Density & Diversity

Density & Diversity

DMN Sustainability September event

The ‘Missing Middle’ is used to describe a form of dwelling type between the house on a single lot and the high rise apartment

WA members joined together to acknowledge Sustainability September at the Claisebrook Community Centre, to learn from member John Damant (Arcologic) about the concept of ‘The Missing Middle’. With policy reform agenda looming in the background, the event addressed future sustainable housing strategies.

The Missing Middle is used to describe a form of dwelling type between the house on a single lot and a high-rise apartment - this includes terrace housing, dual occupancy, and multi dwelling houses. They offer greater diversity for different demographics, promoting walkable neighbourhoods, greenery and tree canopies, with a feeling of community and consideration to the long-term sustainable use of building materials. 1 Nettleton Tribe - 40 dwellings 2 Trias - 52 dwellings 3 Seamless connections from indoors to outdoors / nature 4 Cox Architecture- 100 dwellings 5 Gresley Abas Architects - 100 dwellings

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John is a Perth pioneer in this area of design, winning the BDAWA / James Hardie Residential Infill Design competition in 2020. John also touched on his concept of Econesting - low impact, small footprint, carbon neutral and energy efficient living – delivering affordable density and diversity without losing the positive attributes of openness and nature within our garden suburbs. This is a modular, light weight solution that is fabricated offsite at a reduced cost and faster speed. Lastly John touched on a new idea – The Cubby House Syndrome, which addresses the decreasing affordability for younger people to own homes. This is where parents include ‘cubby houses’ into a new or existing design for their children to occupy, in place of moving out.

We ended the event with a fantastic product presentation from Breezeway followed by drinks, grazing and networking. Thanks to everyone that came along and John for his energy and insightful presentation.

The continued dominance of low-density, suburban development is placing both infrastructure and the environment under escalating pressure.

PERTH & PEEL @ 2050

Right - Cubby house. arcologic.com.au