THE BUILDING MAKES SKILFUL USE OF THE SITE BY ALLOWING POTENTIAL FLOODWATERS TO RUN THROUGH THE BUILDING AT SUB-FLOOR LEVEL Craig McPhan of Individual Buildersin Victoria is well aware of the manyissues to consider when building on theMornington Peninsula, having worked inFar North Queensland, were then placed onto thescrew piles to support the structure with somefeature poles running through both levels of thetownhouses. the area for two decades. His latest award-winningVictoria’s Mornington Peninsula, south-east of build had all the usual challenges, as well as aMelbourne, is a popular holiday destination which stunning but flood-prone location. attracts millions of visitors annually to its beaches, ‘There are general factors such as the corrosivewater sports and wineries. The unique location, effect of the salt air as well as the constraints of bushfirebetween Port Phillip Bay and Bass Strait, is sought regulations and energy considerations,’ he says.after by holiday-makers and residents but does ‘And there was the specific challenge for thesepresent challenges for architects and builders. two townhouses of being located beside an activeCraig McPhan is a specialist in the region and creek that can flood.’ has built extensively there. A recent project, to As such, the building makes skilful use of build two architect-designed townhouses on the site by allowing potential floodwaters to runthe Mornington foreshore opposite Mills Beach through the building at sub-floor level, he says.demonstrates his skill in addressing both the This was achieved by siting the townhouses on opportunities and challenges of its location. The deep foundations using 35 screw piles, some at aresulting dwellings recently won the HIA Australian depth of 18 metres. Recycled ironbark poles, fromTownhouse/Villa Development award for 2018. SEPTEMBER 2018 HOUSING 33 PROJECTS