FAQ for Waverley Council DA Models
When is a DA physical model required?
Waverley Council requires models for:
a) SEPP 65 applications
b) Multi-residential development
c) Mixed use development
d) Development subject to Part E of the WDCP2012
Models can also be submitted if the applicant believes it could be beneficial to their submission.
Further information is provided on Waverley Councils DA Guide pg.24
What scale should the model be made at?
Waverley Council requires models to be built at a minimum of 1:200 scale.
1:200 is the preferred scale for Kinkfab as fenestration and landscaping can be accurately shown and the model will be at a manageable A4-A3 size
1:200 Model for a project by Design Inc in Bondi Beach
How much context (surrounding area) should be shown?
It depends on a number of factors… At minimum Waverley Council requires you to include:
'‘the subject property and its relationship to its context and adjoining developments’
For projects that are likely to receive objections and for larger developments it may be beneficial to show more context area (eg. if there are similar sized developments nearby your site). Before determining how much context area to show, your architect should consult with your planner.
Should I show materials/colours or can we make the model out of timber?
Council does not require you to show materials/colours, but does permit timber models on the physical model submission. From our experience, the most successful DA models are ones that show all the required fenestration detail, but are painted in a single colour, so to best blend into the existing environment and easily show its context relationship.
Coloured models often provide greater opportunity for planners/objectors to comment on colours/finishes or even misread the design intention as it can be difficult to represent colours and material at this scale and can often make the model look ‘cartoonish’.
While timber models may give the project ‘warmth’, they are not as detailed or durable as plastic models and are often misread by non-architects, resulting in a negative impact on your DA.
What is the cost and turnaround?
Unfortunately its impossible to give you an accurate quote until we have a look at your project and see the context area you would like to show. Pricing factors include:
Size and complexity of the development
Size and complexity of the context area shown
Extent of landscaping/trees on your design proposal and context
Turnaround is from 3 weeks.
What is the best way to represent landscaping and trees?
The natural landscape is of equal importance to the model as the design proposal itself and as such is a requirement for all Waverley Council DA models. Given the size, and importance of trees within the Waverley locality, it is in the applicants best interest to ensure their submitted model accurately depicts the natural environment. This is particularly important when large trees are blocking existing views and public views of your development.
Kinkfab is one of the few model makers in Sydney to accurately model the trees and landscape within the models. We use the highest quality, hand made trees and stock more than 50 varieties. Example of how we model the trees/landscape below:
What are the benefits of a high quality DA model?
The physical model is the most important part of the DA submission when it comes to Council planners and neighbours assessing the impact of your development. The model clearly show the form, bulk and developments relationship to its surrounding context; this is particularly useful for neighbours whom may not understand the project from the architectural plan; and essential if a development may be referred to the Land and Environment Court. Models which are not accurate or that are built to a low standard may show your proposal in a negative light or show the project in a misleading way resulting in potential delays or a refusal of a DA.
Kinkfab is trusted by Sydney’s top Architects and Developers to produce highly detailed and accurate DA models. The premium quality of our models means that our clients will often use our models for presentation and marketing purposes after the DA submission. As standard, they are constructed out of durable acrylics, painted with a matte white paint, and enclosed in a frame polished clear acrylic case.
Please be aware that our models are a premium cost compared to most other model making firms due to the additional time and effort that goes into them. While we can’t compete on price with many firms, you will be receiving a superior product.
