Knockrow Architect Designed ReBuild
Delivering a wastewater system on a hinterland block with limited space for infrastructure
PROJECT DETAILS
LOCATION:
Knockrow, NSW - Ballina Shire Council
PRODUCT:
Fuji Clean HSTP with ETA Beds
CAPABILITY:
Consult, Design and Construct STP
When a local architect and builder were doing a prestigious redevelopment in Knockrow on a home site with limited space, they called us to get the best outcome for their wastewater system infrastructure. When a good architect designs a new house, they take into account not just the house, but the landscape and infrastructure too.
It is easy to forget about wastewater when designing a new house. It is understandable as our whole purpose is to provide something you do forget about and is discrete. But, it can make a big difference if we can be involved from the very beginning. A good discussion and some minor tweaks can go a long way towards making the most of a development’s potential.
Our brief for this project was to find a system that would fit the site well and maintain the uninterrupted views. Set on the hills of the Northern Rivers hinterland, the property has stunning coastal views. With a large house, swimming pool, and landscaped gardens, space on the site was surprisingly tight.
Completed architecturally designed home
Careful excavation was needed during the installation of the ETA beds due to the restricted space
Surveying and installation of Evapotranspiration (ETA) bed system for dispersal of the treated wastewater on the site.
The completed ETA bed installation will dissapear once the area is turfed and landscaping completed.
The sloped block in the Byron hinterland had limited space for infrastructure, requiring clever design and careful installation
The Fuji Clean ACE advanced sewage treatment system has a small footprint, making it ideal for this restricted site.
The slope of the site and the limited room required careful excavation and the installation of retaining walls to maximise the usable area.
Collaboration is the key when space is limited
Our consultant worked with the architect to ensure that there would be no impact on aesthetics from the wastewater system. Our design included placing the treatment system behind a retaining wall and using low footprint evapotranspiration (ETA) beds. We used a Fuji Clean wastewater treatment system (WWTS) for treating the wastewater. The Fuji Clean is a lightweight and small system so it could be installed where other systems simply wouldn’t fit. ETA beds are a compact method of disposing of treated water. The ETA beds went under a small lawn area and completely disappeared once landscaping was done.
The builder has worked with us before and likes working with us. From site evaluation and council approval, through to system supply and installation, he only has to deal with one company. This allows the builder to focus on the many other aspects of building a house and not worry about the wastewater system. Any good builder is also concerned about protecting their reputation. There is no point in completing a stunning house build only for it to be let down by a poorly designed and installed wastewater system.
The importance of quality sewage system installation
True Water came in towards the end of the construction of the house. This allowed for other trades and workers to use all available space on site while working simultaneously. The installation was more complex than most, but our installation team still managed it easily in two days. The landscapers were the last ones to come in after us to finish off the landscaped grounds.
The finished house is a testament to the skill of the architect and builder. They worked together to realise the dream of the property owner. True Water are pleased to say that we played a part in realising this dream. Through collaboration and smart design, we found the perfect solution for this stunning house in its hinterland hideaway.