The Architect Homes Edition 2021 by Australian Institute of Architects

The Architect WA Homes Edition 2021

PROJECT TYPE

Helping your roof keep its cool Vent-a-Roof® is a unique concealed passive ridge ventilation system that promotes the circulation of cool air through roof spaces. •

Improves roof ventilation with continuous airflow, reducing AC energy consumption

•

Removes or reduces the need for numerous individual exhaust penetrations

•

Mitigates condensation, and unhealthy humidity, mould and mildew

•

Keeps spaces cooler in summer and manages condensation in winter

•

A passive system with no moving parts to wear out or maintain

•

A cyclonic and BAL compliant roof ventilation solution

•

Suitable for most Fielders roofing profiles and applications

NCC COMPLIANT

To find out more about Vent-a-Roof®, please email us at perthorders@fielders.com.au B

Vent-a-Roof® and the Vent-A-Roof brand mark are registered trademarks of Vent-A-Roof Pty Ltd ABN 97 622 174 145. COLORBOND® steel, BlueScope, the BlueScope brand mark, are trademarks of BlueScope Steel Limited. PROJECT TYPE The Fielders® range of products is exclusively made by or for BlueScope Steel Limited trading as Fielders. © BlueScope Steel Limited May 2021 ABN 16 000 011 058. All rights reserved. NC1378 - May-21

TheFielders FieldersFinesse Finesse®®range rangeincludes includesvarious variousprofiles, profiles,Boulevard Boulevard™™,,Shadowline Shadowline®®305, 305,Prominence Prominence™™,, The Grandeur®®and andNeo NeoRoman Roman®®..All Allprofiles profileshave havebeen beendesigned designedto tocombine combinethe theaesthetic aestheticappeal, appeal, Grandeur durabilityand andflexibility flexibilityof ofsteel steelcladding claddingand andare areavailable availablein inaadiverse diverserange rangeof ofmaterials materials durability ® ® includingtraditional traditionalCOLORBOND COLORBOND® steel steeland andhigh-end high-endCOLORBOND COLORBOND® Metallic Metallicand andMatt Mattsteel steel including

finishes,offering offeringoptions optionsto tosuit suitany anystyle. style. finishes,

fielders.com.au/finesse || specifying.fielders.com.au specifying.fielders.com.au fielders.com.au/finesse CONTENTS

Project: City Beach Residence by Giorgi. Installed by Steck Roofing Project: City Beach Residence by Giorgi. Installed by Steck Roofing

Rock Around The Block Using Midland Brick masonry blocks, leading WA architect Andrew Hagemann’s latest design Filter House has achieved a 7.1 NatHERS Star rating. With a brief strong on environmental performance, thermal mass is employed using concrete masonry walls to create a robust and life fulfilling environment. Breeze Blocks are used to filter the harsh eastern and western sunlight through flanking filigree blade walls.

PROJECT TYPE

IN THIS ISSUE... 16

30 The Australian Institute of Architects is the peak body for architecture in Australia representing over 11,500 members globally, committed to raising design standards and positively shaping the places where we live, work and meet. ‘The Architect’ is the official publication of the Australian Institute of Architects – WA Chapter. This WA Homes 2021 edition focuses on West Australian homes designed by West Australian architects.

EAST FREMANTLE HOUSE / NIC BRUNSDON

OWSTON HILL / MEAGHAN WHITE ARCHITECT

ORIENT STREET RESIDENCE / PHILIP STEJSKAL

00 56

GLYDE STREET APARTMENTS / MJA STUDIO

Kedela wer kalyakoorl ngalak Wadjak boodjak yaak. Today and always, we stand on the traditional land of the Whadjuk Noongar people.

PROJECTS 08 GARDEN HOUSE spaceagency

46 OWSTON HILL MEAGHAN WHITE ARCHITECT

16 EAST FREMANTLE HOUSE NIC BRUNSDON

52 EMMANUEL COMMUNITY HOUSE LANIGAN ARCHITECTS

24 FILTER HOUSE ANDREW HAGEMANN ARCHITECTURE

56 GLYDE STREET APARTMENTS MJA STUDIO

30 ORIENT STREET RESIDENCE PHILIP STEJSKAL

60 LUCENT APARTMENTS HILLAM

36 BAYSWATER HOUSE ROBESON ARCHITECTS

64 MARINA EAST APARTMENTS HAMES SHARLEY

42 AUGUSTA BOAT HOUSE WHITEHAUS

68 PALMYRA TERRACES MDC ARCHITECTS

ISSUES

MEDIUM DENSITY 74 / HOMELESSNESS 77 / APARTMENTS 84

RETROSPECTIVE PRACTICE PROFILE ARCHITECT AT HOME CLIENT LIAISON

88 KRANTZ AND SHELDON

91 CO-ARCHITECTURE

94 SAM KLOPPER

SWANBOURNE HOUSE BY ANDREW BOYNE

FILTER HOUSE / ANDREW HAGEMANN ARCHITECTURE

CONTENTS

CREDITS Editorial Director

Printing Advance Press

Managing Editor Beata Davey

Publisher Institute of Architects WA Chapter 33 Broadway Nedlands WA 6009 T: (08) 6324 3100 architecture.com.au @architects_wa

Sandy Anghie

Contributing Editor Emma Adams Editorial Panel Sandy Anghie Beata Davey Felicity McDonald Cassandra Simpson Dion Robeson Assistant Editor Cassandra Simpson Plans + Drawing Preparation Lee Yang Yang Magazine Design Felicity McDonald – Public Creative

Advertising Enquiries wa@architecture.com.au editor@thearchitectwa.com Editorial Enquiries editor@thearchitectwa.com Cover Image Palmyra Terraces by MDC Architects Photograph: Dion Robeson

Masthead Design Studio Field

Warranty: Persons and/or organisations and their servants and agents or assigns upon lodging with the publisher for publication or authorising or approving the publication of any advertising material indemnify the publisher, the editor, its servants and agents against all liability for, and costs of, any claims or proceedings whatsoever arising from such publication. Persons and/or organisations and their servants and agents and assigns warrant that the advertising material lodged, authorised or approved for publication complies with all relevant laws and regulations and that its publication will not give rise to any rights or liabilities against the publisher, the editor, or its servants and agents under common and/ or statute law and without limiting the generality of the foregoing further warrant that nothing in the material is misleading or deceptive or otherwise in breach of the Trade Practices Act 1974. Important Disclaimer: The views expressed in this publication are those of the individual authors and do not necessarily reflect the position of the Australian Institute of Architects. Material should also be seen as general comment and not intended as advice on any particular matter. No reader should act or fail to act on the basis of any material contained herein. Readers should consult professional advisors. The Australian Institute of Architects, its officers, the editor and authors expressly disclaim all and any liability to any persons whatsoever in respect of anything done or omitted to be done by any such persons in reliance whether in whole or in part upon any of the contents of this publication. All photographs are by the respective contributor unless otherwise noted.

ISSN: 2653-1445 (ONLINE)

CELEBRATING 90 YEARS OF THE AUSTRALIAN INSTITUTE OF ARCHITECTS

As we mark our 90th year, we’ll be looking back on how Australian architecture has shaped our cities and communities, recognising the rich history and bright future of the architectural profession.

PROJECT TYPE

FOREWORD

From the State Manager

From the Chapter President

The big emphasis of this 2021 WA Homes edition of The Architect is on density done well – with a focus on measurable good design, housing diversity for the future, increased amenity, innovation and sustainability of our built environment.

The breadth of homes on display in this 2021 WA Homes edition of The Architect, and the thoughtfulness of their design, is stunning. A certain 2020s style seems to be emerging – slightly rustic with beautiful materiality. It’s not so much about glitz and glamour but rather a surfeit of soul.

The future growth of our urbanities cannot sustainably continue unchecked. There must be a mindset shift to high-quality density, with encouragement for alteration and retrofitting of our current building stock, and future proofing of new developments for longer life cycles.

There are fabulous examples of homes commissioned by clients who appreciate the value an architect can add. None of the budgets are huge, but the bang for buck certainly is. In terms of investment, employing an architect is one of the best decisions one can make.

Australian Institute of Architects

This year we welcomed the release of the draft Medium Density Policy, so in this edition we are pleased to interview West Australian Planning Commission Chairman David Caddy and the West Australian Government Architect Rebecca Moore to discuss the future impact of the policy on our built environment. Alongside this new policy, there will be a great opportunity for architects to leverage their skill and ability to produce ‘good design’ for more holistic service provision within our state. We look forward to a higher design quality re-focus in the future of our built environment. Lastly, a big thank you to our editor Sandy Anghie and her team of contributors for their hard work in producing this first edition of The Architect for 2021. We also thank for their continued support our patrons Living Edge and Midland Brick, and our publication advertisers Fielders, Loam and Hillam Architects.

Beata Davey

But this edition contains a lot more than the kind of homes typically seen in magazines. This year our attention has turned to density with the recent release of stage two of the R codes revision – the draft Medium Density Policy. This new Policy will have a profound influence on residential stock in Western Australia. It targets the worst of middle ring infill, and proposes a garden-led planning solution that mandates tree retention, encourages diversity, and ensures light and ventilation to all dwellings. As we get denser in our suburbs, these reforms are essential and long overdue. Homelessness is also in the spotlight this year and in this edition it is the contributions by Peter Lee, Kieran Wong and Michele Blakeley that perhaps need our most serious attention. These opinion pieces highlight an issue that is simply unacceptable in a society like ours – a lack of access to the fundamental right to shelter. While we can all appreciate high design, we must become agents of change in advocating a baseline quality of housing, and access for all.

Peter Hobbs

FOREWORD

CONTRIBUTORS

Felicity McDonald

Cassandra Simpson

Lee Yang Yang

Gemma Bogue

Andrew Boyne

Millie Gillespie

Phil Griffiths

Dr Emil Jonescu

Reinette Roux

Amber Sheldon

Pip Smith

Jonathan Speer

Domenic Trimboli

Felicity is a Graphic Designer and co-manages Public Creative with her husband Peter. Together they have been managing the design and production of The Architect magazine since 2013.

Millie completed her undergraduate degree in architecture at the University of Western Australia after previously studying fine art. She also studied at the Accademia di Architettura di Mendrisio. Millie currently works at spaceagency architects and writes for an Italian architecture and design publication based in Milan.

Pip is a Perth-based architect who has practised throughout WA for over 10 years. She is passionate about unifying all design professionals for exceptional built environment outcomes.

Cassandra is currently completing her Masters of Architecture at the University of Western Australia.

Philip studied architecture at the Polytechnic of the South Bank in London, returning to Australia in 1983 to start his own practice. He has completed projects in almost all typologies, with a recent focus on heritage.

Having first enjoyed a career as an actor and a writer in both Australia and the UK, Jonathan retrained as an architect. He now works with the team at MJA Studio.

Yang Yang is a Senior Architect at Philip Stejskal Architecture. He is also an artist, EmAGN subcommittee co-chair, and often teaches at Curtin University.

Emil is an educator, researcher, and registered architect working on civic projects and public infrastructure. He has worked extensively with semi-nomadic living cultures in Sarawak – forming connections with Australian Indigenous and non-indigenous people.

Domenic is a registered architect, and a PhD student and academic in the areas of architecture and urban planning at The University of Melbourne.

CONTRIBUTORS

Gemma is a public relations consultant with more than twenty years’ experience, specialising in genuine communications across the corporate, government and not for profit sectors.

Reinette is a Graduate of Architecture at Hames Sharley, and currently Co-Chairs EmAGN WA. She is passionate about the future of architecture, as seen through the lens of the current emerging architects, and what this might mean in working towards a sustainable world.

Andrew is an architect at Andrew T Boyne Architect.

Amber is a former journalist with over twenty years experience in public relations and communications. As the daughter of architect George Sheldon she is genetically predisposed to an obsession with design. She is the founder and director of Pretzel Communications.

FROM THE EDITOR

The projects in this edition of The Architect illustrate the many, varied interpretations of home in Western Australia – from spaceagencyʼs renovated heritage project the Garden House, through to MJA Studioʼs new multi-residential community at Glyde Street. But one thing all of our featured housing projects have in common is a focus on landscape and connection to the outdoors. With a move toward increased density in Perth’s suburbs, it is great to see that a focus on quality outdoor spaces is central to the new draft Medium Density Policy. We discuss the new policy and also showcase a built example in MDC Architects’ Palmyra Terraces. Featured on our cover, this project comprises seven beautifully crafted dwellings where green space is at the forefront.

Everyone’s meaning of home is unique – not only in how their home looks, but also in how it feels. It is the role of the architect to take their client’s abstract sense of home and turn it into a physical reality.

Living with a global pandemic for the past year has not only made us more conscious of the quality of indoor spaces and the need for connection with outside. It has also changed the way we work, and think about work, which makes relevant the story on the new CO-architecture platform created by Kevin Mitchem and Wade Smith. CO-architecture is a web-based platform to help architects find work or talent – wherever you work. Another issue that has come into sharp focus during the past year is that not everyone is fortunate to have a place to call home. And so, in this edition, we share the opinions of three architects active in advocating for social and affordable housing and ending homelessness. Peter Lee talks about his work with Foundation Housing, Michelle Blakeley explains her “My Home” project and new Shelter WA chairperson Kieran Wong shares his insights. As is the tradition with The Architect, the stories in the magazine have been written by volunteers, architects and writers kindly volunteering their time and talent to help us promote West Australian architects and architecture. Thank you to all of our contributors. Thank you also to our graphic designer, Felicity McDonald, for her beautiful work. We hope this “WA Homes” edition of The Architect provides you with inspiration and that you enjoy our stories, with their varied styles and points of view. Let us know what you think. Write to me editor@thearchitectwa.com Sandy Anghie

FROM THE EDITOR

GARDEN HOUSE spaceagency

PROJECT TYPE

WORDS: CASSANDRA SIMPSON PHOTOGRAPHY: DION ROBESON

North Fremantle’s Garden House – impeccably renovated by Fremantle architecture practice spaceagency – is a purposeful arrangement of spaces creating a playful and textured home with a strong focus on the outdoors. Originally used as a townhouse for the current owner’s Esperancebased farming family when she was a child, the heritage-listed cottage is now a permanent home for a busy family of five. The original Federation style cottage was typical of its era. “Cool and dark, the house functioned as a retreat from the world,” says spaceagency’s Dimmity Walker. “It was constructed from solid limestone and had the small windows and verandah characteristic of houses constructed at that time – and there was no connection to the outdoors.” Over the years, the current owners had considered renovating and adding to the old cottage. However, there was not enough outside space remaining so renovation plans were put on hold until the block next door became available. The site is now an

amalgamation of two blocks, creating a larger L-shaped lot with two street frontages. “The additional land has allowed the owners to prioritise the outdoors,” says Dimmity. “This was a deliberate inversion of the trend for larger houses on small blocks, often resulting in marginal, non-useable outdoor spaces which provide no connection to the built form.” The original cottage was retained for its solid, singular form and its unique qualities. Rather than fighting the lack of external connection and light in the original structure, spaceagency has embraced and retained this sense of retreat and darkness. Through a series of carefully considered gestures, the existing cottage and new addition intentionally provide different experiences.

GARDEN HOUSE / spaceagency

PALMYRA TERRACES / MDC ARCHITECTS

GARDEN HOUSE / spaceagency

A restrained and modest restoration and expansion of the heritage cottage has created a conversation between light and dark, inside and out. The new contrasts with the old and the carefully considered additions open the cottage up to the outside and bring the landscape and light in. “All spaces lead to the outdoors,” says Dimmity. “The outside effectively defines the inside and the outdoor areas have been used as the primary ordering device for the residence.”

Although an exercise in contrasts, the transition from the old to the new is seamless. A deliberately restrained materials palette combined with an elemental approach creates a sense of equilibrium. “White painted brick, raw concrete and natural timber combine to create a feeling of space, light and air akin to a beach house, taking cues from the ocean aspect to the west, and complimenting the cool, darker spaces within the original limestone cottage,” says Dimmity.

This has resulted in a series of connections between indoor and outdoor spaces. The original kitchen hearth was transformed into the centrepiece for an outdoor room, an intelligent extension of the new kitchen and dining room. A generous roof terrace captures the expansive ocean views, while landscaping to the front welcomes visitors. A “romping garden” acts as the traditional backyard and a towering Norfolk Island Pine, a local landmark, forms the pivot point of the cottage. Its canopy is enjoyed from numerous aspects within the house and its visibility from the nearby beach, and throughout the neighbourhood, is the family home’s anchor and point of reference. Each of these garden spaces activates the home’s interior, connecting the new spaces with the outdoors while imposing a contemporary sensibility on the existing cottage.

An acute understanding of materiality by the architects is illustrated in the limited set of materials used both internally and externally. Painted brick and timber are used both inside and out and, in a playful reference to what it contains, the bathroom is tiled externally with the same tiles used within. Garden House is a play on contrasts. The juxtaposition of old and new, the interplay of light and shadow, the creation of spaces encouraging congregation and contemplation and the overarching connectivity to the outdoors has resulted in a family home that “sparks joy” every day. ■

GARDEN HOUSE / spaceagency

SECTION

GARDEN HOUSE

SUPPLIERS

ARCHITECT spaceagency www.spaceagency.com.au studio@spaceagency.com.au spaceagency_architects

Cabinetwork Benchmark Cabinets

DESIGN TEAM Dimmity Walker Tobias Busch Monique Annesley Julia Kaptein

FIRST FLOOR PLAN

CONSULTANTS Structural Engineering: Chris Samson ESD: CADDS Group Landscape: by owners

GROUND FLOOR PLAN

SPACEAGENCY

10 M

Floors APCG Polished Concrete Instinct Carpentry Lighting Alti Lighting Tiling Original Ceramics Myaree Ceramics Artedomus Bathroom fixtures Sea of White

BUILDER Talo Construction Pty Ltd; completed April 2020

Furniture Bespoke room divider by Squarepeg Home

SITE North Fremantle 1200 sqm site (amalgamated lots); existing house 90 sqm renovation, 200 sqm addition

Exterior cladding Iron Ash timber cladding Equitone CFC wall and soffit lining Painted brick

GARDEN HOUSE / spaceagency

PROJECT TYPE

EAST FREMANTLE HOUSE NIC BRUNSDON

PROJECT TYPE

WORDS: CASSANDRA SIMPSON PHOTOGRAPHY: DION ROBESON

Located on a narrow, east-west oriented block in a heritage precinct, East Fremantle House by Nic Brunsdon is a respectful and intelligent addition to an old workers cottage that is typical of the area. When the current owners, now a growing family of four, purchased the property, the original 1905 cottage was accompanied by a midcentury addition. “Following the removal of the addition, typically the response would have been to double its mass backwards,” says Nic. “Instead, we focussed on the length of the block and created a perpendicular extension along the southern boundary to capture the northern sun and summer’s cooling south westerly breezes.” In order to celebrate the local climate and engage with the natural environment, traditional design principles were turned on their head. “We started with the garden and the building itself became secondary to that,” says Nic. “We essentially created a void where the garden was going to be and adapted the desired program around that space.” By adopting this approach, Nic is giving effect to his belief that sustainability is a first principle and should always be inherent in good design. “Sustainability is the starting point, not

a selling point,” says Nic. “By appropriately positioning the addition to access natural light and using cross-ventilation and thermal mass, sustainability becomes embedded in the built form.” While aesthetically beautiful, East Fremantle House contains no unnecessary indulgences. Amenity and function were key to the design and both the clients and Nic sought to create a home that would be able to adapt to the ever-changing needs of a growing family. The spaces have a “fixed flexibility” and are adaptable and able to be used for different purposes. The master suite could easily be used as an office, one of the minor bedrooms is currently being used as the master bedroom and yet another bedroom is being used as a playroom. “It is important that this house can adapt and respond to the changing patterns of family life,” says Nic. “The owners see this as their home for the next 15 to 20 years and we have provided for future uses in the design.”

EAST FREMANTLE HOUSE / NIC BRUNSDON

Another focus of Nic’s design is the elimination or minimisation of dead space. “All good design seeks to reduce single use space,” says Nic. “The most obvious example of this is the corridor so, typically, we try to find another use for these spaces.” In his search for amenity, Nic has adapted the entry corridor to provide study nooks which face outward to the eastern garden yet at the same time retain a visual connection with the kitchen, living and dining areas. The choice of materials reference traditional methods of construction. Brick and concrete have been used as a heavy base to provide a sense of reliability and to ground the built form. Encased in this solidity are the public and utilitarian areas, and the areas of family interaction and function. Perched on top of this foundation is a light timber structure which is more informal. Dancing across the top of the structure, vertical timber cladding provides expressiveness that is juxtaposed with the weight and resilience below. The use of curves not only provides a softness, but also references the functional fluidity of the plan. The house is a series of layers that, when peeled back, evince a deep and rich sense of belonging. The sequential arrival along the darker southern side of the house leads visitors into the entry foyer which bridges the old and the new, and highlights the play between light and dark, shadow and light. The new addition transitions seamlessly into the outdoors and the elimination of walls in favour of glass brings the landscape in. Changing light during the day and across the seasons creates an atmosphere that is never static. Nic Brunsdon has created a series of animated spaces that must be journeyed through in order to realise the full effect of the house. More subtle than his much-acclaimed North Perth House, East Fremantle house quietly creates an atmosphere that is not obvious from first impressions, but which evokes a strong sense of place. ■

EAST FREMANTLE HOUSE / NIC BRUNSDON

LITTLE RIVER RESIDENCE / PTX ARCHITECTS

EAST FREMANTLE HOUSE / NIC BRUNSDON

° °

EAST FREMANTLE HOUSE

° °

FLOOR PLAN

UND FLOOR PLAN

ARCHITECT Nic Brunsdon www.nicbrunsdon.com contact@nicbrunsdon.com @nicbrunsdon

FIRST FLOOR PLAN FIRST FLOOR PLAN

DESIGN TEAM Nic Brunsdon Craig Nener Michelle Kar Adam Reynolds

GROUND FLOOR PLAN GROUND FLOOR PLAN

NIC BRUNSDON C BRUNSDON NIC BRUNSDON

10 M

10 M CONSULTANTS

Structural Engineering: Talisman Consulting Landscape: Seed Design Studio

SUPPLIERS Floors Virtscape Tiles Original Ceramics Furniture and objects District AU Coco Flip Nathan Day Design Loam Art Jordy Hewitt Bricks Brickworks

BUILDER Talo Construction; completed December 2020 SITE East Fremantle 550 sqm site; 230 sqm build addition

EAST FREMANTLE HOUSE / NIC BRUNSDON

FILTER HOUSE

ANDREW HAGEMANN ARCHITECTURE

PROJECT TYPE

WORDS: DOMENIC TRIMBOLI PHOTOGRAPHY: ROBERT FRITH

While the inner Perth suburb of Mount Lawley might be better known for its prevalence of Federation style homes, Filter House by Andrew Hagemann Architecture is located within a small pocket of post-war Mediterranean influenced architecture. Putting aside stylistic elements, it was the climatic advantages of the latter, with characteristically high ceilings, light coloured external walls and shaded frontages, that the clients were keen to see in their new house.

With the site running predominantly north-south, perforated blade walls external to the house not only help screen out the harsh eastern and western sun but also help frame semi-enclosed outdoor spaces facing on to the street – much like the front loggias of the neighbouring Mediterranean homes. These semi-enclosed spaces make the front of the house a more useable place to be and foster a closer relationship with the street and neighbourhood. Internally, an asymmetric, butterfly shaped ground-plan deliberately strives to run parallel to the depth of the site rather than the road, creating a quasi “internal street” that runs between the more private zones of children’s bedroom spaces located on one side and living areas on the other. This leaves the upstairs reserved exclusively for a generously sized master bedroom with ensuite and walk-in robe. Conceived simply as a more erudite suburban patio, the area between the ground-floor wings forms a dining space that is simultaneously afforded views and interactions with the front streetscape and surrounding garden. The landscape architect was engaged very early in the design process and the benefit of this is reflected in the resolution of the project being less about a typical “house and garden” relationship

FILTER HOUSE / ANDREW HAGEMANN ARCHITECTURE

EAST FREMANTLE HOUSE / NIC BRUNSDON

FIRST FLOOR PLAN FIRST FLOOR PLAN

GROUND FLOOR PLAN ANDREW HAGEMANN ANDREW HAGEMANN ANDREW HAGEMANN

N N

GROUND FLOOR PLAN GROUND FLOOR PLAN

FIRST FLOOR PLAN

but rather a “house-in-garden” – with far greater variety and quality of outdoor spaces. This planning and formal expression speaks to the lasting influence of the famous mid-century Case Study Houses on Perth architecture, and the enduring reverence for the work of Perth modernist architect Iwan Iwanoff. The home’s defining concrete block walls are an obvious reference to Iwanoff. However, they are neither the grey colouring he typically used, nor the beige seen more often in contemporary homes. Instead, they are an alabaster colour, generally reserved for projects meeting a sizeable minimum order quantity, so it is unique to see them used in a single house. While the colour difference might appear negligible on paper, the warm tonality of sunlight that emanates off the alabaster surface is incomparable. What many residential architects in Perth have come to learn is that painted exterior finishes and complex detailing are unlikely to do either the client or architect many favours in the longer term against the local conditions of driving winds and a scathing summer sun. Materials in this house are therefore prefaced by durability and longevity. Complimenting the masonry walls, there are no painted finishes externally nor plasterboard ceilings internally. Plywood, set against burnished concrete floors, off-form soffits, polished benchtops, and marri timber cabinet work amplify the home’s textural and tonal qualities. So much of this house speaks of movement. On the one hand, there is a more literal interpretation; whereby your eyes can’t help but dart along the perforations of its signature concrete blockwork, following their shadows, or delight in the massing of the first floor rolling over the one beneath. Equally, however, there is also something more temporal here – something that speaks of an architecture “evolving a particularly West Australian response” as its architect, Andrew Hagemann, puts it. ■ 28

FILTER HOUSE / ANDREW HAGEMANN ARCHITECTURE

10 M

FILTER HOUSE

SUPPLIERS

ARCHITECT Andrew Hagemann Architecture www.ah-a.com.au mail@ah-a.com.au @aharchitecture_

Concrete Blockwork Midland Brick “Alabaster” (Exterior) Austral GB Masonry Honed “Porcelain” (Interior)

DESIGN TEAM Tamara Glick (Architect) Annabelle Thomas (Graduate Architect) CONSULTANTS Structural Engineering: Terpkos Engineering Civil + Structural Consultants ESD: Cadds Group – Energy + Sustainability Landscape Architect: Alexandra Farrington Cost Consultant: West Coast Estimating BUILDER Hugo Homes; completed February 2020 SITE Mount Lawley 577 sqm site; 332 sqm build

Cabinetwork Bartholomew’s Design

Europlus Cladding Revolution Roofing Plywood Ceilings Black Maxi Film and Koski Clear from Maxiply Victoria

Floors Hanson Concrete (Supplier) Shine It Systems (Finishing) Lighting Inlite Bathrooms Reece Plumbing Nood Co Concrete Concrete Benchtops Concrete Studio Windows and Doors DGA Windows Australasia

FILTER HOUSE / ANDREW HAGEMANN ARCHITECTURE

ORIENT STREET RESIDENCE PHILIP STEJSKAL

PROJECT TYPE

WORDS: REINETTE ROUX PHOTOGRAPHY: BO WONG

When the team at Philip Stejskal Architecture commenced work on Orient Street Residence in South Fremantle they might just have easily been mistaken for archaeologists, as their work took on a similar process to that of an archaeological dig.

On first inspection of the site, the design team uncovered that the existing 1924 cottage was in fact one of the original workers cottages built for people working at Fremantle Port. It was through further excavation that the team realised an old stable built in 1896 preceded this cottage – and so began the archaeological architecture that informed the foundation and program for the residence, its history forming the central storyline and narrative that would drive the design process. In the same way shade cloth is erected to protect artefacts on a dig from the harsh sun, a timber structure was built to protect the original cottage during the renovation and informed the program and design of the ground floor of the residence. This structure creates separation and tension between the existing stable walls, without interacting or engaging with them directly. The same timber structure makes up the first-floor footprint, separating the living areas from the bedrooms. This, in conjunction with the client’s desire to use natural, raw materials that would weather gracefully and without intervention, makes for a space that is both warm in its welcome, yet contemporary and clean in its reinterpretation of the buildings that came before it.

ORIENT STREET RESIDENCE / PHILIP STEJSKAL

A driving force behind the design, and something that became increasingly significant for the team at Philip Stejskal Architecture, was the separation of spaces without boxing them in. This was curated through the introduction of grey brick blade walls used to bookend different spaces and uses, tied together by the overarching timber structure. Glass used between the timber and blade-wall structure resembles curiosity cabinets often found in museums, treasuring the artefacts that came about during the dig. Included in this list of artefacts is an old cottage stove, which can be seen through a glass panel adjacent to the newly built kitchen. This juxtaposition of old and new has resulted in a contemporary space with the patina of a bygone era. Orient Street Residence illustrates perfectly how architecture can shape and inform the built environment while maintaining key moments held in the past. The sensitivity and respect with which the team at Philip Stejskal Architects addressed the site can be seen in every detail within the space and carries over in the atmosphere created within. The project conveys a sense of calm escapism from the outside world without losing connection to the sense of place created by the histories that came before. ■

FIRST FLOOR PLAN FIRST FLOOR PLAN

GROUND FLOOR PLAN GROUND FLOOR PLAN

PHILIP STEJSKAL PHILIP STEJSKAL

ORIENT STREET RESIDENCE / PHILIP STEJSKAL

0 0

5 5

10 M 10 M

ORIENT STREET RESIDENCE ARCHITECT Philip Stejskal Architecture www.architecturePS.com studio@architecturePS.com.au philip_stejskal_architecture DESIGN TEAM Claire Ward Yang Yang Lee Philip Stejskal CONSULTANTS Structural Engineering: Smalley & Associates ESD: Sustainability WA Geotechnical: Structerre Landscape: Annghi Tran Landscape Architecture Studio BUILDER Vital Building Services; completed January 2020

SUPPLIERS Cabinetwork Ferguson Corporation Floors Speranza ‘Endless Nero Rectified’ tiles Lighting UNIOS Bathrooms Reece, Astra Walker Windows and Doors AWS Exterior cladding Equitone, VM Zinc and IronAsh Other Tegl Petersen Bricks IronAsh timber structure

SITE South Fremantle 473 sqm site; 370 sqm addition including carport and covered outdoor areas

ORIENT STREET RESIDENCE / PHILIP STEJSKAL

PROJECT TYPE

BAYSWATER HOUSE ROBESON ARCHITECTS PROJECT TYPE

WORDS: JONATHAN SPEER PHOTOGRAPHY: DION ROBESON

The most striking thing about Bayswater House is its size or, more aptly, its lack of size. It’s the deft hand of Simone Robeson of Robeson Architects that has delivered the client’s brief of comfortable spaces on a smaller footprint, framing and celebrating the gardens that surround the house.

Sited on Whadjuk Noongar land, with the Swan River to the south, the suburb of Bayswater was occupied by English settlers in the midnineteenth century. The suburb flourished after the introduction of the railway in the late nineteenth century when it attained its current, largely low-density residential character with detached homes set on large blocks. The retention of this historical character was an important driver in the brief for this addition to Bayswater House, with the clients wanting a home with a clear connection to the natural environment. Having lived in the house for a period of time, the clients were able to provide clarity in the brief. They wanted a relaxed space that would complement their collection of furniture, quality of light throughout the day and year and, as ardent gardeners, a strong connection with the fruits and vegetables of their labours. Simone’s view that architecture is working well when it serves “as a backdrop to the lives of the client” is clearly evident in her design with the original weatherboard cottage at the front of the site retained, renovated, celebrated and married to the addition to the rear. The elegant, functional, north-facing rear addition, clad in charcoal Shadowclad, recedes into the surrounding garden while serving as a striking contrast to the original white weatherboard cottage at the front of the property with its pitched terracotta tiled roof.

BAYSWATER HOUSE / ROBESON ARCHITECTS

PALMYRA TERRACES / MDC ARCHITECTS

The addition is separated internally from the original fabric with both a level and material change. The new kitchen steps down from the original jarrah floorboards to the new rear burnished concrete floor of the dining area, which flows on to the new living area and then opens out to the garden to the north. With wonderful access to northern and eastern light, the plan is orientated to create moments of delight and repose. The dining area has a large east-facing cedar frame, bi-fold window, with an integrated banquette seat, that opens on to a pocket of native garden and admits lovely eastern sun in which to enjoy a morning coffee. The rear north-facing living room is a generous space, with ample access to light, and cedar sliding doors framing the beautiful gardens beyond. The two new bedrooms face north to the views of the rear garden. To mitigate against the hot northern sun and to control the quality of light and heat received in the open plan living area throughout the year, the team at Robeson Architects have created a striking timber Laminated Veneer Lumber beam, brise soleil arrayed both vertically and horizontally and joined at right angles. This sculptural element, created using 3D climate modelling to achieve the best outcome, is arrayed to create an interstitial zone between the open plan living space and the garden beyond. Admitting winter sun on the slab, where thermal mass is stored and released on cold winter nights, is just one of the passive sustainability features employed in the design where high levels of insulation and active cross-ventilation deliver maximum amenity. By following up with her clients throughout the seasons to see if the building is delivering on expectations, Simone’s assertion that, “I’m happy if they’re happy” is no empty platitude and goes to her commitment to a quality built environment. ■ 40

BAYSWATER HOUSE / ROBESON ARCHITECTS

BAYSWATER HOUSE ARCHITECT Robeson Architects www.robesonarchitects.com.au simone@robesonarchitects.com.au robeson_architects

SUPPLIERS Floors Jarrah floorboards Burnished concrete with satin finish sealer Recycled bricks for external paving Bathrooms Aged brass plumbing fixtures by Astra Walker

CONSULTANTS Structural Engineering: WA Structural Engineering ESD: The Study Geotechnical: UTS Soiltec

Windows and Doors Aluminum framed windows Movable panels framed in natural cedar Breezeway louvres to bedrooms

BUILDER Riou Renovations; completed December 2018

Exterior cladding Shadowclad Austral Masonry GB Honed in Nickle with three quarter banding

SITE Bayswater 575 sqm site; existing house 70 sqm renovation, 85 sqm addition

6 8 1:250

1:250

DESIGN TEAM Simone Robeson

GROUND FLOOR PLAN

ROBESON

GROUND FLOOR PLAN

10 M 0

ROBESON BAYSWATER HOUSE / ROBESON ARCHITECTS

PROJECT TYPE

AUGUSTA BOAT HOUSE WHITEHAUS

PROJECT TYPE

WORDS: ANDREW BOYNE PHOTOGRAPHY: DION ROBESON

With the traditional character of Augusta under pressure as the holiday home market now bleeds towards the south east, the modest Augusta Boat House by architect Diana Goldswain presents a sympathetic way to engage with the social and environmental context of the area.

area tended to be farmers and people from surrounding areas. As

Augusta is a town located at the mouth of the Blackwood River, fronting Flinders Bay below Cape Leeuwin. The townsite was established in 1830, only a year after the Swan River Colony, and has had various industrial and agricultural functions, including its use as a port and the terminus of a rail line servicing the SouthWest timber industry.

a small, free-standing addition to an existing holiday cottage,

Since the closure of the timber industry, Augusta has become characterised as a community of holiday homes and people living in retirement. Prior to the opening of Forrest Highway and Sues Road, its distance from Perth meant that holiday makers in the

small deck. Standing as a discreet building and nestled into the

a result, the town developed differently to its northern neighbours such as Margaret River, Dunsborough and Busselton. The Augusta township follows the pattern of a traditional rural West Australian town. It has a main commercial road, wide streets arranged in a grid, and large rectangular lots. The houses are modest – usually weatherboard or asbestos cottages nestled between stunted peppermint trees which cling to the sandy soil against the howling winds of the Southern Ocean. It is in this context that the Augusta Boat House is situated. It is intended to provide extra space for a growing extended family to holiday together. The ground floor of the new building is a flexible space dedicated to table tennis or fishing, just big enough to store a 14-foot boat and its associated fishing equipment. Upstairs via an external staircase which appears to wrap around the building, the upper floor provides a bedroom / study with an ensuite and a peppermint trees without fences, the building pops above the tree line providing views from the deck over Flinders Bay and to the constant parade of whales that move along the shore.

AUGUSTA BOAT HOUSE / WHITEHAUS

The house strikes a simple cubic form with white painted fibre cement weatherboard cladding. It is tightly detailed to resist the salt spray of the harsh coastal environment. Stainless steel nails, no carbon steel and painted timber windows form part of the comprehensive weather resistance strategy. Inside the building, the walls are lined with plywood for warmth and the space is adorned with a series of picture windows that peer into the treescape and are countered by a large window overlooking the bay. The simplicity of the building is in part a result of sensible construction techniques that required little oversight from the architect given the project’s location. Diana has designed a building that is about casual family holidays with children running through unfenced yards with sandy feet. She has embraced the materiality of the area and built in a scale and detached nature that allows the addition to be swallowed by the peppermint trees. Good architecture is about people, communities and places. The Augusta Boat House is a lighthouse for this approach and

AUGUSTA BOAT HOUSE ARCHITECT Diana Goldswain www.whitehaus.com.au admin@whitehaus.com.au @whitehausarchitects DESIGN TEAM Diana Goldswain Clancy White

SUPPLIERS Cabinetwork Scott Shepherd Shepherdcraft Lighting David Trubridge – Coral Light Exterior cladding James Hardie Hardiplank

CONSULTANTS Structural Engineering: Roger Pateman BUILDER DCPM; completed January 2020 SITE Augusta 938 sqm site; 70 sqm build

provides a direction for how buildings should engage with their unique contexts. ■

AUGUSTA BOAT HOUSE / WHITEHAUS

OWSTON HILL

MEAGHAN WHITE ARCHITECT

PROJECT TYPE

WORDS: AMBER SHELDON PHOTOGRAPHY: JACK LOVEL

The opportunity to undertake something different and showcase how a suburban subdivision can be designed with architectural integrity and flair, combined with sensitivity for the natural landscape, was too good to pass up for architect Meaghan White and her husband, town planner Deon White. Describing the project as “the first of a new wave of urban infill” in the leafy, low-density suburb of Mosman Park, Meaghan and Deon knew this would be a great vehicle to demonstrate what can be accomplished when designing smaller homes. The 821 square-metre corner site, originally comprising a large house and swimming pool, was divided into two sites (one 431 square metres and the other 390 square metres). The new homes each have three bedrooms, two bathrooms and double garage. Set opposite parklands, a leisurely stroll to the river, close to local village cafes and public transport, the location promotes an easy-going lifestyle. 48

“The south and north homes are designed to sit beautifully together, complimenting each other with individual elements driven by two separate owners. We achieved generous private amenity, access to views from the ocean to Fremantle and the surrounding golf course and parklands, capturing of winter sun and summer breezes, while enhancing the tree canopy and open space, which is central to the garden character of Mosman Park,” says Meaghan. “The homes are modernist in design but timeless, allowing the owners to bring in their personalities with bright art and furniture.” Uncomplicated interiors draw on the natural environment to create a sanctuary, with the distinction between inside and out blurred. The south home features shades of green, with Meaghan taking colour inspiration from a majestic old gumtree sitting pride of place on the eastern side of the home. Olive-hued doors echo the magnificent eucalypt. Large windows in the master bedroom covered in bronze film reflect the gumtree – a stunning feature in the changing light. The homes feature extraordinary golden staircases, reflecting light and changing colour throughout the day. At once functional and showstopping art pieces, Meaghan says the staircases were “a labour of love, but entirely worth it. The opportunity to use a touch of brass and gold is very Mosman Park”.

OWSTON HILL / MEAGHAN WHITE ARCHITECT

Both homes are designed to adapt to living through all phases of life. The ground floor features open plan living with kitchen, dining, lounge, butler’s pantry, powder room, laundry and a den. The alfresco and pool area is accessed through floor-to-ceiling retractable glass doors. On the first floor is a rumpus room, bathroom, separate powder room, library, two bedrooms and master bedroom with ensuite and walk-in robe. Ascend the second flight of stairs to the automated glazed-roof hatch (which acts as a sky light) and through to the roof terrace where the perfect entertaining spot awaits, featuring a large outdoor kitchen, dining, and breathtaking vistas. The use of different materials and shapes distinguish each home. “The south home is full of lots of beautiful curves,” Meaghan explains. “From Brickworks, Chillingham White brick form curved walls outside and inside, opening up the space to make it feel much larger than it is. The home has lots of flow because of those curves.”

Being situated on a hill, Meaghan ensured sea breezes are captured with louvered windows, designing the homes as self-sufficient regarding temperature regulation. The triple glazed 3-metre x 1-metre hatch when opened, funnels hot air out of the home. Both homes have battery panels on the roof gardens to generate power. The address on the front wall of the south home is handcrafted from bronzed steel rod in Meaghan’s own handwriting, and is one of her favourite elements. As for words of wisdom for those thinking of building a new home, Meaghan’s advice is succinct, “Engage an architect and create something that makes you smile, a sanctuary that gives you joy”. ■

In contrast, the north home features zigzags. Inspired by a platter Meaghan spotted in a magazine, this home is treated to a stunning, bespoke, gold, zigzag exterior wall. Interiors and fittings including feature pendants, compliment the modern style of the homes.

OWSTON HILL / MEAGHAN WHITE ARCHITECT

ROOF PLAN 34C OWSTON STREET

FIRST FLOOR PLAN 34C OWSTON STREET

OWSTON HILL

SUPPLIERS

ARCHITECT Meaghan White www.meaghanwhite.com meaghan@meaghanwhite.com @meaghanwhitearchitect

Cabinetwork GROUND FLOOR PLAN 34C OWSTON STREET Shepherd Craft Furniture

DESIGN TEAM Meaghan White Karl Woolfit Emma Austen

Bricks Brickworks Chillingham White

CONSULTANTS Structural Engineering: Hera Engineering Landscape: CAPA Landscape Design SITE 34b and 34c Owston Street, Mosman Park 390 sqm and 431 sqm sites; 340 sqm build on each site

MEAGHAN WHITE

ROOF PLAN 34C OWSTON STREET

FIRST FLOOR PLAN 34C OWSTON STREET

GROUND FLOOR PLAN 34C OWSTON STREET

MEAGHAN WHITE 0

10 M

Benchtops Cosentino – Dekkon ‘Opera’

Windows and Doors Avanti Glass Tiles Myaree Ceramics Bathroom Fittings Sea of White Other Bedford Energy and Tesla Battery System

OWSTON HILL / MEAGHAN WHITE ARCHITECT

EMMANUEL COMMUNITY HOUSE LANIGAN ARCHITECTS

PROJECT TYPE

WORDS: EMIL JONESCU PHOTOGRAPHY: ROBERT FRITH

Nestled among the mature trees of suburban East Perth, and in keeping with the existing local area, Emmanuel Community House by Lanigan Architects is designed and built to the ‘Liveable Housing Australia’ platinum standard for accessiblilty and provides a community care-based model for people with varying needs. Founded under the auspices of the Catholic Church, Emmanuel Community House is the culmination of 40 years of community care by The Emmanuel Centre, which commenced operations in the International Year of Disabled Persons in 1981. The design brief was driven by the need to create a home and sanctuary, rather than an institutional business model. The architect’s research and collaborative approach to stakeholder and user-group engagement has resulted in a carefully curated design 54

response with an emphasis on maintaining a residential feel while meeting accessibility requirements. As a result, the home includes opportunities normally only associated with high-end architecture. “The experience has been hugely satisfying personally because I knew the house was providing for people who would not otherwise be able to access something like this,” says architect Tim Lanigan. “It’s really been a special project.” Internally, substantial ceiling heights with generous operable glazing allows for natural ventilation while also allowing external visual connections to the local neighbourhood – embracing and incorporating vignettes of mature trees and greenery from the surrounding setting wherever possible. In plan, the house is divided into two zones. The first zone is situated toward the front of the house and contains the generous living and dining spaces – spaces which visually extend through direct physical and visual access toward a generous internal courtyard garden. Face brickwork and textured board used in the internal living zones visually connect to the outdoors and blur the boundaries between indoor and outdoor living. Integration at this juncture sees timber floorboards seamlessly transition to exposed aggregate paving and low-maintenance gardens.

EMMANUEL COMMUNITY HOUSE / LANIGAN ARCHITECTS

SITE PLAN SITE PLAN

LANNIGAN LANNIGAN

EMMANUEL COMMUNITY HOUSE Clever use of glulam timber beams that traverse through the heart of the communal dining space, concurrently divide the generous volumetric proportions on the interior while preserving all of the passive design permeability vested in the verticality of the space. The timber beams also create an intimacy, materiality and warmth in keeping with residential sensibilities, scale and language. Given the home is designed for shared use by six adults, common areas have cleverly distributed nooks for residents to be able to maintain spatial and social relationships with others from their own area. The second zone is the accommodation wing to the rear of the property which comprises six individual bedrooms with bathrooms and a centrally located shared accessible laundry and drying court to support these spaces. In tandem with the wide face facade, the carport provides parking for four vehicles yet could easily accommodate six. Notwithstanding this, given proximity to the East Perth train station and Lord Street, the locale creates a meaningful connection to the surrounding community offering further convenience through accessible connectedness to the city. Lanigan Architects have created a robust, low-maintenance home that is fully accessible. Passive design and orientation, consideration of materials, careful detailing of junctions and connections are all important attributes in the design to ensure maintainability over the life of the building. ■

ARCHITECT Lanigan Architects www.laniganarchtitects.com.au tim@laniganarchitects.com.au lanigan_architects DESIGN TEAM Tim Lanigan CONSULTANTS Structural Engineering: Andreotta Cardenosa Consulting Engineers ESD: The Study Building Surveyor: C&F Building Approvals Landscape: Reality Landscapes SDA Assessor: Specialised Building Solutions Occupational Therapist: Design for Independence

0 0

5 5

10 M 10 M

SUPPLIERS Cabinetwork Wangara Classic Cabinets Floors Touch of Class Flooring Lighting Tilly’s Lights Bathrooms Caroma Furniture Absolute Home Interiors Windows and Doors Radar Glazing Solutions Exterior cladding Midland Brick and CSR

BUILDER Bianchini Builders; completed December 2020 SITE Perth 845 sqm site; 389 sqm build

EMMANUEL COMMUNITY HOUSE / LANIGAN ARCHITECTS

GLYDE STREET APARTMENTS / MJA STUDIO

PROJECT TYPE

WORDS: MILLIE GILLESPIE PHOTOGRAPHY: DION ROBESON

Situated on the locally significant site of Fernando’s Nursery, Glyde Street apartments by MJA Studio promotes an understated and sustainable yet comfortable way of living. The project challenges preconceptions about multiresidential housing in the diverse built landscape of the locale and suggests a contemporary rethink of the future of the typology in Mosman Park in the context of Metronet and transport-oriented development. By reflecting the sculptural bend of the river at Mosman Park, MJA Studio has created a timeless sweeping facade, maximising frontage to the apartments and reflecting internal spaces that encourage comfort, movement and growth of individuals and communities. Jimmy Thompson, Design Director of MJA Studio, together with his team, set out to rethink the priorities of communal and private living to create quality spaces that suit today’s digital world and the new normal of working from home. The past use of the site as a nursery is referenced through a heavily landscaped approach and, in doing so, carves out breathable spaces for people to live and work, together and apart, comfortably and sustainably. A substantial planted portion of the site, including the introduction of mature trees and cascading vines, has assisted to soften the edges of the building, while parklets and a developer58

led streetscape work cohesively to activate the street level and its commercial frontage. The intelligent material palette of the facade creates a clear contrast between the expressed volumes that line the street and the waistbands in between, making the overall height ambiguous while providing a datum for adjacent projects to plug into. With its well planned, tiered structural form, in combination with a clear focus on sustainability, MJA Studio has created an ode to the harmony of individual and collective life through its 29 apartments and interwoven quality communal and co-working spaces. The relationship between the interior spaces and the exterior facade creates a seamless balance yet distinction between the private and communal spaces and has given this project a solid foundation to help change perceptions on multi-residential architecture.

GLYDE STREET APARTMENTS / MJA STUDIO

GLYDE STREET APARTMENTS

BUILDER EMCO; completed December 2020

ARCHITECT MJA STUDIO www.mjastudio.net admin@mjastudio.net @mjastudio @ mjastudiointeriors

SITE 38 Glyde Street, Mosman Park 1664 sqm site; 8451 sqm build

SUPPLIERS Floors Woodpecker Flooring Original Ceramics

DESIGN TEAM Jimmy Thompson Sophie Bottcher Miriam Price John Monger Megan Cordin Harriet Drummond

Furniture Henri Living

CONSULTANTS Structural Engineering: Forth Consulting ESD: Full Circle Geotechnical: N/A Landscape: CAPA Building Surveyor: Resolve Group Hydraulic: TJ Peach and Associates Mechanical: Melchor Electrical: Floth Acoustic: Lloyd George Fire: Wood and Grieve Engineers Waste: Dallywater Consulting

The project ultimately deals with ideas of living together and apart in a suburban setting and sheds light on addressed elements, such as the need for privacy and changeable living conditions depending on the season. Via the 100% dual-aspect setting and increased access to natural ventilation, residents’ reliance on cooling systems is minimised. Further, with 86% of apartments having access to northern light, the need for heating systems is significantly reduced. These practical moves have been articulated beautifully throughout the entirety of the built form, gently incorporating a sustainable approach to create quality and adjustable spaces for the residents and the wider community to enjoy. As Jimmy explains, “when designing a home, the idea should be to think carefully about how you want to live. It is important to create spaces that can be manipulated depending on the time of day or season – much like you would be able to do if living on a yacht – built for all conditions”. This idea is evident throughout MJA Studio’s approach to the project, particularly through the integration of passive elements and thoughtful interior and architectural design. Glyde Street acts as a responsive model for the introduction of medium density mixed-use projects in existing well-populated areas. Jimmy and his team have created a built landscape that sits beautifully in the Glyde Street context among a mix of Federation style heritage architecture and contemporary design while reflecting on the history of the site. ■

Bathrooms Reece Plumbing

Laminate Elton Group Evenex GBI Fenix Laminex Absolute Matt Brass Pulls and Brass Detailing Savage Design Appliances SMEG Benchtops Caesarstone Essastone

UP DN

FIRST FLOOR PLAN

MJA

FIRST FLOOR PLAN

MJA

GLYDE STREET APARTMENTS / MJA STUDIO

10 M 0

10 M

LUCENT APARTMENTS HILLAM

PROJECT TYPE

WORDS: SANDY ANGHIE PHOTOGRAPHY: JOEL BARBITTA

Located on the edge of Claremont Oval, Lucent apartments by Hillam Architects is part of the larger scale Claremont North East Precinct redevelopment which aims to create an intimate urban community featuring high quality, contemporary architecture. This unique urban context is an example of the current densification of the Western Suburbs.

The redevelopment site is ideally located only 400 metres from the train station and Claremont Quarter. Lucent itself is positioned in a unique location within the overall development. It is adjacent to Claremont Pool, Claremont Oval and an area including the golf course and Lake Claremont, providing desirable views. The articulation of the building form combines a number of important themes from the Claremont North East Precinct and larger urban context. Most importantly, landscaping and the integration of large-scale greenery into the facade reflects the density of natural vegetation in Claremont. Maximizing green space has a dual benefit, creating an attractive facade for the public and improving the living quality of residents. To complement the surrounding residential environment, Lucent’s facade is made up of large, sweeping gestures to soften the scale of the building volume. Bi-fold metal screening adds movement to the facade while providing apartments with complete privacy or open light and ventilation as needed. With vegetation the key component of the facade, a subdued tonal palette and textured materials integrate the building into the surrounding area. Bursts of pink and green are balanced by raw pre-cast concrete, in addition to black metal screens and awnings.

LUCENT APARTMENTS / HILLAM

LEVEL 5 PLAN 0 APARTMENT LUCENT PLAN

1 2

LEVEL 5 PLAN

APARTMENT HILLAM LUCENT PLAN

0 1 2

HILLAM

LUCENT APARTMENTS ARCHITECT Hillam Architects www.hillam.com.au bronte@hillam.com.au @hillamarchitects

The 39 apartments in the development are configured over five levels around a central courtyard that provides shelter from the prevailing winds but allows extensive natural light and ventilation to the common corridors and circulation spaces. While site constraints meant that some apartments were required to face due east or west, facade screening and deep-set balconies provide protection from the harsh summer morning and afternoon sun. The extensive operable screening and awnings ensure that solar heat gain is minimised to achieve the +1 energy targets set within the precinct. In recognition of outdoor lifestyle opportunities afforded by Perth’s climate, apartments are provided with generous private balconies – enabling both outdoor dining and lounge areas, which not only encourage outdoor living but also passive surveillance of the area. Obscurely glazed fins, privacy screening and solid walls separate each balcony from neighbouring units to provide visual and acoustic privacy. Through a tight collaboration between the client and architect, Lucent achieves a point of difference considering the magnitude of new apartments in the area. The brief required a versatile floor plate where buyers could “design their own apartment” to create a highend, boutique development. The quality of the design resonated with Perth’s downsizer market, with every apartment in the building sold prior to completion – a testament to the architectural detailing and high-quality spaces created by Hillam. ■

LUCENT APARTMENTS / HILLAM

DESIGN TEAM Tom Leatherbarrow Felipe Soto Madison Bresa Jessica Kennedy CONSULTANTS Structural Engineering: Stantec ESD: CADDS Energy Geotechnical: Galt Landscape: Tim Davies Landscape Architects

10 M

SUPPLIERS Cabinetwork Constructed by Jamel Polytec laminate Stone Ambassador engineered stone Floors Timber flooring by Woodpecker Stone flooring by Bernini supplied by Majool Tile flooring by Original Ceramics Lighting Modular Lighting and Partners Feature pendants by Jardan Bathrooms Galvins Plumbing Supplies

BUILDER Jaxon; completed December 2020

Furniture Living Edge, Mobilia, Loam, Jardan and District

SITE 5 Davies Road, Claremont 1789 sqm site

Windows and Doors Windows by Concept Windows Door hardware by Hafele Exterior cladding Natural stone at podium level by Bernini Appliances Miele

10 M

PROJECT TYPE

MARINA EAST APARTMENTS HAMES SHARLEY

PROJECT TYPE

WORDS: PIP SMITH PHOTOGRAPHY: DOUGLAS MARK BLACK

Located at Ascot Waters, the Marina East apartments by Hames Sharley are not just on the waterfront but bound by water on three sides. The unique design, comprised of three individual buildings, responds to this rare site. The design started with the arrangement of the building mass. Openings channeled through the mass deliberately break it into three separate forms linked only at the lowest levels. The central void between the buildings creates the “backyard” – a landscaped recreation deck filled with sun but sheltered from the wind, with shared kitchen facilities for residents. When testing concepts, the benefits of three separate forms far outweighed the costs. Being standalone above the recreation deck level, each building has different outlooks to the river, city or parkland, and affords the development an increased number of coveted corner apartments. Further, by maximising the space between the buildings to around 20 metres, the design creates its own vistas, improving views, access to natural light, crossventilation and visual privacy for all 85 apartments, and gives the majority access to two, if not three, external facades. Integration into place was a critical driver for the design, with a combination of building form and functional use enabling the 66

nine-storey development to fit appropriately within its mediumdensity residential surroundings. The true scale of Marina East is only perceived when approached from the water. The scale of the buildings adjacent to the neighbouring townhouses is respectfully low at street and plaza level, stepping up to its full height on the river. The northern building has the strongest relationship to the neighbouring residences, most of which are three storey. The building’s height from this vantage is of a similar scale. Its form is refined and the aesthetic is calm for a considerable part of this interface. The facade is rectilinear, reflecting the urban context of the townhouses and creating an appropriate connection to the neighbourhood. The southern building extends from the street into the marina, and the height scales up accordingly. It looks and feels like an appropriate addition to the streetscape, terracing from almost single storey at the vehicle entry up to eight storeys at the marina.

MARINA EAST APARTMENTS / HAMES SHARLEY

While views on the higher levels are striking, lower level apartments are equally impressive as their balconies retain an intimate connection to the river below. The building furthest out into the marina is surrounded by water on three sides. With enviable views of the river and city, and no neighbours to overshadow, all nine storeys are stacked at the water’s edge forming arguably the most impressive – and certainly most iconic – tower of the development. In contrast to their smaller counterpart, the facades of the two taller buildings are varied in articulation with balcony forms echoing the movement of waves lapping against a boat, reinforcing their connection to the water. While the three buildings have their own personalities, the jetty theme manifested as boardwalks and walkways both internally through and externally around the development cleverly anchor the forms. Used for wayfinding and movement between spaces, the boardwalks also provide a sense of arrival and connection to the riverscape. Creating a new community as well as fitting in with the existing is not without its challenges, particularly given the rarity of the site and size of the development compared with its neighbours. For the Hames Sharley team, this impressive project is a testament to their modus operandi of clearly developing the design themes at the project outset and conveying them throughout all aspects of the built form, so that the extraordinary outcome can do the storytelling. ■

MARINA EAST APARTMENTS ARCHITECT Hames Sharley www.hamessharley.com.au marketing@hamessharley.com.au @hames_sharley DESIGN TEAM Design Architect: Tim Boekhoorn Project Architect (Construction): Alex Quin Interior Designer (Principal): Charlotte Kennedy CONSULTANTS Landscaping – Phase 3 Public Artwork – McMeikan & Associates

SUPPLIERS Cabinetwork Jamel Industries Floors Timber flooring by Woodpecker Flooring Carpet by Trevors Carpets Lighting Lobby lighting by Alti Bathrooms Tiles by Kantili Sanitaryware and fittings by Novas Furniture Jardan

BUILDER Georgiou Group; completed March 2020 SITE 16 Marina Drive, Ascot 8,291 sqm build

MARINA EAST APARTMENTS / HAMES SHARLEY

PALMYRA TERRACES MDC ARCHITECTS

PROJECT TYPE

WORDS: REINETTE ROUX PHOTOGRAPHY: DION ROBESON

Palmyra Terraces by MDC Architects contains seven small dwellings located in a suburban area just outside of Fremantle. While not a true terrace housing model, the design intent of this development is to suggest an alternative to nearby apartment buildings, giving homeowners the option of a small, efficient walk-up dwelling with the amenity of a terrace house and courtyard.

Upon first peeking into the narrow lane that introduces the Palmyra Terraces, you might be led to believe the lot houses four dwellings, rather than seven. Through clever planning and efficient interactions of different building typologies, the team at MDC Architects manages to maintain a balance between high volume and low area. Other key design considerations were to keep car circulation to a minimum and green space at the forefront of the design – resulting in a low-rise, medium density project that is exemplar for smaller living. From day one, the project was conceived as a multi-residential development rather than a survey strata. With this focus, MDC adopted a playful approach in the planning of common areas, creating a sense of shared responsibility among the tenants in the maintenance and growth of the garden. The greenery was deemed a construction material in itself – one that grows and continues to enrich the building. In particular, MDC allowed for multiple ground floor entries into the space, including a green corridor from the north. For guests visiting the dwellings, this green corridor creates a sense of occasion and presents a warm welcome to the calming spaces within.

PALMYRA TERRACES / MDC ARCHITECTS

Once inside, an immediate sense of spatial grandeur is created through the open plan kitchen and dining area, bookended by large viewports to either side of the terrace home connecting to the outdoors. Additional volume is achieved in the height shared by the first and second storeys and the timber staircase tying the spaces and their programs together. With a material palette led by masonry construction and presented in the form of painted white brick, timber elements make up soffit and stair finishes as well as being battened throughout the space, both internally as balustrades and externally as facade screening, softening the rigid materiality presented by the brick.

The project received a warm welcome in its neighbourhood, with the target market expanding beyond the younger demographic it was intended for to include those looking to downsize. Low height, medium density in Western Australia continues to be an exciting realm within which architects can highlight the importance of smart design, and its accessibility to all who wish to partake in it. Overall, the result of this project is seven clever, new, sustainable homes which do not ask for more than they need. ■

Inside another terrace type, the same rendered white brick and timber screening is employed in different arrangements, again with effortless transitions to the outdoors and shared courtyards dotted throughout the development. The kitchen remains a central focus point in all typologies. Drawing your attention through the use of soft terracotta tiles, it creates a contemporary reference within the space. Despite the strong characteristics present throughout the terraces, each space leaves room for the tenant to make it their own and establish a home within – and this is truly where the focus lies.

PALMYRA TERRACES / MDC ARCHITECTS

PALMYRA TERRACES ARCHITECT MDC Architects www.mdcarchitects.com.au info@mdcarchitects.com.au @matt_mdcarchitects DESIGN TEAM Matt Delroy-Carr Bryan Donnelly CONSULTANTS Structural Engineering: WA Structural ESD: Fini Sustainability Landscape: Tom Lucey BUILDER Bruce Construction Design; completed February 2020 SITE Palmyra 1050 sqm site; 690 sqm build

SUPPLIERS

FIRST FLOOR PLAN FIRST FLOOR PLAN

Cabinetwork Ultra Kitchen Floors Bosch Timber Floors Windows and Doors AWS Aluminium Fabrication by DGA Windows

GROUND FLOOR PLAN GROUND FLOOR PLAN

MDC MDC

0 0

5 5

10 M 10 M

Exterior cladding Mortlock Screenplank ‘Pacific Teak’ CSR ‘Simple Line’ and ‘Edge’ cladding

PALMYRA TERRACES / MDC ARCHITECTS

ISSUES / POLICY

Medium Density – new draft Policy WORDS: SANDY ANGHIE AND BEATA DAVEY

The new draft Medium Density Policy is revolutionising the approach to planning under Design WA. Editor Sandy Anghie and WA State Manager Beata Davey sat down with David Caddy Chairman of the Western Australian Planning Commission and Rebecca Moore Government Architect to talk about the new draft Policy – SPP7.3.

Q. What has been the response from the industry and public to the new draft Policy? And what are the common themes of responses? DC. We have undertaken extensive consultation on the draft Policy as we fully appreciate its potential to have significant reach. This includes its potential to affect a wide range of stakeholders, including the general community, but also architects and other design professionals, the residential building industry and local governments. We are reassured that the feedback received from the 222 submissions during the public consultation period has indicated good overall support for policy change to improve the design quality and choice of medium density housing. The response from the architectural profession has been particularly encouraging and strong. Unsurprisingly there have been some divergent views between stakeholders on certain elements of the draft Policy – and these will be worked through and resolved where possible as we progress towards finalising the document. RM. Yes, the responses have been positive – again noting some obvious differences between community sentiment, design professionals and developer priorities. On the whole, there appears to be strong support for the intent of the draft Policy which is to enhance diversity of dwelling types and to improve the design quality of infill – in terms of context responsiveness and performance – and importantly, to encourage the retention of existing trees and to improve the quality of outdoor areas and their relationship to our living spaces All of these elements are about the quality of our living environments which is something much more sharply in focus as a result of our COVID-19 lockdown experiences. Q. In milestone presentations and workshops, the Department of Planning has provided some cost statistics associated with the individual household cost of “business-as-usual” planning approach to medium density of $1,460 per dwelling per year, which incorporates costs associated with heat island effect,

ISSUES / POLICY

reduced tree canopies, embodied energy, social isolation, and stormwater. Has there been financial modelling on cost implications and comparison of implementation of new draft Policy? How is it expected to stack up? DC. We commissioned this research at the beginning of the Medium Density project to help define the current problem. The cost of $1,460 was based on a typical triplex development and was useful in quantifying and illustrating the cost to the wider community without policy changes. Once submissions have been reviewed and analysed, a further piece of work will be commissioned to financially model the implications of any modifications to the new draft Policy proposed in response to stakeholder feedback.

provision of greener spaces in our suburbs and better designed streetscapes – which can encourage increased social interactions and inclusion. Q. The Australian Institute of Architects believes planning policy needs to work together with the National Construction Code (NCC) to strive for greater energy and resource efficiency in the building sector. Does the draft Policy address further opportunities to reduce the carbon footprint? (ie reduce embodied energy, reduce energy demand, increase energy efficiency)

We have been undertaking significant design and feasibility testing so that we have a good understanding of how policy settings impact on design outcomes, build costs and project feasibility compared to development under the current policy. The cost is anticipated to be fully recovered.

DC. We are very mindful that the policy needs to work in concert with the NCC as it progresses towards more sustainable energy efficient buildings. Our draft Policy is a significant leap forward from the current R-Codes in its focus on site responsive design and building orientation to respond to solar passive design. This includes attention to well-designed garden areas, solar access, shading and natural ventilation.

RM. In a broader sense, it is expected that the draft Policy will improve the amenity of both occupants and the broader locality in a number of ways. The intent is to address urban heat island temperature increases resulting from loss of mature trees and loss of green space, by encouraging the retention of existing trees and requiring developments to have well-designed private open space and improving streetscapes. Public health benefits should flow from the

RM. In order to support greater energy and resource efficiency in the building sector, it is important to address the entire life cycle of planning, design, construction, operation and demolition of buildings. Architects have a lot to offer in terms of improving the energy demand arising from the occupation of the buildings they design, but they also have the ability to assess scope for the adaptive reuse of buildings which avoids wastage of the embodied energy in existing structures. ISSUES / POLICY

ISSUES / POLICY

Current Pritzker Prize winners Lacaton and Vassal are experts at this and have a policy of never demolishing an existing building. There are huge opportunities for the architectural profession moving forward and leading our urban responses to climate change. Q. Are there clauses within the draft Policy that differ to the ones presented during Reference Group and Advisory Group reviews and testing stages? DC. By its very nature, the process of engagement, testing and drafting has been iterative. Going forward, our intention is to continue with industry involvement and undertake further testing to refine policy provisions including modifications that are proposed in response to stakeholder feedback. RM. The draft Policy is still evolving – modifying policy settings in response to design testing and stakeholder feedback is a sign of robust and rigorous policy development. Q. Will the Department / WAPC articulate the processes for Local Planning Frameworks to ensure these processes are not abused by local authorities in creating policies that may be contradictory with the intent of the draft Policy? DC. We recognise that it is not practical or reasonable to expect the new Medium Density Policy to apply across the entire state without the need for a degree of variation to address local circumstances, such as climate, neighbourhood character and community aspirations. This is particularly important for regional areas. The draft Policy endeavours to provide much greater clarity on what changes to the policy can be made with or without WAPC oversight. But equally, we need to avoid a situation where there is unnecessary or unwarranted variation between local government jurisdictions, as this creates a planning system that is cumbersome and difficult to navigate.

Q. Many of the images of exemplar projects used throughout the draft Policy, Guidelines and supplementary documents are of architecturally designed dwellings. Is there a plan to incentivise the use of architects within planning policies? For example, by allowing for an accelerated approval / DRP process? RM. There is no plan to incentivise the use of architects; however, it is likely that the enhanced design focus of the draft Policy will mean that developers will see merit in engaging architects/skilled designers to undertake medium density infill work. Q. Is there confidence that the building design and project home industry can equally achieve “good design” and innovate in the medium density housing sector? RM. The deemed to comply structure of the draft Policy means that all projects are intended to meet a basic good design threshold to obtain planning approval – while allowing scope for good designers to innovate. The project home industry has a history of innovation in medium density housing – examples include Overman and Corser homes and Krantz and Sheldon. DC. The objective of the policy change is to raise the bar of design across the industry broadly. We expect this change will provide some great opportunities for architects and building designers. Exemplar projects are being delivered by architects, building designers and the project home industry and this is very encouraging. By elevating the base standards, our hope is that good design will become accessible to all West Australians. ■

ISSUES / POLICY

ISSUES / HOME

Affordable Housing Homelessness in Western Australia has been in the spotlight for the past year, particularly with the impacts of COVID-19. And so, in this edition of The Architect, we share the opinions of three architects active in advocating for social and affordable housing and ending homelessness. Michelle Blakeley explains her My Home project, Peter Lee talks about his work with Foundation Housing, and new Shelter WA chairperson Kieran Wong shares his insights. Michelle Blakeley Architect

Have you ever noticed when you buy a new car you suddenly start seeing the same model everywhere? That’s how I came to set up My Home as a not-for-profit organisation to build houses for people experiencing homelessness. One memorable morning I read about a project that Launch Housing Victoria was undertaking in collaboration with Geoff Harris, the founder of Flight Centre. Geoff provided $4 million to construct houses on vacant Vic Roads land reserved for future use but had no short – to medium-term development plans. The land was offered at a peppercorn lease and Launch Housing would manage the property and tenants. Two hours later, walking down William Street into the city, I suddenly became more acutely aware than usual of the people curled up in vacant shop doorways or sitting on the pavement. The Victorian project I had just read about seemed like such a logical and immediate way to provide homes for people without one. Why can’t it be done here, I thought. Back from my meeting, I phoned Geoff Warn, then State Government Architect, to ask if we could meet to discuss the idea – and it went from there. First, a chance meeting with Kathleen Gregory AM, then CEO of Foundation Housing, who became a Director of My Home. Then an introduction to Ben Martin, a property development consultant, who became a Director and the My Home Project Manager. Another chance meeting with Charles Johnson who offered pro bono, his extensive town planning experience and network.

It was thanks to Charles that I had the opportunity to meet with Gail McGowan, Director General of the Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage, and David Caddy, Chairman of the Western Australian Planning Commission (WAPC). Our brief to WAPC was simple – we required smallish sites in residential areas, close to public transport, close to retail for essential commodities and no latent conditions that would add heavily to project costs. WAPC offered five vacant government sites on peppercorn leases. We were on our way.

“I had designed various self-contained, single-occupant houses, all 30-35m2. I was working with Passivhaus principles which went hand-in-hand with prefabricated timber frame wall, roof and floor cassettes – as a cost-efficient and sustainable construction building envelope.” We had several think-tank sessions with the structural engineer, pre-fabricator, our project manager and four builders who were working with prefabricated timber construction and had a genuine environmental consciousness. We started with the initial designs and proceeded to eliminate and refine them until we felt we had the most cost-efficient design without compromising the core values of thermal control, environmental sensitivity, comfort and enjoyment of the living space. This think tank input was all pro bono, as has been the input of the many other advisors, consultants and suppliers involved in this project. In the meantime, we began talking with high net worth companies and charitable foundations about funding the construction. We presented the My Home model as a PPP

ISSUES / HOME

solution – the idea being that the public sector, private sector partnership and Community Housing Providers (CHPs) would come together to make houses happen. We focussed on talking with property developers and the building industry who understood the PPP model and we’ve had an incredibly supportive and enthusiastic response. The cost of the houses was enticing because there was no land cost component. We didn’t have to ask the government for funding. And we were providing housing stock for CHPs who were desperate for homes and could see no hope of an increase in housing supply funding into the future. We worked closely with the homeless services sector, Department of Communities, Department of Planning, local councils, architects and various consultants. They have helped us refine and work within the complexities of planning policies, government risk mitigation and homeless services. We have built a demonstration house in the yard of the prefabricator in Kewdale to test the construction efficiency and show politicians, government officers, funders, suppliers and anyone who cares about providing above-standard housing for people experiencing homelessness.

“It hasn’t been easy. Often it feels like one step forward and three steps back. But we now have a site for 18 houses in North Fremantle which has planning approval, and a five-home site in Victoria Park is with the Town of Victoria Park for planning approval.” The guiding principle for our project model is Housing First. As the name suggests, this is a safe and permanent home first with support services accompanying the home. This is unlike prior models where provision of housing is conditional. For example, an applicant needs to abstain from alcohol or drug use or comply with mental health programs to qualify.

The Housing First model1 is now widely accepted as a best practice response to reducing homelessness and has proven to be successful in Europe, the United States, Canada and Australia. We have seen examples in Finland, Canada and some US communities which have achieved or are on their way to achieving zero homelessness. Precedents show that Housing First has a success rate of around 80% – people do not regress to homelessness, and there are significant reductions in people presenting to emergency departments and dealings with the justice system. The provision of both support services and a home is critical. When a person has a permanent home, it becomes much easier for support services to help people find employment, undertake training, manage medical and social issues, rebuild self-worth and regain a self-sufficient life. Housing First homes also need to be integrated into the surrounding suburb and be empathetic to their context. Landscaping of the site is integral to the model’s success. Putting aside building typologies, a residential area is identified by its gardens and trees, whereas industrial and commercial areas are usually devoid of these. We use landscaping to create privacy and definition of personal space. We have also introduced communal vegetable gardens, fruit trees, sensory plantings, barbecue and outdoor living spaces. We want people to walk past a My Home site and see an attractive group of home units and not think, “that’s the homeless people houses”. I have been asked several times why I am doing this. The answer is because I can. ■

1 Government of Western Australia Department of Communities. All Paths Lead to a Home. Western Australia’s 10-Year Strategy on Homelessness 2020– 2030. https://www.communities.wa.gov.au/strategies/homelessness-strategy/ 11/05/21

ISSUES / HOME

A MY HOME HOUSE. DIGITAL RENDER BY MONROE MASA.

A MY HOME HOUSE UNDER CONSTRUCTION.

ISSUES / HOME

Peter Lee

Chairperson of the Development Committee, Foundation Housing I have always had an interest in social justice, probably influenced by my father’s dedication to helping people with substance abuse. He was the first administrative director of The Western Australian Alcohol and Drug Authority and was quite instrumental in having addiction treated as a health issue rather than a crime. He was often out in the middle of the night to bail someone out or intervene, so that people could get help rather than be locked up. My father was also a champion of creating safe, secure housing so people could get a chance to change their lives. He always said that without a secure address, it’s impossible for anyone to deal with the huge challenges that addiction brings. We often had people staying with us while they got their lives together. So when Sarah Stark, a member of The City Housing Development Committee, asked me to join I thought it may be the right thing to do. Sarah was a Senior Planner at Perth City Council and quite an innovative thinker. City Housing had some good expertise including planner Shane Grieve, who had experience in The Boston Housing Authority and brought really valuable insights to the table. City Housing at that time was run by Hans Gerritsen. In 1998 I joined the Board and became Chair of The Development Committee. City Housing merged with East Metropolitan Community Housing Association and Joondalup Housing in 2006 to create Foundation Housing, one of two key providers in Western Australia. We were housing tenants in the Perth metropolitan 80

area, and running nearly all the lodging house tenants in inner Perth. Kathleen Gregory took over as the Executive Director of the new entity with Hans still very much involved in development. I’m the only surviving Director from these three organisations. In 2006 Kathleen and I set a huge target of more than doubling Foundation Housing’s housing stock to 500 units in 5 years. It seemed outrageous at the time but we got there. We now have 2100 tenancies and house 3,700 people, managing a portfolio of homes valued at of $650 million. We have always been shovel ready and prepared when money becomes available and treated Foundation Housing investments as if they were our own. This has helped in the success of what we have achieved.

“We are in the business of enriching people’s lives and have taken a very strong advocacy role. We have a self-imposed set of constraints to provide housing where our clients want to live – near public transport, work, education and health facilities – in places where you don’t need a car. People spend as much on running a car as paying rent so availability of public transport is an important factor in sustaining our tenants. While it is more expensive to develop in these areas, it is essential in providing sustainable tenancies.” What also helps people keep their tenancies is providing LED lighting, efficient fridges and other household products ISSUES / HOME

PHOTOS LEFT TO RIGHT – BENNETT STREET EAST PERTH: JCY PHOTO: ROB RAMSAY FOYER OXFORD BY CHINDARSI + GHD PHOTO: ROSS WALLACE

that minimise electricity consumption and costs – and, importantly, the provision of services to help with substance abuse and mental health issues, enabling our tenants to maintain their health. The people working at Foundation Housing who assist our tenants, along with groups like RUAH, Anglicare and St Barts, are the heroes in this space. I believe in the importance of quality design on people’s wellbeing. It is important that our buildings are not institutional in look or feel. Having an architect as Development Chair has ensured design quality has been at the top of the selection criteria. And while our buildings have been innovative and won many awards, they are also commercially sensible. Much of Foundation Housing’s design work has been done by various architectural groups, including JCY Architects and Urban Designers, CODA, Chindarsi Architects, GHD, Hames Sharley and Hassell. Hassell have done a huge amount of pro-bono work to get projects going but don’t do much commissioned work for Foundation Housing. My partners at Spowers Architects and then Hassell have been amazingly supportive of my involvement and generous in their own support with meeting our community social responsibility as their only aim.

We recently borrowed $45 million from the Federal Government’s National Housing Finance and Investment Corporation (NHFIC) program and bought 112 apartments in developments near the City, Subiaco, East Perth, The Springs, Como and other sought after areas from developers including Fini, Stirling Capital, Pindan, Norup Wilson, Parcel and others. We have bought multiple apartments at discounts and are offering these to essential workers at rents no more than 30% of combined income and capped at 75% of market rent. We have been able to do this by negotiating good cost reductions for multiple purchases and, because we are not-for-profit, we are exempt from GST. I think it is extremely important that we as architects involve ourselves in the community. Apart from learning much individually, it’s important for our profession. Creative thinking adds great value to boards and committees and in the case of Foundation Housing my involvement has added to the innovative and creative outcomes that have occurred. ■

Foundation Housing is now led by Chris Smith who had previously managed the developments, acquisitions and maintenance part of the business and Cade Taylor has joined us from Defence Housing Australia to work with the Development Committee on the next lot of projects going forward. Our small development team includes myself, Darren Cooper, Michael Glendinning and Justine Roberts.

ISSUES / HOME

Kieran Wong

underpin all that it did. My mum taught at the school, which

I am Perth born and raised. My father was a first generation Australian-Chinese migrant, my mother a descendant from Irish migrants chasing Australian gold. They were both schoolteachers and we lived for the first part of my childhood (after moving back from Malaysia as a toddler) in Willetton. It was the 1970s, and while an architect designed home was not common, it was still within reach for a young couple who were interested enough. I don’t remember the process, but I do remember the outcome – green shag pile carpet, clinker brick feature walls and a bright yellow Laminex kitchen.

a safe home.

The 1980s saw Jack van Tongeren and his Australian Nationalist Movement fire-bombing Chinese restaurants and plastering bus stops with “ASIANS OUT” posters. Van Tongeren’s campaign coincided with my mother’s run at federal parliament for the ALP using her married name, Wong. At home, we couldn’t answer the phone unless it was after a coded ‘three rings, hang up and dial back’ process to weed out the racist, misogynistic men who would call our house to rant. This was a time of open racism towards Asian Australians and I remember feeling guarded and anxious in public. Through all of this I was loved, I had a strong sense of (a part of my) identity and understood the values of my family. I went to a school bound to a Jesuit tradition of public service and

intellectual curiosity. Its motto – seek justice – seemed to

Chairperson of Shelter WA

helped with the school fees! It was a wonderful upbringing in

When Emma Williamson and I met we both recognised that we were driven by a shared sense of purpose, set of values and a desire to be useful. We set up CODA straight after university and developed four words to guide the business – be useful, generous, joyful and stealthy. These principles proved incredibly useful as our business morphed from a studio of two to a medium-sized practice. Over the years, our practice has taken many forms – from initially thinking that we could use design to deliver solutions to realising that through our own influence we could support communities in their own ambitions and desires. In our current venture, TheFulcrum.Agency, we are recasting our approach and building a practice driven by a desire to re-learn something about our country, to find ways of using our skills as problem solvers, and to support others. We remain curious and try to work behind the scenes wherever possible – an extension of our ‘stealthiness’ at CODA perhaps, but also a recognition that the title of ‘architect’ can constrain conversation more than it opens it up. Our recasting as an ‘agency’ is both deliberate and provocative – a call to arms for ourselves and team to re-learn what it means to seek justice.

ISSUES / HOME

THE GROOTE ARCHIPELAGO HOUSING PROJECT IS NOT JUST A HOUSING PROJECT, BUT A PROCESS OF COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP, EMPOWERMENT AND CONTROL IN CULTURALLY RESPONSIVE, CLIMATICALLY SUITABLE HOMES. THE FULCRUM AGENCY HAS BEEN A PROUD PARTNER TO THE ANINDILYAKWA COMMUNITY OVER MANY YEARS ON THIS PROJECT.

I am now the Chair of Shelter WA, the peak body advocating for an effective housing system in Western Australia. Shelter WA brings together community services, housing providers, government, academia, the private sector and people with lived experience of housing insecurity to further the vision of an effective, affordable housing system that ends homelessness in Western Australia. Our members include the Community Housing Sector – a mature, sophisticated and networked player in social housing, with an ever increasing capability to deliver both housing and long-term outcomes.

“So, what are the basic facts around Housing in WA today?1 • There are over 15,700 households are on the social housing wait list – that’s around 30,000 West Australians. • Around 9,000 people experience homelessness on any given night, 1,000 of which are sleeping rough. • International research shows around 80% of people who are homeless are in this situation because they are poor and housing is unaffordable to them – only 20% require very intensive housing and support services. • On this point it is important to note that less than 1% of WA rentals are affordable for people with low incomes, and this is actually zero in certain regions of our state. • There is a shortfall of 39,200 social and 19,300 affordable homes across Western Australia to meet current need. • In the last three years there has been a decrease in social housing stock in WA of over 1,100 homes. The current government investment packages into social housing will only deliver 870 new social homes – so we are going backwards in supply of social housing.”

These are sobering and startling facts but they don’t speak to the human cost of this crisis. With the ending of the moratorium on rent increases and evictions, and the lack of both social and affordable private housing, Shelter members are seeing a tsunami of people under severe housing stress and facing homelessness. Frontline services are receiving calls from people facing eviction, many of whom have never before been in contact with welfare services. Our members are deeply concerned about the mental health impacts on individuals and families, the impact on children and their welfare, and the impact on their staff as they struggle to find housing for people. What we are seeing for the first time is that housing affordability is becoming a mainstream issue, impacting people across the entire state. What role can architects have in this space? How do we leverage our skills? Of course, we should never overplay our importance or underestimate the impact that the justice and health systems have on people’s lives and ability to maintain a home. But what we can do is think seriously about the types of projects we select and put our energy towards. These are questions and continuous dialogues that Emma and I have every day, with every project opportunity, and in every situation we find ourselves. Despite the constant reflection and trepidation of our practice, one thing remains certain – our work must seek justice and be underpinned by the belief that everyone has the right to call a place home. ■

1 For further information, facts, research and resources go to unlockhousing.com.au

ISSUES / HOME

ISSUES / ADVOCACY

The Case for Apartment Living WORDS: CASSANDRA SIMPSON

As Perth’s population grows and both medium- and high-density living are being touted as a solution to the urban sprawl of Perth’s metropolitan area, Australian Apartment Advocacy CEO, Samantha Reece, and Strata Community Association WA President, Catherine Lezer, are advocating for the empowerment of apartment owners and occupiers. Sam Reece established Apartment Advocacy Australia in 2016 as a representative voice for Australians who choose apartment living. The body was set up with the primary aims of providing greater protection for apartment owners, improving confidence in apartment quality and promoting a greater range of housing choice. The not for profit now advocates on behalf of the more than 175,000 apartment owners and tenants in Western Australia. It provides education and research and lobbies the WA State Government for legislative change and advocates for qualitybuilt developments. It has published a free education kit for people living in and buying apartments. The A-to-Z guide helps buyers understand their rights, what they should be looking for during the purchase phase and how their building or asset is actually managed. The kit can be downloaded from the Apartment Advocacy Australia website. The importance of Sam’s work needs to be considered in a broader context. Australia, like most other countries, has seen an inexorable trend towards urbanisation, and Perth is no exception. Perth currently has a population of approximately 2.1 million people which is forecast to grow to 2.9 million people by 2031, 3.5 million people by 2050 and 4.9 million people by 2066.1 To achieve sustainable development, careful attention must be paid to how we build and manage our urban environment.

Perth is at the centre of the Southwest Australia Ecoregion which, having already lost at least 70% of its natural vegetation, is one of only 36 irreplaceable biodiversity hotspots recognised globally by Conservation International.2 Most of Perth’s wildlife is supported by the Swan Coastal Plain’s wetlands, of which 70% to 80% have been filled, drained or cleared since 1829.3 One of the most significant underlying causes for biodiversity loss is land clearing for urban development and, between 1990 and 2015, Perth saw an increase in its spatial footprint of 45%, with most of this occurring since 2000.4 The proliferation of suburban development on the outskirts of the city threatens biodiversity and any urban design or planning to house our growing population needs to recognise this. Accordingly, urban infill and mid to high density strata living have important roles in accommodating our population growth. Perth currently has an infill target of 47% by 2031. To meet this target, zoning laws have recently changed in a variety of local government areas to enable higher density development. However, these changes have not always been met favourably. Many Perth residents have grown up in the suburbs and resist the concept of higher density living and infill development.

ISSUES / ADVOCACY

MJA STUDIO’S BOTTLEYARD PROJECT, ONE OF TWO WINNERS IN THE “AFFORDABILITY AND INNOVATIVE INSPIRATION CATEGORY” IN APARTMENT ADVOCACY AUSTRALIA’S INAUGURAL AWARDS HELD IN MAY 2021.

ISSUES / ADVOCACY

ISSUES / ADVOCACY “On the one hand, I understand that many people don’t want medium or high density living in their backyard,” says Sam. “Yet, on the other, it is very clear the current government wants to continue with its plan for higher density living in Perth. Metronet is the centrepiece for that. I also understand that many people are seeking residential options beyond the standalone house. Often people don’t see the positives of apartment living until they have tried it. It is about education, both in the context of apartment owners and occupiers and developers.” If higher density living is to become the way of the future, it needs to be done well. To celebrate good planning and design, this year Apartment Advocacy Australia launched WA’s first dedicated apartment awards. “It is important that the designers and developers that are demonstrating excellence are recognised,” says Sam. “Until now, the only apartment awards in WA have been focused on low, medium and high rise. There was a need for a dedicated awards program to celebrate diversity and innovation.” Held in May 2021, the inaugural WINconnect Apartment Awards for Excellence recognised 18 projects out of 41 entries for their innovation, quality, commitment and dedication to the apartment sector. Categories included Affordability, Innovation, Heritage, Refurbishment and Ageing in Place. One of the award winners was Catherine Lezer, President of the Strata Community Association WA. Like Sam, Catherine acknowledges the importance of good apartment design. With many Perth residents growning up in the suburbs and resisting the concept of high-density living and infill development, she believes architects and designers need to be heavily involved at the front-end of these projects to ensure that the spaces that are being created are liveable and offer an attractive alternative to single dwellings. “I have lived in more than ten strata complexes over the years, many of which were very well designed and others which could have benefitted from more foresight at the design stage. It is often very difficult and costly to retrofit solutions to even simple problems that were not being recognised at the outset. For example, I have lived in buildings where there has been no contemplation of a space where strata owners can meet to 86

conduct the required, regular strata meetings. We have had to hire function rooms off-site to hold these meetings which has had a negative impact on attendance.” Catherine, a strata owner and occupier herself, brings a unique perspective to strata living and aims “to make strata living better for everyone.” She notes that there appears to be a misunderstanding about the role that strata owners play. “It is the strata owners that are responsible for the management of, and decision making associated with, the building. The custodians of these assets – including high-rise apartment blocks in the city and around Perth’s prominent shorelines, retirement villages and shopping complexes – are volunteers, elected to represent their strata schemes, often with understandably little experience and unsatisfactory access to expert knowledge, information, and support.” Strata laws, legislation, by-laws and regulations are complex and require interpretation and explanation by experienced strata or legal professionals. The Strata Community Association wants the Western Australian Government to take action to support the almost half a million Western Australians living, working or investing in the strata sector and have called on the Government to commit to legislative reform in a number of critical areas, including creating a strata helpline to properly deliver timely and accurate advice to the more than 300,000 consumers. As Western Australia’s strata community matures and apartment living becomes more desirable, it’s important for people who choose apartments to have a voice – as well as to educate communities in general that apartment living has many benefits. ■ For more information on Apartment Advocacy Australia and its WA awards program visit www.aaadvocacy.net.au and www. waaa.net.au And for information on Strata Communities visit www.strata.community

1. Australian Bureau of Statistics. 2018. “Population Projections, Australia.” https://www. abs.gov.au/statistics/people/population/population-projections-australia/latestrelease Australian Bureau of Statistics. “National, state and territory population. https://www. abs.gov.au/statistics/people/population/national-state-and-territory-population/ latest-release 2. Gole, Cheryl. 2006. “The Southwest Australia Ecoregion Jewel of the Australian Continent.” Western Australia: Southwest Australia Ecoregion Initiative. Conservation International. “Biodiversity Hotspots.” https://www.conservation.org/ priorities/biodiversity-hotspots 3. Allen, Mike, Natasha Hyde, Joshua Smith, Catherine Walker and Luke Pen. 2001. “Water Facts 16: Living Wetlands: An Introduction to Wetlands.” East Perth: Water and Rivers Commission of Western Australia. 4. MacLachlan, Andrew, Eloise Biggs, Gareth Roberts and Bryan Boruff. 2017. “Urban Growth Dynamics in Perth, Western Australia: Using Applied Remote Sensing for Sustainable Future Planning.” Land 6(1):9 DOI.10.3390/land6010009.

ISSUES / ADVOCACY

Trellis crafts thoughtful spaces with an unprecedented use of landscape to challenge apartment living conventions. Collaborate in a design led approach. Danielle Geagea 0433 121 079

trellissubiaco.com.au

Architects are uniquely placed to help lead the transition to a carbon neutral future. Join us on the journey to net zero carbon. Visit architecture.com.au/carbonneutral #netzerocarbonjourney

PROJECT TYPE

THE ARCHITECT / RETROSPECTIVE

Krantz and Sheldon WORDS AND PHOTOGRAPHS: PHIL GRIFFITHS

Harold Krantz and Robert Sheldon (Schläfrig) made a significant impact on ‘flat’1 design and brought about a build to rent delivery model for flat procurement that ruffled the feathers of Perth’s Anglo-centric architectural community.

In 2019 the Museum of Perth, in collaboration with Harold’s son David Krantz, published a monograph entitled The Krantz Legacy, chronicling the development of the practice for flat procurement, starting the story with Harold’s foundation of the practice and then the subsequent reforming of the practice with Robert after the latter’s registration as an architect in 1946. A part of the story of the success of Krantz and Sheldon was the capacities of the partners. “Harold was the builder and Robert was the detailer with a keen eye for interiors,” says George Sheldon, Robert’s son. This was important to the foundation and ethos of the partnership that developed from 1946, and continued with the two men until Robert’s death in 1968. Robert rightly assessed the prospect of the persecution of the Jews in Europe and left Vienna in 1939. At the time of his arrival in Perth, the flat market was developing against a backdrop of earlier flats being created by the refurbishment of large houses. Robert brought with him a knowledge of apartment living and once restrictions were lifted on new flat construction, Krantz and Sheldon were at the forefront of production. Ultimately, the practice expanded to 80 or more staff. There were several things that distinguished Krantz and Sheldon from their contemporaries. At the time one of the most controversial innovations was the formation of syndicates for procurement. In the Inter-War period, 88

flat living became more socially acceptable, creating a market where there was previously none. At that time, the traditional model for development was owner acquires land, meets architect, and then a concept was developed, tendered and built. Initially Harold Krantz and then Krantz and Sheldon, developed the syndicate model where a number of disinterested small investors made a commitment to a level of investment, the site was acquired, apartments for rent designed with economy in mind, constructed, and there was a promise of a steady return of 10%. An example under Harold Krantz’s stewardship was 50,000 £1 shares issued by the Riviera Investment Syndicate for the construction of the Riviera flats in 1936-7 (now demolished). The syndicate model produced increasingly larger opportunities and economies of scale. Under the investment model 50% of the required capital was raised from investors and the remainder from a mortgage. The arrangements were informal and the model worked on trust. Until the 1960s, Krantz and Sheldon produced the majority of flats in Western Australia, which was then an entirely rental market. Construction of flats represents a significant part of the output, as evidenced by the large number of flats built using this model. Terrace Road in the City was almost entirely filled with three storey flats designed and procured in this way. Much of the contemporary profession was irked by this approach; it was not the British way.

RETROSPECTIVE / KRANTZ AND SHELDON

Bespoke buildings included the Kodak Building on Hamden Road, Hollywood; Sunny Mead (now demolished) in Bellevue Terrace for the O’Neill brothers; the Mount Eliza Apartments (referred to as the Thermos Flask); factories; warehouses; shopping centres; car parks; banks; and schools, together with the Playhouse Theatre (also now demolished). A significant bespoke project was undertaken for the State Housing Commission from 1954. In a bid to satisfy part of the housing supply shortage, the state commissioned Krantz and Sheldon to design a complex of 242 flats in Bagot Road Subiaco. At 10 storeys, Wandana was the tallest building in Subiaco until the 21st century. It comprises three separate buildings in the post-World War II International style. It was, like many innovative solutions, opposed by the public in prospect – resulting in the catchcry “The flats of today are the slums of tomorrow”. Despite the initial opposition, the project settled in as part of the Subiaco scene. It was recognized for its significance by the Heritage Council, when it was included in the State Register in 2001, one of only a small number of post-World War II places to be recognised in this way. RETROSPECTIVE / KRANTZ AND SHELDON

Loam celebrates authentic Australian design with commissioned furniture highlighting quality and longevity. Honest. Beautiful. Practical. Loam furniture + styling Eden Apartments

loam.com.au 280 Stirling Hwy, Claremont

A distinguishing feature of Krantz and Sheldon’s studio was its dynamics and culture, which became part of the success of the architectural practice. Part of the dynamic was the welcome of refugee architects on the eve of World War II and its aftermath. Many went on to success in their own practices. These architects brought European sensibilities and training to the practice, inevitably influencing the design output. The functionalist and international styles fitted well with the philosophy of doing more with less. Simply expressed architecture, efficient structures and limited materials palettes, and little or no applied decorative treatments.

Of the buildings that remain most now have the kind of landscape that limits the capacity to make good images. The best way to appreciate these buildings is to go and see them. The Museum of Perth’s publication The Krantz Legacy contains many drawings and early images that reveal design intent and realisation. ■ To view the Museum of Perth’s online exhibition on The Krantz Legacy, visit www.thekrantzlegacy.com

The practice continued under the Krantz and Sheldon style until Harold’s retirement in 1972, when John Silbert joined, and eventually it became Krantz and Sheldon, Arndt, Silbert and West in 1980. Krantz and Sheldon played a role in stirring up established modes of practice, honing the syndicated model of procurement, and in refining build to rent flats. Though a number of buildings have been demolished and a number altered, a good number of buildings remain, representing a good deal of the practice’s output.

1 From the Scottish ‘flet’ meaning floor or storey of a house. Early flats were often conversions of larger houses or other buildings, into small dwellings.

RETROSPECTIVE / KRANTZ AND SHELDON

THE ARCHITECT / PRACTICE PROFILE

CO-architecture: your networked studio WORDS: SANDY ANGHIE PHOTOGRAPHER: REUBEN BLACK MEDIA

CO-architecture is a web-based platform for architects, engineers and consultants (AEC) to help people find work or talent – building a reliable network and community of on-demand talent, without geographical boundaries. The platform is the brainchild of Kevin Mitchem who came up with the idea in 2017 with co-founder Wade Smith, following unexpected events in his own career. In 2016 Kevin was made redundant from the large architecture practice he had been working for when they saw a dip in projects. “It was a wake-up call,” says Kevin. “The business of architecture is cyclical and can be brutal. Downward turns in the economy are often felt quickly by the profession with large projects put on hold and staff being made redundant. My personal experience became the driver. I thought how can I do things differently?” Like many architects starting out, Kevin began doing small projects for family and friends, which reignited his passion for architecture. When an opportunity arose to take on a project beyond his experience at that time, Kevin reached out to others for help. He formed a team for the project, all working remotely across Australia. “I thought why can’t it always be like this?” says Kevin. “The idea of scaling up when you need to via a collaborative community.” It was at this point that the idea for CO-architecture was born. “We talked about building a platform in 2017 and had slowly developed a business case with market research over a couple of years, but it wasn’t until the COVID-19 pandemic hit that we really changed gear,” says Kevin. “Many of our colleagues and friends in the Eastern States and even locally in WA had lost their jobs, been stood down or had just graduated into a market that was coming to a complete halt.

We quickly realised that the platform was needed yesterday!” The pair began developing their platform during 2020 amid the COVID-19 pandemic after receiving a grant from the Town of Victoria Park and have not looked back since. Kevin is quick to point out that this idea of a networked studio is not a new one, that it happens informally across the industry. But what Kevin realised is that no one was doing this in a formal way. So, the idea was to scale the idea up and create a support network for AEC professionals across the country. CO-architecture officially went live at the time of writing this story, on 21 April 2021. Kevin and his colleagues have broad aspirations for CO-architecture. Their aim is for it to be more than just a strategic resourcing tool for the industry. “We recognise that practices have their own values and missions as creators and genuinely want to prioritise commitments to fulfilling them,” says Kevin. “However, practices often don’t have the time or resourcing to dedicate to these initiatives. CO-architecture is uniquely placed as an industry monitor and pulse check to help support initiatives like equal opportunity, gender pay gaps, access to remote design, graduate programs and many more. We are very interested to see what the industry could do if it had a way of visualising and communicating this data in a meaningful way.”

PRACTICE PROFILE / CO-ARCHITECTURE

LEFT: KEVIN MITCHEM AND WADE SMITH

The CO-architecture team was a part of this year’s Curtin Accelerate 2021 program – which saw nine teams selected from over 50 applicants with projects ranging from pet biomonitors to circular fashion and data encryption. Of the 2021 cohort, CO-architecture has joined the ranks of some of WA’s most notable tech start-ups and will progress through their commercialisation strategy with mentoring from the likes of Olivia Humphreys (founder of Kanopy) and Marvin Liao (founder of VC fund Gamegroove Capital). Curtin Accelerate is a 10-week program sponsored by the Commercialisation team at Curtin who work with researchers, investors, and industry partners to take Curtin innovations, assess their commercial potential, and find the best method of bringing them to market. On 21 April CO-architecture held an industry demo night hosted by Curtin University, at the Old Perth Boys School. Some of Perth’s leading practices, industry investors and researchers were in attendance to hear from the 2021 Accelerate cohort and their project teams. “The demo night was a great opportunity to be able to raise awareness and get feedback about our start-up from so many different perspectives. For our whole team, it’s really fulfilling to hear from firms that they see value in our platform, and we love hearing their ideas on what we should focus on next. I would highly recommend if there were any graduates or architects out there who have an idea or innovation, to get involved and apply for a program like this. Take a chance and I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised at just how entrepreneurial our discipline can be.”

22% would sacrifice 10% of their annual income in return for flexible working arrangements. “Workers are expressing an increasing demand for autonomous and flexible work,” says Kevin. “This is particularly evident amongst youth, signalling a generational shift towards greater freedom and entrepreneurship.” “CO-architecture is a community-based platform, facilitating an open-source market to help professionals adapt and scale their project teams to better navigate the ad hoc nature of our industry. We are simply a networked studio but Australia wide,” says Kevin. “We are passionate about architectural practise and advocate for all firms by creating a safe environment for professionals to interact and work. We know a connected industry manifests in sustainable, efficient, and impactful working opportunities – leading to tangible business results for architectural practices.” ■

The conversations around talent retention, labour growth, industry wages, career paths and the like, have all been thrown into a whirlwind of re-evaluation due to COVID-19. Kevin points to a recent study by recruitment firm Hays which revealed that 60% of Australians would take a 20% salary cut in order to continue working from home, and a further

PRACTICE PROFILE / CO-ARCHITECTURE

THE ARCHITECT / AT HOME

Sam Klopper WORDS: GEMMA BOGUE PHOTOGRAPHY: DION ROBESON

For Klopper and Davis Architects director Sam Klopper and his wife Kazia, the orientation and topography of their North Street Swanbourne block made it the perfect site for their family home. The result is a playful, warm and textural beachside home that is as functional as it is striking.

Searching for a spacious block to accommodate a large north-facing backyard and a balcony at the front, the site lent itself immediately to the changes of levels and orientation Sam was seeking. “It’s very rare to find a perfect site and even rarer to find a graded one because Perth is not hilly, so we knew instantly this is where we wanted to live,” says Sam. “Our main desire was to create a breathable open home where we could shift between two outdoor spaces throughout the seasons – the southern side in summer and the northern aspect in winter.” Situated on the north side of the street, the block falls 5.5 metres from back to front with the main living space 4.5 metres above North Street. “We tucked the cars under the house and lifted the living space up to touch the backyard to give us views to the horizon,” says Sam. By stacking the building on top of itself and creating sections separated for different uses, the home features three levels of living space with a roof deck as the fourth. Utilitarian spaces occupy the lowest level, living areas and the children’s bedroom wing occupy the elevated ground floor, and the master suite takes the top floor. A floating concrete canopy rests atop the residence – home to the rooftop garden and continuous panoramic views across the treetops and roofs. “Every member of the family gets their own private space where they can do their own thing, but we can still hear and see the kids while they play from any part of the house. There can be 20 kids in the pool and the adults can watch and feel connected from the living space, but there is enough separation there,” says Sam. “We have created long-term spaces that will serve different generations of our family now and in the future. By the time we are old, the boys will likely be out of home, so we can age in place as empty nesters. The undercroft can also serve as a private living space for my elderly mum.” The home is deeply insulated by the native rooftop garden that cascades over the top of the building. The overall garden

AT HOME / SAM KLOPPER

THE ARCHITECT / AT HOME

Sam Klopper (cont.)

footprint is as large as the block itself, so the family enjoys a continuous canopy of green that creates its own microclimate and softens the space. Inspired by mid-century modernist architecture for which Klopper and Davis Architects is renown, the design reflects Sam’s love of detail. Drawn to materials with a raw and simple beauty, the house makes extensive use of concrete, wood and black steel with elegance and sculptural form. “Apart from being low maintenance, it’s about loving materials as they are and how they will weather and slowly patina over time while remaining honest to their original form,” says Sam. With an innate dedication to passive design principles, Sam has ensured the home makes the best use of the natural environment. Shying away from traditional air conditioning, temperature control is achieved through an efficient and quiet solar powered hydronic system that stores heat or cold in pipes within the concrete floor. In winter, the whole house can be heated in just four hours between 10am and 2pm to provide 24 hours of warmth. In summer, the reverse

can be achieved with cooling water to take the heat away. Long eaves, double glazing, fans and operable louvers on the west side allow the home to be opened up on a hot day to flush out any remaining heat. For Sam, the process has reinforced his belief that clients should understand the spaces they want to live in before they choose a block. “For us it was just as critical to find a location where we can wander down to the beach without needing to drive as it was to create a home our family can grow in over time. This is the last time I will build,” says Sam. “My advice is to talk to an architect before buying a property so you can get the best advice on the challenges and possibilities of a site and how these relate to the spaces you want to live in.” ■

AT HOME / SAM KLOPPER

THE ARCHITECT / CLIENT LIAISON

Swanbourne House WORDS: SANDY ANGHIE PHOTOGRAPHERS: DION ROBESON/JOEL BARBITTA

Gillian and Tom Luke had owned their home for eight years before approaching architect Andrew Boyne to help them with a renovation. The project initially started with just a garage addition, but after that was complete, they decided to proceed with a complete renovation.

“It was when I was pregnant with our first child that we decided to engage Andrew to see what we could do with the block. He helped us with a new garage to start and this was constructed just as we had our first child. We then decided to progress with the remainder of the renovation given the needs of our growing family,” says Gillian. “We gave Andrew a list of things we wanted for our family home – we wanted to keep the façade of the original 1920s cottage, and we wanted open plan living and four bedrooms – all for a budget of around $400,000.” Andrew notes that the original 1920s house had a “horrid” 1990s extension. But the home was ideally located and had great character. “We wanted to keep the character,” says Tom. “You can’t rebuild character.” And this turned out to be a benefit when it came to planning – the Council providing some height concessions for the new addition because the character was maintained. When it came to the design process Gillian and Tom were in no rush, being happy to take the time to get the design right. “While we worked closely with Andrew, we gave him a lot of leeway to get the best result for our block”, says Gillian.

CLIENT LIAISON / SWANBOURNE HOUSE

Gillian and Tom knew Andrew through family and had seen his work. In particular, it was a project that Andrew had recently finished in East Fremantle that helped them make their decision. “That project was a very similar style to ours,” says Tom. “It was an original 1930s home with a 1990s extension which Andrew had demolished to make way for a new extension. In fact, I remember a builder once saying that their entire business could be knocking off bad 1990s extensions.” Andrew notes that this is why it’s so important to get extensions right – otherwise they are a waste of money and not sustainable. Given the 400 sqm site with a big front setback, and wanting to maintain a backyard, demolishing the previous extension and starting again became the best option here.

consideration of the orientation of spaces and highlight windows to draw ventilation through the home. “I believe good design is sustainable – and value for money,” says Andrew. For Gillian and Tom the most rewarding part of the renovation project was achieving a unique and functional family home which retained the character of the original home. “It’s rewarding to have a home that’s different,” says Tom. “While we didn’t set out for this to be our forever home, that’s what it has become,” adds Gillian. “We are so pleased. There’s not much we’d change and we look forward to living here for a very long time”. ■

In terms of the design, Andrew avoided the “box on the back” approach and worked hard on the transition between old and new – so that there is a sense that the extension belongs. The spaces are also highly efficient, with only 4-sqm circulation. Sustainability was another important consideration for Andrew, incorporating passive design principles like careful

100

CLIENT LIAISON / SWANBOURNE HOUSE

LOST OPPORTUNITIES

In any successful architect’s career there are instances where great visions are unable to be fulfilled. Unrealised projects are a crucial and universal aspect of practice, and necessary for the development of important ideas. Lost Opportunities will showcase international and domestic projects that were significant to their author but

9–11.SEP ADELAIDE

were never completed; projects that represent lost opportunities not just for the architect but the entire cultures in which they would have existed. Join us as we peer into the window of these buildings and legacies that could have been.

Architecture.com.au/symposium PROJECT TYPE

101

102