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Complete Townhouse Design Services From Site Feasibility To Planning Drawings & Working Documentation

Townhouse Design Services Melbourne

Vaastu Atelier provides townhouse design services across Melbourne, helping landowners, developers and families transform residential land into well-planned, council-responsive and commercially considered townhouse developments.

A successful townhouse project is not only about the number of dwellings. It must balance site yield, Clause 55 requirements, neighbourhood character, vehicle access, garage design, private open space, tree canopy, solar access, overlooking, overshadowing, stormwater, waste, landscape, subdivision and long-term resale value.

Our townhouse design services cover the full project pathway, from early site feasibility and yield testing through to concept design, planning permit drawings, consultant coordination, working drawings and builder pricing documentation.

Whether your site suits three townhouses, four or more dwellings, side-by-side homes, terrace-style townhouses, a corner block development or a premium multi-unit project, Vaastu can help assess the opportunity and shape the right design strategy.

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 Residential Development Design Across Melbourne

Townhouses & Clause 55 Design

Planning-Focused Townhouse Designs for Efficient, Compliant Development

Multi-Unit Developments

Efficient Designs That Maximise Site Potential

Planning-Led Residential Development

Strategic Design Shaped by Site and Planning Requirements

Townhouse Design

Our Townhouse Design Services

Vaastu Atelier provides a complete design and documentation service for townhouse developments and multi-unit residential projects.

Our role is to help clients understand what the land can realistically support, shape a strong design strategy and prepare the drawings needed for planning, consultants, builder pricing and construction documentation.

Our townhouse design services include:

  • Site feasibility review
  • Townhouse yield testing
  • Development strategy
  • Three townhouse layout testing
  • Four or more townhouse layout testing
  • Side-by-side townhouse design
  • Terrace-style townhouse design
  • Corner block townhouse design
  • Luxury townhouse design
  • Contemporary townhouse design
  • French Provincial townhouse design
  • Clause 55 design response
  • Townhouse concept design
  • Townhouse floor plan design
  • Townhouse façade design
  • Access, driveway and garage planning
  • Private open space planning
  • Tree canopy and landscape integration
  • Overlooking and overshadowing response
  • Stormwater and waste planning coordination
  • Town planning drawings
  • Consultant coordination
  • Council RFI drawing updates
  • Subdivision-aware design
  • Working drawings
  • Builder pricing documentation
  • Design refinement during the project

01

Townhouse Site Feasibility Review

Before designing townhouses, the site should be reviewed carefully.

A block may look suitable for townhouse development because of its land size, but the realistic outcome depends on frontage, depth, zoning, overlays, easements, trees, slope, drainage, access, neighbouring windows, private open space, tree canopy, stormwater, waste and market expectations.

A site feasibility review helps identify whether the land is best suited to townhouses, dual occupancy, boutique apartments, a single luxury home or another residential development strategy.

We Review

  • Property address
  • Land size
  • Street frontage
  • Site depth
  • Corner block potential
  • Orientation
  • Slope
  • Existing dwelling location
  • Neighbouring dwellings
  • Neighbouring windows
  • Street character
  • Zoning
  • Overlays
  • Easements
  • Trees and vegetation
  • Driveway access
  • Garage potential
  • Private open space potential
  • Tree canopy opportunity
  • Stormwater and drainage
  • Waste collection strategy
  • Subdivision potential
  • Planning permit pathway
  • Construction access
  • Market appeal
  • Long-term property value

Best For

  • Clients buying development land
  • Owners with large blocks
  • Clients comparing dual occupancy and townhouses
  • Developers testing site yield
  • Families considering redevelopment
  • Clients with corner blocks
  • Clients unsure whether three or four townhouses are realistic
  • Clients wanting early design advice before committing

Service Outcome

  • A clear early direction showing whether the site has realistic townhouse development potential and what design pathway should be explored next.

02

Townhouse Development Strategy

A townhouse project should begin with a strategy, not just a drawing.

The strategy should identify the realistic number of dwellings, layout type, planning risk, market direction, access strategy, private open space approach, landscape response and likely documentation pathway.

Development Strategies May Include

  • Three townhouse development
  • Four townhouse development
  • Five or more townhouse development
  • Side-by-side townhouse layout
  • Front-and-rear townhouse layout
  • Internal driveway townhouse layout
  • Corner block townhouse layout
  • Terrace-style townhouse layout
  • Luxury townhouse development
  • Contemporary townhouse development
  • French Provincial townhouse development
  • Knockdown rebuild townhouse development
  • Subdivision-aware townhouse strategy
  • Premium resale townhouse strategy
  • Build-to-rent townhouse strategy
  • Family land development strategy

We Help Clarify

  • How many townhouses may be realistic
  • Whether the site suits side-by-side or internal driveway layout
  • Whether a corner block can improve dwelling identity
  • Whether dual occupancy may be better than townhouses
  • Whether boutique apartments may be worth testing
  • Where garages and access should go
  • How private open space can be achieved
  • Where tree canopy and landscape should be allowed
  • Whether planning risk is manageable
  • What consultants may be required
  • What documentation pathway is required

Service Outcome

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

03

Townhouse Yield Testing

Yield testing helps determine how many dwellings can realistically fit on a site without destroying design quality, planning compliance or market value.

The goal is not simply to fit the highest number of townhouses. The goal is to find the best balance between yield, approval pathway, construction cost, liveability and resale value.

Yield Testing May Explore

  • Two dwellings vs three townhouses
  • Three townhouses vs four townhouses
  • Front-and-rear layouts
  • Side-by-side layouts
  • Internal driveway layouts
  • Corner block layouts
  • Terrace-style layouts
  • Three-storey townhouse options
  • Basement or undercroft parking where suitable
  • Different garage arrangements
  • Different private open space arrangements
  • Different dwelling sizes
  • Different market positions

We Consider

  • Land size
  • Frontage width
  • Driveway length
  • Garage arrangement
  • Vehicle turning
  • Private open space
  • Solar access
  • Tree canopy
  • Waste storage
  • Overlooking
  • Overshadowing
  • Street presentation
  • Subdivision boundaries
  • Construction practicality
  • Market demand
  • Planning risk

Service Outcome

  • A realistic development direction showing the likely townhouse yield and the layout type most suited to the site.

04

Clause 55 Design Strategy

Townhouse developments in Melbourne generally need to respond to Clause 55 because they involve two or more dwellings on a lot.

A townhouse design should be shaped around Clause 55 from the earliest concept stage, not adjusted later after the layout is already fixed.

Vaastu provides Clause 55-focused design services to help align the development with planning expectations.

Clause 55 Design Strategy Includes

  • Neighbourhood character response
  • Street setback review
  • Building height review
  • Side and rear setback planning
  • Walls on boundary strategy
  • Site coverage review
  • Access and crossover planning
  • Tree canopy planning
  • Front fence response
  • Dwelling diversity where relevant
  • Parking location review
  • Street integration
  • Entry design
  • Private open space planning
  • Solar access to open space
  • Functional layout
  • Room depth
  • Daylight to new windows
  • Natural ventilation
  • Storage
  • Daylight to existing windows
  • Existing north-facing window review
  • Overshadowing review
  • Overlooking response
  • Internal views between dwellings
  • Permeability and stormwater coordination
  • Solar energy system consideration
  • Rooftop solar allowance
  • Waste and recycling strategy
  • Noise impact consideration

Service Outcome

  • A townhouse design strategy that considers the key planning standards early and reduces the risk of avoidable redesign later.

05

Townhouse Concept Design

Concept design is where the townhouse development begins to take shape.

At this stage, we explore the relationship between site planning, dwelling yield, driveway access, garages, private open space, entries, building mass, landscape and façade character.

Concept Design May Include

  • Site layout
  • Dwelling arrangement
  • Ground floor plans
  • Upper floor plans
  • Garage arrangement
  • Driveway strategy
  • Pedestrian entries
  • Private open space locations
  • Landscape zones
  • Tree canopy zones
  • Initial façade direction
  • Building massing
  • Roof form direction
  • Material direction
  • Planning considerations
  • Key design notes

Design Focus

  • Realistic yield
  • Planning response
  • Street presence
  • Liveability
  • Natural light
  • Private open space
  • Garage control
  • Vehicle access
  • Landscape integration
  • Tree canopy
  • Subdivision logic
  • Market appeal
  • Buildability

Service Outcome

  • A clear concept design showing how the townhouse development can work on the site.

06

Townhouse Floor Plan Design

Townhouses must feel like proper homes, not compromised units.

Each dwelling should have a functional layout, good room sizes, natural light, practical storage, outdoor connection, privacy and strong everyday liveability.

Townhouse Floor Plan Services Include

  • Ground floor planning
  • Upper floor planning
  • Living and dining layout
  • Kitchen layout
  • Pantry planning
  • Powder room planning
  • Laundry planning
  • Garage access planning
  • Bedroom layout
  • Master suite planning
  • Ensuite and bathroom planning
  • Study nook or home office planning
  • Storage planning
  • Stair location
  • Private open space connection
  • Balcony planning where suitable
  • Natural light planning
  • Internal privacy planning
  • Furniture layout awareness

Service Outcome

  • Townhouse floor plans that feel practical, liveable, marketable and aligned with planning requirements.

07

Townhouse Façade Design

Townhouse façades are critical for both planning and market appeal.

A strong townhouse façade should create street presence, individual dwelling identity and a high-quality residential character. It should not allow garages, services or repetitive forms to dominate the streetscape.

Façade Design Services Include

  • Front elevation design
  • Side elevation design
  • Rear elevation design
  • Street-facing façade composition
  • Garage integration
  • Entry identity
  • Window placement
  • Balcony design where suitable
  • Roof form direction
  • Material composition
  • External colour palette
  • Screening direction
  • Lighting direction
  • Service screening
  • Landscape relationship
  • Corner elevation design
  • Terrace rhythm design
  • Individual dwelling identity

Contemporary Façade Focus

  • Clean forms
  • Large glazing
  • Material restraint
  • Entry definition
  • Garage control
  • Landscape-led presentation

French Provincial Façade Focus

  • Symmetry
  • Classical proportion
  • Tall windows
  • Elegant entries
  • Render and stone direction
  • Premium street character

Service Outcome

  • A townhouse façade that supports planning, street character, buyer appeal and long-term value.

08

Access, Driveway, Garage & Parking Design

Vehicle access is one of the most important parts of townhouse development.

A poor driveway or garage strategy can reduce yield, weaken street presentation, consume landscape space and create planning issues.

Vaastu considers access and garages from the beginning so the design can balance vehicle function with amenity and street appeal.

Access Design Services Include

  • Crossover location review
  • Driveway layout
  • Internal accessway planning
  • Garage placement
  • Tandem parking review where suitable
  • Basement or undercroft parking review
  • Vehicle turning coordination
  • Pedestrian safety
  • Street tree protection
  • Garage dominance control
  • Visitor parking review where required
  • Waste vehicle access review where required
  • Emergency access review where required
  • Subdivision boundary awareness

Service Outcome

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

09

Private Open Space & Outdoor Living Design

Private open space is one of the most important liveability elements in townhouse design.

Each townhouse should have outdoor space that is usable, connected to living areas and appropriately private.

Outdoor Space Services Include

  • Secluded private open space planning
  • Courtyard planning
  • Rear yard planning
  • Balcony planning where suitable
  • Living-to-outdoor connection
  • North-facing open space review
  • Solar access review
  • Privacy screening
  • Outdoor dining area planning
  • Landscape buffer planning
  • Pool or plunge pool review where suitable
  • Low-maintenance landscape direction
  • Boundary treatment direction

Service Outcome

  • Townhouses with outdoor areas that feel usable, private and connected to daily living.

10

Tree Canopy, Landscape & Streetscape Integration

Townhouse developments should not treat landscape as leftover space.

Tree canopy, deep soil, front setback planting, driveway edge planting and private open space landscaping should be considered at the same time as building footprints and access.

Landscape Services Include

  • Existing tree review
  • Tree retention strategy
  • New canopy tree locations
  • Deep soil area planning
  • Front setback landscape direction
  • Driveway edge planting
  • Private open space landscape direction
  • Street tree protection awareness
  • Landscape buffer between dwellings
  • Entry planting
  • Low-maintenance planting direction
  • Permeable surface planning
  • Stormwater landscape coordination
  • Urban cooling response
  • Streetscape improvement

Service Outcome

  • A townhouse development where buildings, access and landscape are planned together.

11

Overlooking, Overshadowing & Amenity Response

Neighbour amenity is a major consideration in townhouse planning.

A strong design should manage overlooking, overshadowing, internal views, building bulk, daylight and privacy from the beginning.

Amenity Response Services Include

  • Neighbouring window review
  • Neighbouring secluded private open space review
  • Existing north-facing window review
  • Upper-level window placement
  • Balcony placement
  • Privacy screening direction
  • Obscure glazing strategy
  • Setback adjustment
  • Building articulation
  • Shadow diagram coordination
  • Internal views between dwellings
  • Landscape screening
  • Visual bulk reduction
  • Council RFI response where required

Service Outcome

  • A townhouse design that better manages privacy, shadow and neighbour amenity issues.

12

Stormwater, Permeability, Waste & Sustainability Coordination

Townhouse developments require early consideration of stormwater, permeability, waste, recycling, solar readiness and sustainable site planning.

These matters can affect the layout, driveway, roof areas, open space, landscape and services.

Coordination Services Include

  • Permeability planning
  • Stormwater consultant coordination
  • Civil engineer coordination
  • WSUD coordination where required
  • Bin storage planning
  • Waste collection strategy
  • Recycling storage planning
  • Solar zone planning
  • Rooftop solar allowance
  • Rainwater tank location review
  • Service area screening
  • Noise consideration
  • External access lighting direction
  • Low-maintenance material direction

Service Outcome

  • A townhouse design that considers practical servicing and sustainability matters early rather than leaving them as late-stage problems.

13

Corner Block Townhouse Design Services

Corner blocks can offer excellent townhouse development opportunities.

They can allow multiple street frontages, improved dwelling identity, better access options and stronger resale appeal.

Corner Block Services Include

  • Primary street frontage review
  • Secondary street frontage review
  • Two-street façade design
  • Side street setback review
  • Vehicle crossover strategy
  • Fence design direction
  • Corner visibility review
  • Private open space orientation
  • Garage placement
  • Landscape on both frontages
  • Street address strategy
  • Waste collection review
  • Subdivision-aware planning

Service Outcome

  • A corner block townhouse development that uses both street frontages intelligently.

14

Terrace-Style Townhouse Design Services

Terrace-style townhouses can create a strong urban residential form where the site has suitable frontage and planning context.

A terrace-style development requires careful control of façade rhythm, entries, garage strategy, privacy and internal amenity.

Terrace Design Services Include

  • Row townhouse planning
  • Attached dwelling layout
  • Party wall coordination awareness
  • Street rhythm design
  • Individual entry identity
  • Front landscape planning
  • Rear access review
  • Garage placement
  • Private open space planning
  • Upper-level privacy response
  • Material consistency
  • Subdivision boundary awareness

Service Outcome

  • A terrace-style townhouse design with strong streetscape rhythm and individual home identity.

15

Luxury Townhouse Design Services

Luxury townhouses require stronger design quality, more refined interiors, better storage, high-quality façades and stronger market positioning.

These projects often target downsizers, professionals, families or premium buyer markets.

Luxury Townhouse Services Include

  • Premium façade design
  • Large living area planning
  • Luxury kitchen layout
  • Butler’s pantry review where suitable
  • Master suite planning
  • Generous bedrooms
  • Private courtyard planning
  • Lift provision review where suitable
  • Double garage planning where suitable
  • High-quality material direction
  • Landscape and lighting direction
  • Buyer appeal review
  • Builder pricing documentation

Service Outcome

  • Townhouses that feel like quality homes rather than basic unit developments.

16

Townhouse Planning Drawing Services

Most townhouse developments require a town planning permit.

Vaastu prepares townhouse planning drawings to support planning permit applications and consultant coordination.

Town Planning Drawings May Include

  • Site plan
  • Existing conditions plan
  • Demolition plan where required
  • Development summary
  • Ground floor plans
  • Upper floor plans
  • Roof plan
  • Elevations
  • Sections
  • Street elevation
  • Shadow diagrams
  • Overlooking diagrams
  • Materials schedule
  • Site coverage information
  • Permeability information
  • Tree canopy information
  • Private open space information
  • Garage and access information
  • Waste storage information
  • Neighbourhood character response
  • Clause 55 response coordination
  • Consultant drawing coordination

Service Outcome

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

17

Council RFI & Design Response Services

Townhouse planning applications commonly receive Requests for Further Information or design comments from council.

Vaastu can assist with drawing updates and design responses where required.

RFI Response Services May Include

  • Drawing updates
  • Layout refinement
  • Setback updates
  • Shadow diagram updates
  • Overlooking response
  • Landscape coordination updates
  • Tree canopy response
  • Garage and access updates
  • Waste storage updates
  • Material updates
  • Neighbourhood character response
  • Consultant coordination
  • Planner coordination
  • Resubmission drawing support

Service Outcome

  • A revised drawing package that responds to council comments and planning issues

18

Working Drawing Services

After planning approval, townhouse projects require detailed working drawings for building permit, consultant coordination, builder pricing and construction.

Working Drawings May Include

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

Service Outcome

  • A detailed working drawing package that supports building permit, consultant coordination, builder pricing and construction.

19

Consultant Coordination Services

Townhouse developments often require multiple consultants.

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

Consultants May Include

  • Land surveyor
  • Town planner
  • Arborist
  • Traffic consultant
  • Civil engineer
  • Structural engineer
  • WSUD consultant
  • Landscape designer
  • Energy consultant
  • Building surveyor
  • Geotechnical engineer
  • Subdivision surveyor
  • Waste consultant where required
  • Acoustic consultant where required
  • Builder

Service Outcome

  • Better coordination between architectural design, planning, engineering, landscape, access, stormwater, energy, subdivision and construction requirements.

20

Subdivision-Aware Design Services

Most townhouse developments are designed with future subdivision in mind.

Subdivision should be considered early because it can influence access, common property, services, title boundaries, private open space, drainage and utility connections.

Subdivision-Aware Services Include

  • Title boundary awareness
  • Common property planning
  • Private open space allocation
  • Garage and car space allocation
  • Driveway ownership logic
  • Separate service planning awareness
  • Drainage coordination
  • Mailboxes
  • Bin storage
  • Street addressing
  • Easement review
  • Owners corporation awareness
  • Subdivision surveyor coordination

Service Outcome

  • A townhouse design that better supports future subdivision and title planning.

21

Builder Pricing Documentation

Clear documentation helps builders understand the project and price it more accurately.

Townhouse developments can become difficult to price when drawings are unclear, consultant information is not coordinated or design details are unresolved.

Builder Pricing Support May Include

  • Clear plans
  • Elevations
  • Sections
  • Window and door schedules
  • Material direction
  • Wet area details
  • Stair information
  • Garage 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.

Packagess

Townhouse Design Service Packages

5 packages. 5 stages. One timeless vision.

1

Initial Townhouse Site Feasibility

Best for clients at the beginning of the journey.
Includes
  • Site review
  • Planning constraint review
  • Development potential discussion
  • Dual occupancy vs townhouse discussion
  • Initial yield direction
  • High-level project strategy
  • Recommended next steps
Best For
  • Clients buying land
  • Owners with large blocks
  • Developers testing feasibility
  • Families considering redevelopment

2

Yield Testing & Concept Design

Best for clients ready to test the development properly.
Includes
  • Site layout testing
  • Yield testing
  • Townhouse arrangement options
  • Driveway and garage strategy
  • Private open space planning
  • Initial floor plans
  • Initial façade direction
  • Design review and refinement
Best For
  • Three townhouse projects
  • Four or more townhouse projects
  • Corner block developments
  • Side-by-side townhouse developments
  • Premium townhouse projects

3

Town Planning Documentation

Best for projects proceeding to planning permit.
Includes
  • Town planning drawings
  • Clause 55 design response coordination
  • Materials schedule
  • Shadow diagrams where required
  • Overlooking diagrams where required
  • Consultant coordination
  • Council RFI support where required
Best For
  • Townhouse planning permits
  • Multi-unit developments
  • Sites with overlays
  • Sites with tree constraints
  • Projects requiring planning consultant support

4

Working Drawings

Best for approved projects 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 townhouse projects
  • Building permit applications
  • Builder pricing
  • Construction preparation

5

Full Townhouse Design & Documentation Service

Best for clients wanting a complete service from early feasibility through to documentation.
Includes
  • Site review
  • Development strategy
  • Yield testing
  • Concept design
  • Façade design
  • Design development
  • Town planning drawings
  • Council RFI support where required
  • Working drawings
  • Consultant coordination
  • Builder pricing support
Best For
  • Developers
  • Landowners
  • Complex townhouse projects
  • Corner blocks
  • Luxury townhouse developments
  • Multi-unit residential projects

Design Process

Our Townhouse Design Process

1

Initial Consultation

We discuss your property, development goals, preferred outcome, budget expectations, timing and whether you intend to sell, rent, hold or live in one dwelling.

2

Site Review

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

3

Development Strategy

We identify whether the site is better suited to townhouses, dual occupancy, boutique apartments, a single luxury home or another development pathway.

4

Yield Testing

We test realistic dwelling numbers, driveway strategy, garages, private open space, landscape, tree canopy and planning risks.

5

Concept Design

We prepare the initial layout, including dwelling placement, floor plans, access, garages, private open space and façade direction.

6

Design Development

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

7

Town Planning Drawings

We prepare architectural drawings for planning permit submission.

8

Consultant Coordination

We coordinate relevant consultants as required.

9

Council RFI Response

Where required, we assist with drawing updates and design responses to council comments.

10

Working Drawings

After planning approval, we prepare detailed drawings for building permit, consultant coordination, builder pricing and construction.

Services Are

Who Our Luxury Home Design Services Are For

Our townhouse design services are suitable for:

  • Property owners with large blocks
  • Developers planning townhouse projects
  • Families wanting to redevelop family land
  • Owners comparing dual occupancy and townhouses
  • Clients with corner block sites
  • Clients with older homes on development land
  • Builders needing architectural documentation
  • Clients planning premium townhouse projects
  • Clients needing Clause 55 planning response
  • Clients needing planning drawings
  • Clients needing working drawings
  • Clients wanting subdivision-aware design
  • Clients wanting a complete design and documentation pathway

Different

What Makes Our Townhouse Design Service Different?

1

Feasibility Before Design

We consider what the site can realistically support before committing to a layout.

2

Planning-Led Design

We consider Clause 55, setbacks, height, access, private open space, tree canopy, stormwater, overlooking, overshadowing and waste early.

3

Development Understanding

We understand the balance between yield, approval pathway, construction cost and resale value.

4

Premium Residential Design

Our townhouses are designed to feel like quality homes, not basic units.

5

Consultant Coordination

We can coordinate with town planners, arborists, traffic consultants, civil engineers, WSUD consultants, landscape designers and other specialists.

6

Subdivision Awareness

We consider future title boundaries, access, services and common property from the beginning.

7

Documentation Quality

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

Mistakes

Townhouse Design Mistakes Our Services Help Avoid

  • Assuming every large block can fit townhouses
  • Designing for maximum yield only
  • Ignoring Clause 55 early
  • Ignoring frontage width
  • Poor driveway planning
  • Oversized garages dominating the façade
  • Treating rear dwellings as secondary
  • Poor natural light
  • Insufficient private open space
  • Weak landscape design
  • Ignoring tree canopy requirements
  • Poor stormwater strategy
  • Overlooking neighbouring properties
  • Overshadowing adjoining open space
  • No clear subdivision strategy
  • Ignoring trees and easements
  • Starting without a feature survey
  • Designing before understanding planning controls
  • Leaving waste collection too late
  • Not considering builder access
  • Weak documentation
  • Choosing the cheapest layout instead of the best outcome

PROJECT PORTFOLIO

Featured Townhouse Portfolio Section

This services page should include a compact portfolio section showing the range of townhouse development outcomes Vaastu can design.

Bentleigh

Gilmour Road

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

Brighton

St Kilda Street

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

Ashburton

Chamberlain Street

Project Type: Luxury Residence
Service Provided: Full Design & Documentation
Key Design Feature: Formal entrance and classical landscaping
View Project
Beach House Sandringham Melbourne

Berwick

Hyland Court

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

Lilydale

Maroondah Highway

Project Type: Luxury Residence
Service Provided: Design Development
Key Design Feature: Refined architecture with soft French tones
View Project
Brighton Beach House Designs Melbourne

Box Hill

Whitehorse Road

Project Type: Luxury Residence
Service Provided: Concept Design & Facade
Key Design Feature: Imposing facade with French Provincial details
View Project
Indian Architects in Melbourne

Burwood

Station Street

Project Type: Luxury Residence
Service Provided: Facade & Interior Direction
Key Design Feature: Sophisticated facade with refined finishes
View Project
Boutique Apartments Designer Melbourne

Mount Waverley

Fraser Street

Project Type: Luxury Residence
Service Provided: Town Planning & Documentation
Key Design Feature: Regal proportions and intricate detailing
View Project

Chadstone

Atkinson Street

Project Type: Luxury Residence
Service Provided: Full Design & Documentation
Key Design Feature: Classic French rooflines and refined detailing
View Project
Townhouses

Doncaster

Mervyn House

Project Type: Luxury Residence
Service Provided: Full Design & Documentation
Key Design Feature: Courtyard-inspired design with timeless appeal
View Project

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

What townhouse design services does Vaastu provide?

Vaastu provides townhouse design services including site feasibility, yield testing, concept design, floor plan design, façade design, Clause 55 design response, town planning drawings, consultant coordination, working drawings and subdivision-aware design.

Can Vaastu help determine how many townhouses can fit on my land?

Yes. Vaastu can review the site and test realistic layout options based on land size, frontage, depth, zoning, overlays, access, private open space, tree canopy, stormwater and planning requirements.

Can Vaastu design three townhouse developments?

Yes. Vaastu designs three townhouse developments, including front-and-rear layouts, internal driveway layouts, corner block layouts and premium townhouse arrangements.

Can Vaastu design four or more townhouse developments?

Yes. Vaastu designs four or more townhouse developments where the land, access, planning context and market strategy support that outcome.

Can Vaastu design luxury townhouses?

Yes. Vaastu designs luxury townhouse developments with premium façades, functional layouts, natural light, private outdoor spaces, refined interiors and strong buyer appeal.

Can Vaastu design contemporary townhouses?

Yes. Vaastu designs contemporary townhouses with modern façades, open-plan living, large glazing, landscape integration and refined material palettes.

Can Vaastu design French Provincial townhouses?

Yes. Vaastu can design French Provincial townhouse developments where classical proportions, elegant façades and premium street presentation suit the site and market.

Do townhouses need a planning permit in Melbourne?

Townhouse developments generally require a town planning permit and are commonly assessed under Clause 55 for two or more dwellings on a lot.

What is Clause 55 for townhouse design?

Clause 55 includes standards for two or more dwellings on a lot, including neighbourhood character, setbacks, height, site coverage, access, tree canopy, private open space, daylight, ventilation, overlooking, overshadowing, stormwater and waste.

Can Vaastu prepare townhouse town planning drawings?

Yes. Vaastu can prepare townhouse planning drawings for permit submission and coordinate with relevant consultants.

Can Vaastu respond to council RFI comments?

Yes. Vaastu can assist with drawing updates and design responses where council requests further information or design changes.

Can Vaastu prepare townhouse working drawings?

Yes. After planning approval, Vaastu can prepare detailed 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, arborists, traffic consultants, civil engineers, WSUD consultants, landscape designers, energy consultants, building surveyors and other specialists.

Can townhouses be subdivided?

Yes. Most townhouse developments are designed with future subdivision in mind, subject to council, servicing, access, drainage and title requirements.

What documents should I send before starting?

Please send the property address, title or Section 32, feature and level survey, existing plans if available, planning history, arborist information if available, preferred number of dwellings, budget range and development goals.

What makes a townhouse development successful?

A successful townhouse development balances realistic yield, planning requirements, liveability, street presence, natural light, private open space, landscape, access, buildability, documentation and resale value.

Start Your Townhouse Development With A Clear Design Strategy

A successful townhouse development starts with realistic feasibility, planning-led design and strong documentation.

Whether your site suits three townhouses, four or more dwellings, a corner block layout, luxury townhouses, contemporary townhouses, French Provincial townhouses or a terrace-style development, Vaastu Atelier can provide the design services needed to assess the site and shape the right outcome.

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