-led projects
  • Main road residential sites
  • Owners wanting to unlock land value

Service Outcome

  • A townhouse redevelopment concept that balances realistic yield, planning compliance, liveability and commercial value.

10

Knockdown Rebuild Lifestyle Briefing

A new home should be designed around how the family lives.

The briefing stage is where we define the required rooms, lifestyle priorities, outdoor spaces, storage, future flexibility and preferred architectural direction.

We Discuss

  • Family structure
  • Current lifestyle
  • Future needs
  • Preferred architectural style
  • Preferred home size
  • Number of bedrooms
  • Ground floor guest room
  • Master suite requirements
  • Children’s bedroom needs
  • Formal lounge
  • Open-plan living
  • Kitchen requirements
  • Butler’s pantry
  • Spice kitchen
  • Prayer room
  • Theatre room
  • Home office
  • Gym or wellness space
  • Pool and alfresco
  • Outdoor kitchen
  • Garage requirements
  • Storage needs
  • Lift provision
  • Basement potential
  • Budget expectations
  • Preferred timeframe
  • Inspiration images

Service Outcome

  • A structured design brief that guides the floor plan, façade, interiors, outdoor areas and documentation process.

11

Concept Design Services

Concept design is where the new home or development begins to take shape.

At this stage, we explore the relationship between the site, floor plan, driveway, garage, façade, outdoor living, pool, landscape and planning requirements.

Concept Design May Include

  • Site layout
  • Ground floor plan
  • First floor plan
  • Basement plan if required
  • Garage arrangement
  • Entry sequence
  • Room zoning
  • Outdoor living connection
  • Pool location
  • Initial façade direction
  • Massing direction
  • Roof form direction
  • Planning considerations
  • Key design notes

Design Focus

  • Site response
  • Functional planning
  • Architectural style
  • Street presence
  • Natural light
  • Privacy
  • Garage control
  • Indoor-outdoor connection
  • Pool and landscape integration
  • Long-term property value
  • Buildability

Service Outcome

  • A clear concept design showing how the new home or development can work on the site.

12

Floor Plan Design Services

The floor plan is one of the most important parts of a knockdown rebuild.

The new home should not repeat the limitations of the old home. It should improve flow, light, privacy, storage, outdoor connection and everyday functionality.

Floor Plan Services Include

  • Entry planning
  • Formal living planning
  • Open-plan living design
  • Kitchen and pantry layout
  • Guest suite planning
  • Ground floor bedroom planning
  • Powder room planning
  • Laundry and mudroom planning
  • Children’s bedroom zoning
  • Master suite planning
  • Study or office planning
  • Prayer room planning
  • Theatre room planning
  • Gym or wellness planning
  • Garage connection
  • Storage planning
  • Pool and alfresco connection
  • Lift provision where required
  • Basement planning where required

Service Outcome

  • A new floor plan designed around modern family life, site potential and long-term flexibility.

13

Façade Design Services

The façade defines the new home’s identity and street presence.

Whether the style is French Provincial, Contemporary, Modern or fully bespoke, the façade should be designed with proportion, entry hierarchy, material discipline, window placement, garage integration and landscape connection.

Façade Design Services Include

  • Front elevation design
  • Side elevation design
  • Rear elevation design
  • Massing development
  • Entry design
  • Window placement
  • Garage integration
  • Roof form direction
  • Balcony design where required
  • Material composition
  • External colour palette
  • Lighting direction
  • Landscape relationship
  • Privacy screening direction
  • Service and plant screening
  • Style-specific detailing

Service Outcome

  • A resolved façade that gives the new home stronger street presence and architectural identity.

14

Pool, Alfresco & Landscape Integration

A knockdown rebuild gives the opportunity to plan the house, pool, alfresco and landscape together from the beginning.

This is one of the biggest advantages over renovating, where outdoor areas are often compromised by the existing building position.

Outdoor Design Services Include

  • Pool location review
  • Alfresco planning
  • Outdoor kitchen direction
  • Outdoor dining connection
  • Front entry landscape relationship
  • Driveway and entry path planning
  • Garden wall direction
  • Privacy planting zones
  • Feature tree locations
  • Outdoor lighting direction
  • Pool visibility from living areas
  • Courtyard planning
  • Water feature direction
  • Fire pit direction
  • Lawn and garden planning
  • Landscape coordination direction

Service Outcome

  • A new home where indoor living, outdoor entertaining, pool and garden feel properly connected.

15

Demolition-Aware Design Planning

Vaastu is not a demolition contractor, but the design process should still consider demolition-related issues early.

A knockdown rebuild can involve service disconnections, demolition approval, asbestos review, site protection, tree protection, asset protection and construction access considerations.

These matters can affect timing, cost and project coordination.

We Consider

  • Existing building location
  • Existing driveway
  • Existing services
  • Tree protection zones
  • Site access
  • Neighbouring properties
  • Demolition sequence awareness
  • Temporary fencing
  • Asset protection considerations
  • Drainage and stormwater
  • Asbestos awareness
  • Construction access
  • Retaining walls where relevant
  • Site levels after demolition

Service Outcome

  • A design pathway that is aware of practical demolition and site preparation issues before the new build begins.

16

Town Planning Drawing Services

Some knockdown rebuild projects require a town planning permit depending on zoning, overlays, site constraints and project type.

Single homes may or may not require planning approval depending on the site. Dual occupancy and townhouse rebuilds generally require a more detailed planning process.

Vaastu prepares town planning drawings where required and coordinates with relevant consultants.

Town Planning Drawings May Include

  • Site plan
  • Existing conditions plan
  • Demolition plan where required
  • Floor plans
  • Elevations
  • Sections
  • Roof plan
  • Shadow diagrams where required
  • Overlooking diagrams where required
  • Materials schedule
  • Neighbourhood character response
  • Site coverage information
  • Permeability information
  • Garden area information where required
  • Tree information where required
  • Private open space information
  • Driveway and access information
  • Planning response coordination

Service Outcome

  • A town planning drawing package prepared to support the planning permit process.

17

Working Drawing Services

Working drawings are detailed drawings used for building permit, consultant coordination, builder pricing and construction.

A knockdown rebuild needs strong working drawings because the new home must be clearly documented for consultants, the building surveyor and builder pricing.

Working Drawings May Include

  • Site plan
  • Floor plans
  • Elevations
  • Sections
  • Roof plan
  • Electrical layout coordination
  • Window schedule
  • Door schedule
  • Wet area details
  • Stair details
  • Balustrade details
  • External wall details
  • Internal wall setout
  • Ceiling height information
  • Kitchen and pantry direction
  • Bathroom layout details
  • Laundry details
  • External materials schedule
  • Construction notes
  • Consultant coordination updates
  • Building permit drawings

Service Outcome

  • A detailed drawing package that helps protect the design intent and supports building permit, consultant coordination, builder pricing and construction.

18

Consultant Coordination Services

Knockdown rebuild projects often require coordination with multiple consultants.

Vaastu can assist with consultant coordination as part of the design and documentation process.

Consultants May Include

  • Land surveyor
  • Town planner
  • Structural engineer
  • Civil engineer
  • Energy consultant
  • Arborist
  • Landscape designer
  • Building surveyor
  • Geotechnical engineer
  • Pool consultant
  • Demolition contractor
  • Hydraulic consultant
  • Electrical consultant
  • Traffic consultant for development projects
  • WSUD consultant for development projects
  • Subdivision surveyor
  • Builder

Service Outcome

  • Better coordination between architectural design, engineering, planning, demolition awareness, landscape, energy, building permit and construction requirements.

19

Builder Pricing Documentation

Clear documentation helps builders understand the design more accurately.

A knockdown rebuild can become expensive if the design is unclear, details are unresolved or consultants are not coordinated properly.

Vaastu’s design and documentation process helps provide better clarity for builder pricing.

Builder Pricing Support May Include

  • Clear floor plans
  • Elevations
  • Sections
  • Window and door schedules
  • Material direction
  • Wet area details
  • Stair information
  • External detail direction
  • Ceiling height information
  • Consultant coordination updates
  • Planning approval drawing updates
  • Working drawing package
  • Design clarification during pricing

Service Outcome

  • A clearer drawing package that supports builder pricing and reduces confusion during construction preparation.

20

3D Design & Visualisation Direction

Visualisation can help clients understand how the new home will look before final documentation.

This is especially useful for knockdown rebuild projects where the client is replacing a familiar existing home with a completely new design.

Visualisation May Include

  • Front façade 3D view
  • Street perspective
  • Entry view
  • Massing view
  • Material direction view
  • Rear pool and alfresco view
  • Contemporary façade view
  • French Provincial façade view
  • Mansion view
  • Design refinement based on visuals

Service Outcome

  • A clearer understanding of the new home’s scale, street presence, materials and architectural character.

Packagess

Knockdown Rebuild Design Service Packages

5 packages. 5 stages. One timeless vision.

1

Initial Site & Design Feasibility

Best for clients at the beginning of the journey.
Includes
  • Site review
  • Planning constraint review
  • Renovate vs rebuild discussion
  • Single home vs dual occupancy direction
  • Initial design strategy
  • High-level project discussion
  • Recommended next steps
Best For
  • Clients deciding whether to rebuild
  • Clients buying land
  • Clients comparing development options
  • Clients considering dual occupancy or townhouses

2

Concept Design

Best for clients ready to start the design.
Includes
  • Lifestyle brief
  • Site planning
  • Floor plan concept
  • Façade direction
  • Garage and driveway strategy
  • Pool and outdoor planning
  • Initial design review
  • Design refinement
Best For
  • Luxury custom homes
  • French Provincial rebuilds
  • Contemporary rebuilds
  • Modern homes
  • Mansion-scale rebuilds
  • Family homes

3

Town Planning Documentation

Best for projects requiring planning approval.
Includes
  • Town planning drawings
  • Planning-focused design refinement
  • Materials schedule
  • Shadow or overlooking diagrams where required
  • Consultant coordination where required
  • Council RFI support where required
Best For
  • Homes affected by overlays
  • Dual occupancy rebuilds
  • Townhouse rebuilds
  • Sites with neighbourhood character or tree constraints
  • Large homes with planning triggers

4

Working Drawings

Best for clients proceeding toward building permit and construction.
Includes
  • Detailed drawings
  • Construction documentation
  • Window and door schedules
  • Wet area details
  • External details
  • Consultant coordination
  • Building permit drawing support
  • Builder pricing support
Best For
  • Approved designs
  • Builder pricing
  • Building permit applications
  • Construction preparation

5

Full Knockdown Rebuild Design & Documentation Service

Best for clients wanting a complete design service from site review through to documentation.
Includes
  • Site review
  • Rebuild strategy
  • Lifestyle brief
  • Concept design
  • Façade design
  • Design development
  • Town planning drawings where required
  • Working drawings
  • Consultant coordination
  • Builder pricing support
Best For
  • Luxury custom homes
  • French Provincial homes
  • Contemporary homes
  • Modern homes
  • Mansions
  • Dual occupancy
  • Townhouse redevelopment
  • Complex rebuild projects

Design Process

Our Knockdown Rebuild Design Process

1

Initial Consultation

We discuss your property, existing home, lifestyle needs, preferred outcome, budget expectations and timeframe.

2

Site Review

We review land size, frontage, depth, orientation, slope, easements, trees, zoning, overlays, street character, access and planning constraints.

3

Rebuild Strategy

We identify whether the site is better suited to a single luxury home, French Provincial home, Contemporary home, Modern home, dual occupancy, townhouses or another redevelopment pathway.

4

Lifestyle Brief

We prepare a detailed brief covering family living, bedrooms, guest accommodation, kitchen, pantry, master suite, study, theatre, gym, prayer room, pool, garage and outdoor living.

5

Concept Design

We prepare the initial design direction, including site layout, floor plans, garage location, outdoor areas and façade direction.

6

Design Development

We refine the floor plans, elevations, materials, privacy, natural light, pool, landscape and planning response.

7

Town Planning Drawings

Where required, we prepare architectural drawings for planning permit submission.

8

Consultant Coordination

We coordinate relevant consultants as required.

9

Working Drawings

We prepare detailed drawings for building permit, consultant coordination, builder pricing and construction.

10

Builder Pricing & Construction Preparation

Clear drawings help suitable builders understand the design and price the project more accurately.

Services Are

Who Our Knockdown Rebuild Services Are For

Our knockdown rebuild design services are suitable for:

  • Homeowners with older homes
  • Families wanting to stay in the same suburb
  • Clients planning a luxury custom home
  • Clients planning a French Provincial rebuild
  • Clients planning a Contemporary rebuild
  • Clients planning a Modern family home
  • Clients planning a mansion-scale residence
  • Owners considering dual occupancy
  • Owners considering townhouse redevelopment
  • Developers purchasing older homes for redevelopment
  • Families wanting multigenerational living
  • Clients comparing renovation and rebuild
  • Clients needing planning drawings
  • Clients needing working drawings
  • Clients wanting a complete design and documentation pathway

Different

What Makes Our Knockdown Rebuild Service Different?

1

Strategy Before Design

We do not begin by simply drawing a new house. We first consider whether the site is best suited to one home, dual occupancy, townhouses or another direction.

2

Luxury Residential Experience

We understand how to design high-end family homes with guest suites, master retreats, luxury kitchens, pantries, theatres, pools and outdoor areas.

3

Multiple Design Styles

We design French Provincial, Contemporary, Modern and bespoke luxury homes, allowing the rebuild style to suit the client and site.

4

Planning-Led Design

We consider zoning, overlays, setbacks, trees, overlooking, overshadowing, access and planning pathway early.

5

Development Understanding

We can assess whether the site may suit dual occupancy or townhouse redevelopment rather than only one replacement home.

6

Documentation Quality

Strong documentation helps support consultant coordination, builder pricing and construction clarity.

7

Melbourne Site Knowledge

We adapt the design to local site conditions, neighbourhood context, planning expectations and family lifestyle.

Mistakes

Knockdown Rebuild Mistakes Our Services Help Avoid

  • Demolishing before understanding site constraints
  • Assuming no planning permit is required
  • Ignoring overlays
  • Ignoring easements
  • Ignoring protected trees
  • Poor orientation planning
  • Garage dominating the façade
  • Choosing the wrong architectural style for the site
  • Designing too large for the block
  • No pool and landscape planning
  • Poor kitchen and pantry planning
  • Insufficient storage
  • Weak natural light
  • Poor privacy from neighbours
  • No demolition and services strategy
  • Underestimating slope and drainage
  • Ignoring construction access
  • Leaving consultants too late
  • Selecting builder too early without clear drawings
  • Choosing builder only on lowest price
  • Making late design changes
  • Overcapitalising without strategy

PROJECT PORTFOLIO

Featured Knockdown Rebuild Portfolio Section

This services page should include a compact portfolio section showing examples of design outcomes that can result from a knockdown rebuild strategy.

Le Château d’Or

Balwyn North

Project Type: Luxury Residence
Service Provided: Full Design & Documentation
Key Design Feature: Grand symmetrical facade with elegant proportions
View Project
Rosebud Beach Melbourne

Le Château Élysée

Balwyn North

Project Type: Luxury Residence
Service Provided: Concept, Facade & Documentation
Key Design Feature: Balanced symmetry with timeless street presence
View Project
Melbourne Brighton Beach Houses

Le Manoir Céleste

Camberwell

Project Type: Luxury Residence
Service Provided: Full Design & Documentation
Key Design Feature: Formal entrance and classical landscaping
View Project
Childcare Center Architects in Melbourne

Le Maison Élégance

Brighton

Project Type: Luxury Residence
Service Provided: Full Design & Documentation
Key Design Feature: Classic French elegance with grand scale
View Project
Indian Architects in Melbourne

Le Château Majesté

Canterbury

Project Type: Luxury Residence
Service Provided: Design Development
Key Design Feature: Refined architecture with soft French tones
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FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

What knockdown rebuild design services does Vaastu provide?

Vaastu provides knockdown rebuild design services including site feasibility, renovate vs rebuild assessment, concept design, floor plan design, façade design, luxury home design, French Provincial design, Contemporary design, dual occupancy design, townhouse redevelopment design, town planning drawings, working drawings and consultant coordination.

Can Vaastu help me decide whether to renovate or rebuild?

Yes. Vaastu can help review the site, existing home condition, design limitations, planning context and lifestyle brief to determine whether renovation or knockdown rebuild may be the better direction.

Can Vaastu design a complete knockdown rebuild home from start to finish?

Yes. Vaastu can assist from early site review and concept design through to planning drawings, working drawings and consultant coordination.

Can Vaastu design luxury knockdown rebuild homes?

Yes. Vaastu designs luxury custom homes, mansions, French Provincial homes, Contemporary homes and Modern family homes as knockdown rebuild projects.

Can Vaastu design a French Provincial knockdown rebuild?

Yes. Vaastu designs French Provincial rebuild homes with classical façades, grand entries, luxury interiors, kitchens, guest suites, master retreats, pools and landscape integration.

Can Vaastu design a Contemporary knockdown rebuild?

Yes. Vaastu designs Contemporary rebuild homes with sculptural façades, large glazing, open-plan living, warm interiors, pools and outdoor living areas.

Can my knockdown rebuild become dual occupancy?

Possibly. Suitability depends on the land size, frontage, depth, zoning, overlays, access, parking, private open space, tree canopy, stormwater and planning requirements.

Can my knockdown rebuild become townhouses?

Possibly. Larger sites may support townhouse redevelopment, subject to zoning, overlays, neighbourhood character, access, parking, private open space, tree canopy, stormwater and planning requirements.

Does a knockdown rebuild need a planning permit?

It depends on the site, zoning, overlays and project type. Some single homes may not need a planning permit, while others may require planning approval. Dual occupancy and townhouse rebuilds generally require a more detailed planning process.

Does Vaastu organise demolition?

Vaastu is a design studio, not a demolition contractor. However, the design process can consider demolition-related matters and coordinate with relevant consultants or contractors where required.

Can Vaastu prepare town planning drawings?

Yes. Where a planning permit is required, Vaastu can prepare town planning drawings and coordinate with relevant consultants.

Can Vaastu prepare working drawings?

Yes. Vaastu prepares working drawings for building permit, consultant coordination, builder pricing and construction.

Can Vaastu coordinate consultants?

Yes. Depending on the project, Vaastu can coordinate with surveyors, town planners, engineers, arborists, energy consultants, landscape designers, civil engineers, building surveyors and other specialists.

What documents should I send before starting?

Please send the property address, title or Section 32, feature survey if available, existing plans, planning history, preferred rebuild direction, budget range, lifestyle brief and inspiration images.

What makes a knockdown rebuild successful?

A successful knockdown rebuild balances site potential, planning requirements, family lifestyle, architectural style, natural light, privacy, budget, buildability, documentation and long-term value.

Start Your Knockdown Rebuild Design Journey

A knockdown rebuild gives you the opportunity to keep the location you value while creating a new home or development designed for the future.

Whether you are planning a luxury custom home, French Provincial residence, Contemporary home, Modern family home, dual occupancy project or townhouse redevelopment, Vaastu Atelier can provide the design services needed to assess the site and shape the right direction.

Childcare Center Architects in Melbourne

Let’s Start your Design Journey

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