Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Incorporating:
Architectural Guideline Details
Architectural Review Submission Documents
Arlington Estate - Architectural Guidelines Home Owners Constitution
Contents
Item Page
1. Introduction 1
2. Role of the Architectural Committee 1
3. Design Guidelines 2
4. General Design Criteria 2
5. List of prohibited Trees and Vegetation 5
6. Sketch Plans 5
7. Design Recommendations and Restrictions 5
8. Design Review Process 6
9. Submission Forms 8
10. Sites and Services 8
11. Note 8
12. Submission Document 9
13. Checklists 10
Arlington Estate - Architectural Guidelines Home Owners Constitution 1
1. INTRODUCTION
1.1. The purpose of the Architectural Committee (hereinafter the AC) is to protect the long-term vision
of the Developer and the values of Arlington Estate property within the development by acting as an
aesthetic regulator.
1.2. It will be incumbent upon any Member within the Development, to obtain approval from the Architectural
Committee before making submissions to the Local Authority for any necessary approvals with respect
to proposed house building, landscaping and external features.
1.3. The Architectural Committee will take a holistic view of what is deemed to be beneficial to Arlington
Estate whilst at the same time balancing each individual Members requirements.
1.4. Members should take particular care of Civil Aviation regulations applicable to Arlington Estate given
Arlington Estates proximity to the Harare International Airport and plans submitted to the Architectural
Committee must conform to the same.
1.5. It is emphasised that this document is for the purpose of guidance only and apart from those items
specifically excluded within the Constitution all submissions will be treated on merit after discussion
between each Member and the Architectural Committee.
2.1. The purpose of the Architectural Committee is to, inter alia, regulate and control development within
Arlington Estate to the benefit and best interests of the community, in accordance with the vision of the
Developer and to the satisfaction of the Local Authority.
2.2. The Architectural Committee will determine the hours and conditions that will apply to building contractors
and building operations.
2.3. All Contractors, sub contractors and affiliated contractors are bound by the regulations contained within
the Constitution.
2.4. The Architectural Committee may, subject to the terms of the Constitution, alter any part of the
requirement of these guidelines.
2.5. All queries relating to submission procedures should be directed to the Architectural Committee.
2.6. The Architectural Committee will enforce the contents of this document and any other requirements
specified in the Constitution at their discretion. To this extent each design will be treated on its own
merits. However, the Architectural Committee shall not unreasonably withhold approval.
Arlington Estate - Architectural Guidelines Home Owners Constitution 2
3. DESIGN GUIDELINES
3.1. Arlington Estate is a residential estate incorporating commercial, institutional and recreational facilities.
As a result, the Architectural Committee encourages the development of houses within certain parameters
referred to as Design Guidelines. House designs must take due cognisance of environmental setting, good
manners in architecture and fences appropriate to aesthetic and functional needs.
3.2. A desirable residential streetscape must be adopted, whilst at the same time affording adequate privacy.
Due to the fact that the entire property is to be bounded by a high security fence and gated, screen walls,
landscaping and lighting must be carefully considered.
3.3. The Development will have distinct zones having their own particular attributes. The creation of a common
theme in conformity with the essential ethos of the Development should be followed. The objective is
to create a vibrant community having a unique lifestyle.
4.1. All Stands will share common design criteria. The application of these criteria will result in a harmony of
style. This particularly applies to finishes, colours, roofs, walls and general fenestration. Architects, draughts-
persons and designers working within the Arlington Estate will achieve a desirable aesthetic end result,
whilst at the same time providing for individuals requirements and tastes. It is considered essential that
a sense of harmony through good manners in design is achieved at Arlington Estate.
4.2. These general guidelines seek to identify the key elements comprising all buildings at Arlington Estate and set
out to identify what is deemed to be acceptable (and that which is unacceptable ) if an overall quality
development is to be achieved in terms of aesthetics, architectural, environmental, security and living standards.
4.3. The Model Building By-Laws (1977) (hereinafter MBBL) is the legal authority on which any design criteria
must meet as a minimum.
Arlington Estate - Architectural Guidelines Home Owners Constitution 3
FENCING & ENCLOSURES * Screen walls matching main * Electric perimeter fence
house
* Max 2.1m on drying * See general
yards/ domestic quarters
* Diamond mesh fencing in
immediate vicinity of buildings
* Electric fence at the top only
The following trees have been put on this list to prevent the overtaking of indigenous vegetation by so called exotic
invaders which have become naturalised and are classed by some botanists as indigenous. Eucalyptus & Conifers
are prohibited due to their non-indigenous state and their penchant for large consumption of water. We trust that
you will respect this.
Toona Ciliata (Toon or Cedrilla) This is a very strong self propagating plant and takes over large areas very quickly.
Jacaranda - Inclined to fast self propagating. (not the beautiful pink jacaranda, which is indigenous to Africa).
Bauhinias. The self propagating common Bauhinia is prohibited. There are beautiful indigenous Bauhinias such as the
Bauhinia Galpinii and the Bauhinia Paniculata.
Non-indigenous shrubs are allowed unless, for some reason, they are prohibited by any Applicable Laws eg. Lantana
(harmful to animals).
6. SKETCH PLANS
Sketch plans and working drawings must be submitted to the Architectural Committee for approval prior to submission
to the Local Authority. The following are required:
6.1. Site plan (at a scale of 1:500) showing the site, building lines, entrances, boundary treatment, structures, paving,
pool and all other improvements.
6.2. Floor Plan (1:50 or 1:100) and elevations to scale (1:100), including a description of the finishes.
6.4. Two (2) paper copies of each drawing will need to be submitted to the Architectural Committee before
proposals will be considered and a duly completed checklist
7.1.2. The floor area shall be not less than 130 square metres.
7.2. Outbuildings
7.2.2. These may be domestic quarters, garages, gazebos, pool change rooms, play houses and the like. They are
permitted outside the first and second footprints, provided they do not exceed 25m2.
7.3.3. Only houses specifically permitted by the Architectural Committee and indicated as such on the site plan
may be two (2) storeys high (but not more). The remaining Stands must be of single storey construction.
Arlington Estate - Architectural Guidelines Home Owners Constitution 6
7.4.1. The exterior profile of all houses will be wood float plaster and painted.
7.4.2. Trims (the exterior of window frames, door frames, gutters, downpipes, barge boards, metal railing etc)
shall be painted with enamel paint.
7.4.3. All exterior doors will either be natural timber (sealed with an appropriate clear varnish) or painted.
7.4.4. The plinth of any building may be face-brick or paint matching roof paint.
7.4.5. All finishing material and colour combinations on each Stand must be submitted to the Architectural
Committee for approval, as part of the STAGE TWO SUBMISSION PROCESS.
7.4.6. All roofs will be designed and built to not more than a 35 degree pitch.
7.4.7. Verandas, either aproned or skirted, may be built and must have either a 35 degree or 17 degree pitch.
7.4.8. The tops of all exposed walls will be finished with the standard coping blocks.
7.4.10. Air-conditioning installed on any Stand should be designed and screened off in such a way that air-
conditioning units are not visible from the outside of the house constructed on any Stand.
7.4.11. Only awnings, canopies or shutters (including their colours) that are clearly designed as part of the
structure of a building will be approved by the Architectural Committee.
7.5. Chimneys
7.5.2. Each chimney must stand at 300mm above the roof, measured from the ridge.
7.6.1. Bay Windows are permitted on each Stand provided they are covered by a natural extension of the
roofline or they are independently covered with a purpose-cast slab. However, an independent roofing
or flashing is only permitted with the special prior consent of the Architectural Committee.
8.1. Members may have their houses designed by registered architects, which is recommended, or draughts-persons
or designers of their choice.
8.2. Members architects/draughts persons can obtain certain documentation and plans relevant to the site through
the Arlington Estate Offices (hereinafter the Office).
8.3. Detailed surveys on the Members Stands may be arranged through the Office; however, all expenses incurred
in procuring these surveys are for the applicable Members account.
8.4. The following steps should be taken in relation to any processes conducted in terms of this clause 8 (please
use the form letters set out in this document).
Arlington Estate - Architectural Guidelines Home Owners Constitution 7
The design review process is separated into two stages, followed by a Final Inspection upon completion of the
completed build, which if approved then grants a Final AC Approval.
Stage One Review notes the layout, architectural design, roof, swimming pools, driveways, roof fixtures, boundary
enclosures, street design and landscaping. Stage One Review submission is required prior to submission to the
Local Authority.
The Stage Two Finishes and Fixtures notes the finishes of the build are in compliance with the AC Guidelines.
Stage Two Review may be submitted, if all details are finalised, simultaneously with Stage One, alternatively, it is
required to be submitted when the build has reached roof level.
STAGE ONE
STEP 1
2 COPIES Final floor plans, elevations, site plan with duly completed Stage One Checklist and a Submission Checklist,
to be submitted to AC for review.
Stage One Checklist is to be completed by the architect.
Current fee should be attached to the submission.
The Office will advise on the schedule of fees which shall be amended from time to time.
STEP 2
Collect reviewed plans & AC Checklist
Discussions with AC if necessary
Stage One Review Certificate will be issued based on:
AC Approval from Developers Nominee
Current purchase price and other applicable fees payable to the Developer in terms of your Agreement of Sale.
AC will retain one set of plans for their records
STEP 3
Upon being issued an AC Stage One Review Certificate, 2 copies of the plans are to be submitted to the Local Authority.
On Approval by the Local Authority, advise AC for administration purposes of the City of Harare Approval Number
and anticipated date for construction to commence.
STAGE TWO
STEP 1
Completed Stage Two Checklist to the AC for review, along with any notes required, regarding the finishes of
the build.
Stage Two Checklist is to be completed by the Home Owner.
Submission is required when construction is at Roof Level, if not previously submitted and approved per Stage One.
STEP 2
Collect reviewed plans/AC Checklist
Discussions with AC if necessary
Stage Two Review Certificate will be issued based on :
AC Approval from Developers Nominee
Current purchase price and other applicable fees payable to the Developer in terms of your Agreement of Sale.
AC will retain one checklist for their records
Arlington Estate - Architectural Guidelines Home Owners Constitution 8
NOTES
9. SUBMISSION FORMS
Members should endeavour to use appropriate forms as attached and as per sample and obtainable at the
Arlington Office and online.
10.1. All specific details with respect to the sites and development area can be obtained from the Arlington Estate
Offices at the above given address.
10.2. All queries and documentation must be directed to the Architectural Committee through the Office at
46 Montgomery Road, Highlands, Harare or to the site offices at Arlington Estate.
11. NOTE
11.1. This document should be read in conjunction with the Constitution to which it is attached. All definitions and
interpretations as defined therein are applicable to this document.
11.2. This document does not take preference over any clause in the Agreement of Sale; nor does it take any preference
over the Constitution.
11.3. This document does not take preference over any Applicable Laws or statutory requirements and Architects
and Members should check on these requirements for each Stand.
11.4. The Architectural Committee can only evaluate the aesthetics of any submission, and cannot bear any responsibility
for technical, structural, health or safety standards, nor for non-compliance with any Applicable Laws or statutory
requirements.
11.5. The Architectural Committee is not responsible for any structural defects in any structure built in compliance
with the plans submitted to them and approved by them.
Arlington Estate - Architectural Guidelines Home Owners Constitution 9
Date E-mail
Dear Sirs,
Please find attached the below mentioned drawings for perusal and preliminary approval by the Architectural Committee.
All rooms named All floor levels and external levels (relative to contours)
Building Lines
SAMPLES
Finishes
GENERAL INFORMATION
Area of ground Floor Area of First Floor
Yours Faithfully,
Signature Name
Architect Name
This requires to be completed as the first submission of plans to the AC, prior to submission to the Local Authority.
Stage One may be submitted simultaneously with Stage 2 if desired.
House
Domestic Quarters/Outbuilding/Shed
Outbuildings/Garden Sheds/Garages
2 Architectural Style
No castellated parapet/tunnels
3 Roof
No reflective colours/materials
Arlington Estate - Architectural Guidelines Home Owners Constitution 11
No visible pumps
5 Paving/Driveways
Suitably paved/surfaced
6 Verandah/Pergolas/Balconies
No shade cloth
7 Garages/Sheds/Domestic Quarters
No fibreglass roofing
No reflective colours
No bright/gaudy/reflective colours
No prefab/temporary structures
Palisade fencing
11 Garden Features
No obstruction of streams/waterways
Roof Pitch
Driveway material
Landscaping plan
ARLINGTON ESTATE ARCHITECTURAL GUIDELINES - STAGE TWO FINISHES AND FIXTURES CHECKLIST
Please note this is to be completed by the Home Owner. This checklist is due for submission once the build has
reached and received COH roof level inspection approval, alternatively this can be submitted similtaneousley as
the Stage One Check List if all of the finer details are known.
COH Approval Number Copy of COH approvals taken and added to file
1 General
No obtrusive structures/fixtures
No reflective finishes
2 Roof
3 Windows/Doors
4 Swimming Pools
No visible pumps
ARLINGTON ESTATE ARCHITECTURAL GUIDELINES - STAGE TWO FINISHES AND FIXTURES CHECKLIST
5 Aerials/Satellite Dishes/
Roof fixtures/Solar panels
No reflective colours
No bright/gaudy/reflective colours
No prefab/temporary structures
Palacade fencing
13 Garden Features
ARLINGTON ESTATE ARCHITECTURAL GUIDELINES - STAGE TWO FINISHES AND FIXTURES CHECKLIST
No obstruction of streams/waterways
Please provide details to the finer finishings of the build, where applicable:
Roof Material
Roof Colour
Landscaping Plan
CONTACT DETAILS
Telephone: +263 (04) 497231 / 496833
496773 / 495054.
Admin Mobile: 0783 180 658
Email: admin@arlingtonzw.com
secretary@arlingtonhoamc.com
www.arlington.co.zw