COMMUNITY / HOUSING
Good design sells itself By Rachael Bernstone PHOTOGRAPHY: DION ROBESON / JOEL BARBITTA / EDGE VISIONARY LIVING / ROBERT FRITH / FONGE
A diverse selection of new multi-residential projects demonstrates that Perth architects and their developer clients are challenging the status quo, to deliver sustainable growth and liveability in existing suburbs.
Some of Perth’s early attempts at increasing density by way of infill housing in existing suburbs have produced poor design and environmental outcomes, and resulted in the creation of new homes that don’t enhance a sense of community in streets and neighbourhoods. Think battle-axe blocks; multi-unit housing where driveways usurp landscaping; and the NIMBY response to medium and high-rise proposals in some of the city’s most desirable residential areas. The State Government is currently addressing many of these issues via its Design WA Apartment, Precinct Design and Medium Density policies, which aim to lift the design quality, amenity and environmental credentials of new multi-residential projects. According to architect and Australian Institute of Architects WA President Peter Hobbs, the cost of multi-residential construction is the overwhelming impediment to broadscale improvements. “Quite simply, the cost of single story cottage construction is half the price of medium density, so it comes down to simple maths,” he says. “Also, we have a very obtuse planning system with design review, JDAPs, hostile councils and sometimes NIMBY-ism.” “The political power of large land developers and large volume home builders places huge inertia in the system not to change,” Peter adds. “And the current stimulus packages have overwhelmingly supported this sector. We would have preferred more policy settings helping medium density development.”
Given this operating context and the current constraints, it’s particularly gratifying to see some developers and their architects delivering new multiresidential projects that herald a more sustainable future. Four such examples – three of them entrants in this year’s WA Architecture Awards – showcase the ways that good design can balance multiple competing concerns and constraints to produce the best outcome for site and climate; and residents and the wider community. “Hillam Architects feels highly optimistic about the future of multi-residential housing in Perth,” said Felipe Soto, who designed the firm’s Botanical project in Subiaco. “The city’s housing industry is in a state of flux, with planning and architectural framework constantly evolving to address issues of affordability, diversity and urban sprawl, and this is contributing to an exciting environment in the multi-residential sector that is reflected in the city’s changing skyline. “We feel positive about the continuous integration of progressive planning policies that aim to bring people together in vibrant urban centres and increase density along transport corridors,” Felipe added, “and also about the implementation of SPP 7.3 Volume 2 – Apartments [the new planning policy], which makes a positive contribution to ensuring the quality and liveability of multi-residential dwellings throughout Western Australia.” → BOTANICAL / HILLAM ARCHITECTS PHOTO: EDGE VISIONARY LIVING
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HOUSING / MULTI-RESIDENTIAL
