Thinking of adding a Louvre roof to your development? If so you’re on the right path to completely transforming the outdoor space and adding tremendous value to your development. A louvred patio roof comes with a range of benefits that make it a popular choice for developers throughout Western Australia.
In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into why Louvre roofs are so popular on developments.
Why are Louvre Roofs popular on developments?
There are multiple reasons why Louvre Roofs are so popular on developments. The main reason being is, as per Western Australia R-codes State Planning Policy 7.3 2021 a Louvre Roof is classed as a pergola. Not following? Let me explain.
Development Zoning
All developments in Western Australia require a percentage of open space and all land in Western Australia is zoned and is given a R-code zone for the maximum density of residential development on that land. Below are each codes and the minimum open space requirements.
Zones R2-R17.5
- R2: minimum site area of 5000m2 per dwelling, With a minimum of 80% open space.
- R2.5: minimum site area of 4000m2 per dwelling, With a minimum of 80% open space.
- R5: minimum site area of 2000m2 per dwelling, With a minimum of 70% open space.
- R10: average site area of 1000m2 per dwelling and minimum of 875m2 With a minimum of 60% open space.
- R12.5: average site area of 800m2 per dwelling and minimum of 700m2 With a minimum of 55% open space.
- R15: average site area of 666m2 per dwelling and minimum of 580m2 With a minimum of 50% open space.
- R17.5: average site area of 571m2 per dwelling and minimum of 500m2 With a minimum of 50% open space.
Zones R20-R80
- R20: average site area of 450m2 per dwelling and minimum of 350m2 With a minimum of 50% open space.
- R25: average site area of 350m2 per dwelling and minimum of 300m2 With a minimum of 50% open space.
- R30: average site area of 300m2 per dwelling and minimum of 260m2 With a minimum of 45% open space.
- R35: average site area of 260m2 per dwelling and minimum of 220m2 With a minimum of 45% open space.
- R40: average site area of 220m2 per dwelling and minimum of 180m2 With a minimum of 45% open space.
- R50: average site area of 180m2 per dwelling and minimum of 160m2 With a minimum of 40% open space.
- R60: average site area of 150m2 per dwelling and minimum of 120m2 With a minimum of 40% open space.
- R80: average site area of 120m2 per dwelling and minimum of 100m2 With a minimum of 30% open space.
For example a R20 and R25 require a minimum of 50% open space. If the block was 300m2 a minimum of 150m2 of open space is required.
What is an Open Space?
Generally that area of a lot not occupied by any building and includes:
- Open areas of accessible and useable flat roofs and outdoor living areas above natural ground level;
- Areas beneath eaves;
- Verandahs, patios or other such roofed structures not more than 0.5m above natural ground level, unenclosed on at least two sides, and covering no more than 10 per cent of the site area or 50m2 whichever is the lesser;
- Unroofed open structures such as pergola.
What is a Pergola?
The definition of a pergola as per R-codes State Planning Policy 7.3 2021 is: An open-framed structure covered in water permeable material, or operable louvred roofing, which may or may not be attached to a dwelling. A Louvre Roof is classed as a pergola and a permeable roof structure.
What does this all mean?
It means a Louvre roof is classified under the definition of a pergola meaning putting a Louvre roof also known as a Louvre Shade. Putting one or multiple on your development it doesn’t impact the dwelling size like a patio or other fixed roof structure would. For example if your development was zoned R40 and the site area was 880m2 a total of 4 dwellings could be built each with 220m2 site area. Each with minimum of 45% or 99m2 of open space required. The dwelling could be a maximum of 121m2 . However if you choose a Louvre roof it doesn’t impact the dwelling size as its classified as open space.
In short if you have a development and want to build the biggest dwelling possible as per your zoning requirements but need a shade structure that doesn’t impact your open area requirement a Louvre roof also known as a Louvre Shade is your solution!
How can we help?
We work with multiple large, medium and small builders which complete large scale developments from 50 unit development to 2 townhouse developments. This is an area we specialise in, if you’ve got a development and are interested in including a Louvre roof reach out we can help!
Check out our work!
Check out our work page. Showcasing our projects we have completed and includes multiple developments with two units to nine townhouses.
Are you a developer?
Let’s Build Something. If you have any questions regarding costs, project timeline or would like to arrange to see the louvered roofs in action, please don’t hesitate to contact us.