Commercial, New Builds
A pioneering construction project to maximise space
Cook Building
Plympton Projects Pty Ltd and AA Advancements
Alexander Brown Architects
A NEW APPROACH TO BUILDING ON NARROW LOTS DELIVERS BIG RESULTS FOR TOWNHOUSE LIVING
Working on a boutique development in the Adelaide suburbs gave the Cook Building team an opportunity to trial the latest in building technology from James Hardie. Packing a big punch for internal space and visual style, these 16 townhouses offer comfortable and convenient living to home buyers of all ages and life stages. 
DOING MORE WITH LESS
Perfectly positioned between the city and coast, Plympton is a location where vacant land is premium. When developers for the Crossley Park precinct were looking to build a small collection of contemporary townhouses, they wanted to make the most of a modest block, without cutting any corners on space and aesthetic appeal. Thanks to their extensive track record in construction for commercial and residential projects, Cook Building were the obvious choice to ensure the quality and finished detail of these compact homes.
SAVING SPACE AND DELIVERING FIRE AND ACOUSTIC PROTECTION
With plans to build to the boundary on both sides of each lot, the project team wanted an effective solution to deliver the maximum amount of floor space, without any compromise on noise or safety for future residents.
“Brick veneer or other lightweight wall systems that meet required fire ratings can take up crucial millimetres of space you just can’t afford to lose on these very narrow lots,” says Andrew Obst, Site Manager for Cook Building. “Going with the ZeroLot Wall System provides greater opportunity to increase internal floor space from both sides of the home. It makes a significant difference to the feel & comfort of the floor plan overall.”
The HardieSmart ZeroLot Wall System solution is not just a space-saver but the thinner profile of this complete wall system also performs as an acoustic and fire- rated barrier. “In multi-residential developments the performance standards for shared walls are extremely high,” says Andrew. “The documentation provided by James Hardie leaves no doubt in the minds of our build team that we’re installing a product that’s compliant with codes for fire protection, noise reduction and structural integrity.”
RESPONSIVE BACKUP FROM AN EXPERT TEAM
Andrew and his team found the technical guides for installing the HardieSmart ZeroLot Wall System equally comprehensive. “As it was our first time working with this product, we were on a bit of a learning curve to get across the different components and techniques,” says Andrew. “Their install guides are a great starting point and the James Hardie team delivered a very responsive support service if we ever got stuck on anything. We had meetings before getting started, and the tips they gave us on which bits and pieces would make the install easier saved a lot of time in tracking these things down for ourselves.”
TIPS FOR AN EFFICIENT CLADDING INSTALL
To add value to the limited space in these three bedroom, two bathroom homes and give them a stylish, contemporary façade, Cook Building made use of three different cladding materials – Axon, Stria and Matrix – from the James Hardie cladding range.
“Each product delivers a very clean aesthetic finish and it’s a simple, fast material to install,” says Andrew. “Get your framing right and you’ll have a high quality wrap of each unit done in no time. Axon is a good sized board which goes on well and with the concealed fixings, Stria has a really clean, uninterrupted look. Matrix panels provide a good contrast that makes the upper levels really stand out.”
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