NSW Government
Planning

Terraces 03 by Officer Woods Architects

A multi-dwelling housing (terrace) design with a generous front garden and comfortable, light-filled interiors.

Terraces 03 design by Officer Woods Architects street view of 3 2-storey terraces with 2 houses on either side with less detail. Credit: Officer Woods Architects

A respectful design nestled in a sunny garden with comfortable, light-filled interiors.

Terraces 03 by Officer Woods Architects is a competition-winning multi-dwelling housing (terrace) design for a minimum of 3 homes arranged side-by-side. The 2-storey homes are tucked away from the street and have generous front gardens to encourage interaction with neighbours.

Each home has double-height ceilings in the living spaces to provide more natural light. The interiors are spacious and flexible and can be adapted to the needs of changing households. A simple roof extends over the front and rear of the building to create covered verandas.

The layout is compact to reduce construction costs and allow space for trees and gardens. The design includes a range of bedroom and bathroom configurations to suit the needs of different households.
The base pattern is for 3 homes on a single lot. In new neighbourhoods, the pattern can be used to create up to 7 connected homes.

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Key metrics

Each pattern has a compact design for Low and Mid Rise (LMR) Housing Areas and a standard design for non-LMR Housing Areas. The metrics below reflect the compact design.
  • Number of dwellings3
  • Bedrooms per dwelling2-5
  • Bathrooms per dwelling1.5-2.5
  • Parking spaces per dwelling0.50
  • Floor Area per dwelling93 m²
  • zoom_in_mapMinimum lot area500 m²
  • Minimum lot width18 m
  • Number of storeys2
  • Floor-Space Ratio (FSR)0.80
  • Livability ratingSilver/Gold
  • Site gradient front to back0-1.4 m

Key metrics

Each pattern has a compact design for Low and Mid Rise (LMR) Housing Areas and a standard design for non-LMR Housing Areas. The metrics below reflect the compact design.
  • Terraces 03 design by Officer Woods Architects render street view. Credit: Choi Render
    Illustrative street view, ample space in front garden.
  • Terraces 03 design by Officer Woods Architects interior view, double height void provides opportunity for interaction between 2 levels.. Credit: Choi Render
    Illustrative interior view, double-height void provides opportunity for interaction between 2 levels.
  • Terraces 03 design by Officer Woods Architects render of landscaped private garden. Credit: Choi Render
    Illustrative interior view, kitchen and dining area open onto landscaped private garden.
  • Terraces 03 design by Officer Woods Architects render view of landscaped backyard leading into the interior of the home. Credit: Choi Render
    Illustrative rear view, flexible room opens onto the private landscaped garden.
  • Terraces 03 design by Officer Woods Architects render street view with east-facing bedrooms to maximise sunlight. Credit: Officer Woods Architects
    Illustrative street view, alternative orientation for east-facing bedrooms to maximise sunlight.

Floor plans

Explore the ground and first floor layouts of the compact and standard design. Refer to the pattern pack for more floor plan variations to suit your preferences.

  • Compact design ground plan of the Terraces 03 design by Officer Woods Architects. Credit: Officer Woods Architects
    Compact design ground plan of the Terraces 03 design by Officer Woods Architects.
    Credit: Officer Woods Architects
    Compact design ground floor plan (not to scale), maximising outdoor landscaped areas with careful planning of interior spaces.
  • Compact design first floor plan of the Terraces 03 design by Officer Woods Architects. Credit: Officer Woods Architects
    Compact design first floor plan of the Terraces 03 design by Officer Woods Architects.
    Credit: Officer Woods Architects
    Compact design first floor plan (not to scale), each home has a bedroom with access to a converted balcony that overlooks the street.
  • Standard design ground plan of the Terraces 03 design by Officer Woods Architects. Credit: Officer Woods Architects
    Standard design ground plan of the Terraces 03 design by Officer Woods Architects.
    Credit: Officer Woods Architects
    Standard design ground floor plan (not to scale), each home has a separate ground floor bathroom and laundry.
  • Standard design first floor plan of the Terraces 03 design by Officer Woods Architects. Credit: Officer Woods Architects
    Standard design first floor plan of the Terraces 03 design by Officer Woods Architects.
    Credit: Officer Woods Architects
    Standard design first floor plan (not to scale), double height voids connect the two levels.

Fixed and flexible features

Fixed features must be included in your planning application. Flexible features can be modified within agreed parameters.

Axonometric section of the Terraces 03 design by Officer Woods Architects. Credit: Officer Woods Architects
Tap to explore

  • Fixed features
    • Four layouts to suit orientation

      There are layout options provided for north, south, east or west site orientations to prioritise passive solar design.
    • North-facing living spaces

      The main living rooms and primary outdoor spaces always face north to maximise natural light.
    • Generous roof overhang

      The roof extends to provide shade and weather protection on balconies and entry areas.
    • Masonry and lightweight framing

      The simple construction system has masonry shared walls and lightweight framing made with standard components.
    • Simple skillion roof

      The sloping roof faces north, with options for solar panels and to adjust the slope to reduce any overshading of neighbours.

  • Flexible features
    • Various terrace widths available

      Combine home sizes and widths to suit site, yield and accessibility.
    • Customisable floor plans

      Floor plan configurations can be adjusted at the design phase or over time to allow for an additional bedroom and bathroom.
    • Atrium above the living room

      The double-height atrium in the base pattern can be replaced with a bedroom.
    • Staircase flexibility

      There is an option to modify the internal staircase so that the design can fit on a gently sloping site.
    • Livable Housing designs

      All base homes are a minimum Silver Livable Housing level, with options for 1, 2 or 3 Gold Livable dwellings, depending on site size.
    • Optional carport

      There is off-street hardstand parking and an option to add a carport.

Materials and character

The pattern uses a combination of masonry and lightweight construction materials to reduce build costs. Brick is the primary material and is used in the vertical, blade-like walls. Simple, metal balustrades and large windows on the north side allow light into the home and improve the overall passive solar design. Choose from these material and character options. 

Example render of a natural colour palette for timber and the front fence. Credit: Officer Woods Architects
Example render of a natural colour palette for timber and the front fence.
Credit: Officer Woods Architects
Timber and cream

A natural palette highlights the timber cladding and front fence.

Example render of a contemporary finish with pops of colour in the front fence. Credit: Officer Woods Architects
Example render of a contemporary finish with pops of colour in the front fence.
Credit: Officer Woods Architects
Metal and white

A contemporary finish with pops of colour in the front fence.

Example render of warmer tones in the brick and pops of colour in the front fence. Credit: Officer Woods Architects
Example render of warmer tones in the brick and pops of colour in the front fence.
Credit: Officer Woods Architects
Red fibre cement and brick

The warmer tones in fibre cement and brick contrast with pops of colour in the front fence.

Example render of a lightweight balustrade creating a modern finish. Credit: Officer Woods Architects
Example render of a lightweight balustrade creating a modern finish.
Credit: Officer Woods Architects
Steel balustrade

A lightweight balustrade creates a modern finish for all options.

About the architect

Officer Woods Architects combine research and flexible design thinking to connect place, cultures, context and character in architecture. Practice directors Jennie Officer and Trent Woods, teach, research, practice and advocate for architecture from Walyalup (Fremantle) in Western Australia.

The diverse work of Officer Woods Architects has been widely published and awarded at both state and national levels across multiple building categories. This practice was one of 5 winners of the NSW Housing Pattern Book Design Competition. 

For more of Officer Woods Architects work, visit Officer Woods Architects.

Meet the pattern book design team

Getting into the detail

Learn more about turning your pattern book project into reality with supporting guidance for designing your landscape and gaining fast-track planning approval.

Illustration of landscape design. Credit: Felix Saw
Illustration of landscape design.
Credit: Felix Saw

Complement your proposal with beautiful, resilient landscape designs.

Illustration of approvals process. Credit: Felix Saw
Illustration of approvals process.
Credit: Felix Saw

All patterns are eligible for fast-tracked assessment.

Preview or purchase this pattern

View the pattern drawings at no cost to help you select the most suitable pattern for your project.

To use the pattern for your planning application, you must purchase the full suite of documents, accept the terms and conditions and reference your unique identification number. When you pay the fee, you will receive technical drawings in PDF and DWG formats, a BASIX information sheet for this pattern, an editable design verification statement and your unique identification number.

Purchase the pattern design