Thomas Building

Alocasia Residences take aspirational living to new level “The name derives from two plants – Aloe and Cassia – whose soothing and spicy elements influenced the design principles of Alocasia Residences”

“This is a benchmark project for future residential developments in Como, raising the standard for apartment living”

“Electric vehicle charging provisions have been made to 20 car parking bays, with an additional six-car stacker provision to generate 24 car bay allocations”

“Perforated metal screens on the façade act as a contemporary way to create architectural interest whilst adding a soft feel to the building”

Alocasia Residences is a haven of tranquillity in the centre of one of Perth’s liveliest and most liveable hubs. With its peaceful, airy spaces, impressive views, abundant natural light and future-proofing amenities, this project undoubtedly sets the benchmark for residential developments.

The new multi-residential development, located at 36 Edgecumbe Street, Como, comprises 20 apartments over six storeys. From the uppermost floor to the ground, every aspect of design for aspirational living has been carefully considered for the lifestyle-conscious.

Iconic plants inspire name The appellation “Alocasia” is derived from the names of two plants – Aloe and Cassia. Aloe, known for its soothing, healing properties, is perfectly complemented by the aromatic oriental spice Cassia. The transcendental qualities of Aloe and Cassia informed the philosophy and principles behind the design of Alocasia Residences.

The result is nothing less than inspirational. Featuring cool, calm interiors and smooth transitions to outside spaces through full height glass doors and windows, the two and three bedroomed apartments radiate harmony, space and light.

The element of spice is evident not least in the complex’s location: vibrant Como, with its uptown lifestyle, outstanding shopping and some of Perth’s most popular cafes and restaurants. However you slice it, Como embodies the very spice of Perth living!

Alocasia Residences also offers easy access to the beautiful Swan River, while McDougall Park is literally a step from the door and golf courses are only minutes away. Easy access to high quality schools and transport links, as well as Perth’s most sought-after attractions, complete the picture of Como as the perfect place to live one’s best life.

Landscaping key to harmony Alocasia Residences was developed by Newleaf Homes, designed by Hillam Architects and constructed by Thomas Building.

Each of the spacious apartments faces north to maximise the light and the elegant sensation of outdoor living, and the complex nestles comfortably in an oasis of trees and pleasant tropical gardens.

“Landscaping was an important element used to soften the transition between the development and its neighbours and to harmoniously blend into the existing context and neighbourhood,” says Hillam Architects’ project director Neil Evans.

“This is a benchmark project for future residential developments in Como, raising the standard for apartment living.”

The harmonious landscaping ethos continues to the very top of the complex, where an outdoor rooftop terrace with its lush, attractive garden offers the ideal relaxation or entertainment space. The 360-degree view of Perth, including the city skyline, river and park, makes the terrace the perfect place to enjoy the beautiful sunsets over one of the world’s most liveable cities.

Newleaf’s first Australian project Construction work began in January 2020 and was completed in April 2021, within the expected timeframe and cost expectation of developer Newleaf Homes.

Alocasia Residences is the first project developed in Australia by US-based Newleaf Homes, with director Mark Lim describing the result as “positive”.

“Working with the management, staff and site team of Thomas Building has been very pleasant, right from the beginning to the end,” says Mr Lim.

“The outcome is a positive one. And I can only attribute that to a very distinct Thomas culture that permeates the whole organisation from the very top, with its own brand of very downto-earth professionalism.”

Construction challenges The build was characterised by a very tight site with just 20 metres of street frontage and access available only from Edgecumbe Street.

The building consists of an AFS core, AFS blade walls and lightweight infill stud walls.

Tailored HVAC Solutions I Design and Construct Comprehensive Project Management and Maintenance

Thomas Building contract administrator Phil Knight says the builders also faced the significant challenge of having to navigate around a protected tree to access the already confined site.

“There was a large tree located within the verge that had to be protected throughout the build and this further restricted access to site,” he says.

The project required almost 30 individual concrete pours, with concrete booms of up to 57 metres in size necessary to access the top levels at the rear of the site.

“In order to comply with the shire’s traffic management requirements, both partial and full road closures were required for all concrete pours and for the erection and dismantling of the tower crane,” says Mr Knight. In all, two full-time Thomas Building employees were engaged on the project, with an average of 25 subcontractors on site daily and more than 50 at the peak of construction work.

Looking to the future With the future residential requirements for city living firmly in mind, Alocasia Residences was designed for a 5-Star Green Star equivalent.

On the rooftop are 40 photovoltaic solar panels, while on the ground floor, electric vehicle charging provisions have been made to 20 car parking bays. Provision has also been made for a six-car stacker to generate 24 car bay allocations.

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For outstanding security, all apartments feature digital locks with access options for finger print scanner, pin or swipe card.

Lifestyle aspirations The complex features further innovative design elements that position it for the lifestyle aspirations of the future.

Inside, circulation corridors are located away on the south side with louvered windows that allow solar access.

Outside, customised curtain-like perforated metal screens on three elevations of the facade provide privacy for the apartment owners and the neighbouring properties.

Further supporting a tranquil lifestyle, the screens allow visibility for residents to enjoy park and city views, yet at the same time provide privacy and let sunlight into the apartment space.

The dark grey finish on the exterior walls provides the perfect foil for the elegant and highly detailed metal screens.

“The screens act as a contemporary way to create architectural interest whilst adding a soft feel to the building’s surroundings,” says Mr Evans.

The effect is continued through steel PFC details which wrap around the whole floor plate to clearly identify each storey and help break down the building’s bulk and scale.

Cost management Altus Group was commissioned to provide cost management services, including cost planning, tender assessment and contract administration for the 5-Star Green Star project.