David Haslingden submits development plans for The Crescent Vaucluse
There’s blending in with your natural surroundings and then there’s dreaming up a home boasting a “green roof” covered entirely with plant life on one of Vaucluse’s most exclusive streets.
Wentworth Courier
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There’s blending in with your natural surroundings and then there’s dreaming up a home boasting a “green roof” covered entirely with plant life on one of Vaucluse’s most exclusive streets.
Television production company boss David Haslingden and his wife Alexa have submitted plans to Woollahra council earlier this month for the curious yet captivating two level home to be built on The Crescent overlooking Parsley Bay.
The Haslingdens bought the home currently on the site, which they plan to demolish, from former Woollahra councillor Carlene Blumberg and her husband Michael for $10.5 million last year.
The Blumbergs purchased the spectacular location in 1977 for $239,000.
This isn’t the first time the Haslingdens have bought on The Crescent, having purchased across the road in 1997 for $2.5 million.
Mr Haslingden, a former Nine chairman and Fox Networks president whose father Bruce competed in cross country skiing at the Olympics, is in good company on The Crescent with hotel magnate Dr Jerry Schwartz who owns $62.5 million Phoenix Acres mansion among his neighbours.
Development application documents show the two storey, three bedroom new home will also have family, living and dining rooms along with an attached garage and outdoor alfresco area.
The documents explain the unique roof is not only eye catching but serves an important purpose.
“The proposed roofs will be wholly vegetated to reduce the amount of stormwater run-off from the property,” the documents read.
“In this instance the roof will be layered and finished as a green roof over a concrete base. This will significantly reduce the amount of stormwater run-off and negating the need for any visible drainage.”
While the Balagna Design architectural plans comply with height restrictions in the area they don’t fall within the allowable setbacks.
However, it is argued in the DA plans there is a good reason.
“The noncompliance is the result of a design that has given an increased setback to the southern property to allow additional solar access to the neighbouring property and to achieve a compliant floor space ratio,” the documents read.
Mrs Haslingden is well known in US society circles as she is the daughter of big tobacco boss Hugh Cullman who retired as vice president of cigarette company Philip Morris.