The site you choose shapes everything—from design possibilities to environmental performance.
If you're envisioning life in an Ecoliv home but haven’t yet settled on the perfect location, we’ve outlined key considerations to help you select a site that supports exceptional design, effortless installation, and enduring environmental performance.
We’re here to support you—from early site selection through to approvals and soil testing, our experienced team works with you at every step to ensure your journey with Ecoliv is as efficient and rewarding as the home you’ll create.
Site Access
Why access matters
Modular homes require clear access for trucks and, in some cases, cranes. One of the first questions we’ll ask is: Where do you plan to place your home? That’s because accessibility is key to a safe and streamlined delivery.
Truck Delivery (no crane)
If the site allows, your home can be delivered by truck alone—no crane required. These trucks need space to reverse directly onto the site. Keep in mind:
- Truck length is substantial
- Width is generally 4.5m
- Modules range between 16–18m long
Narrow roads, overhanging trees, steep driveways, or low-hanging powerlines can pose challenges.
Truck & Crane Delivery
Sites on corner blocks or wide streets may allow crane-assisted delivery. This setup lets us lift modules directly onto your site—even over fences or single-storey structures (but not over powerlines). We’ll assess and recommend the best approach for your site.
Jindabyne project
Topography
The lay of the land
Topography refers to the shape of your block—flat, sloped, or undulating. A level block is ideal, but Ecoliv homes are engineered for flexibility. Our modular systems are anchored to steel posts in concrete footings, avoiding the need for extensive excavation or traditional slab foundations. On sloped land, vehicle access and parking may require additional planning—but these challenges can be elegantly resolved.
Planning & Zoning Requirements
Know before you buy
Understanding local planning rules is essential. Check with your conveyancer or real estate agent for zoning conditions, overlays, or estate guidelines that may affect:
- Building materials or heights
- Boundary setbacks
- Easements or covenants
- Locations of utilities and stormwater drainage
These details influence both design possibilities and costs.
Bushfire Risk (BAL Rating)
Designing for resilience
Every site in Australia carries a Bushfire Attack Level (BAL) rating. If your block has a higher BAL rating, we’ll help you specify compliant materials—from decking timbers to claddings like our composite fibre weatherboards and Colorbond®, which are BAL-rated.
Be aware: properties on elevated or sloping land may have a higher BAL rating, as fire travels more rapidly uphill. Our team will guide you through all requirements and cost implications with clarity.
Orientation
Smart design starts with sun and views
Good orientation maximises passive solar gain, natural light, and cross ventilation—essentials for sustainability and comfort. We consider neighbouring structures, landscape, slope direction, and prevailing breezes to tailor your home for:
- Energy efficiency
- Connection to views
- Privacy and street appeal
All Ecoliv designs can be mirrored or adapted to suit your site’s orientation perfectly.
Jindabyne project
Building Envelope
Understand your buildable space
Before committing to land, check the block’s dimensions and slope against the home designs you're considering. Speak with council about setbacks and overlays that could influence your home’s positioning.
Also consider:
- Sunlight access now and in the future (as surrounding properties develop)
- Potential overshadowing from neighbouring buildings or trees
Soil Type & Site Classification
Why soil testing matters
Every site responds differently to moisture. A geotechnical (soil) test identifies the soil class, which determines the structural system needed for stability. More reactive soils may require specialised engineering.
Soil Classifications include:
- A – Stable sand/rock (minimal movement)
- S – Slightly reactive clay
- M – Moderately reactive clay/silt
- H – Highly reactive clay
- E – Extremely reactive soils
- P – Problem sites (e.g., soft soils, erosion-prone, or subject to abnormal moisture)
We’ll help you interpret the results and recommend practical, cost-effective foundation solutions.
Additional Considerations
Elevation & Flooding: Is the site above sea level? Is it in a flood-prone zone?
Neighbouring Developments: Use services like planningalerts.org.au to understand what’s proposed nearby.
Privacy: Think about what's next door and how to ensure peace and seclusion.
Existing Structures: Demolishing? Check how this affects new construction approvals.
Heritage Overlays: If your block is in a heritage precinct, Ecoliv can adapt the design and materials to meet those requirements.
Investment Value
Make the most of your land, sooner
Once you purchase a block, you’ll begin to incur holding costs—such as council rates, water, and mortgage interest—even before you build. Choosing Ecoliv means your home is built faster, helping you reduce those costs and realise both financial and lifestyle returns sooner.
Our streamlined build process allows us to complete homes in nearly half the time of conventional builds, without compromising on design or quality.
Note: These insights are general in nature. We always recommend you seek independent professional advice when purchasing land.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Request a Free Digital Site Assessment
Not sure where to begin? Our team offers a complimentary digital site assessment to help you understand the possibilities for your block—before you commit.
Book your free site assessment and take the first step toward a smarter, faster, more sustainable home.
