This project comprises 28 new terrace houses and walk-up apartments within an existing typically low-density suburban setting. It was driven by a desire to provide medium-density infill homes with a high quality of living and amenity, whilst being respectful to its low-density suburban context.

We incorporated passive design principles from the outset, starting with the site’s masterplanning which ensures that all homes face north, through to the use of thermal mass in the construction methodology, and shading that responds to all of the seasonal sun angles.

Like all MDC Architects projects, landscaping is considered as a key element within the overall design, to ensure the development has a high level of amenity, and that it increases the green canopy of the surrounding area.

The result is a highly sustainable terrace housing project, which we believe provides a more appealing contribution to the ongoing development of ‘urban infill’ in the greater Perth area.

Status: Complete

Project Type: Multi-residential – terrace houses and apartments

Client: Salander Property

Materials: Masonry, Timber, Corrugated Metal Cladding

CREDITS:

Architecture – MDC Architects, Officer Woods Architects

Landscape – Aspect Studios

Builder – Bruce Construction Design

“Terrace Green is one of the most stunning and exciting residential projects in the Fremantle area right now, and it’s in a prime location.” – Hayden Groves, Owner – Dethridge Groves Real Estate

Sustainability Awards 2024

Multiple Residential Dwelling  

Winner: Hope St Housing – MDC Architects & Officer Woods

Jury citation:

This medium-density housing project, comprising 28 diverse terrace houses and walk-up apartments, significantly expands the typological range of housing in White Gum Valley. By doing so, it allows new residents, particularly those in smaller households, to enjoy the established amenities of the suburb. The design of the project works meticulously on multiple levels to provide ample amenities for residents while integrating seamlessly into its surroundings.

The project is thoughtfully designed to respond to the local neighborhood character while ensuring optimized solar access in every dwelling. It also places a strong emphasis on deep soil planting and adjacent landscaping, ensuring that the development remains green and inviting. The development consists of two rows of well-lit, well-ventilated north-facing homes, offering a balance between diversity in unit size and type and cohesion across the entire site.

The design takes a “landscape first” approach, with generous setbacks for each dwelling to accommodate deep soil gardens and large trees. High permeability across the site enables effective rainwater retention, further enhancing the environmental sustainability of the development. This careful planning has resulted in 60% open space across the site, contributing positively to the local urban tree canopy and improving biodiversity by prioritizing non-human habitats. This landscape-driven approach has also played a crucial role in gaining community acceptance for this denser housing typology.

Overall, this project is a testament to how medium-density housing can be thoughtfully integrated into a suburban setting, enhancing both the built and natural environment while fostering a strong sense of community.

 

National Architecture Awards 2024

Urban Design

National Commendation: Hope St Housing – MDC Architects & Officer Woods

 

Western Australian Architecture Awards 2024

Urban Design

Award: Hope St Housing – MDC Architects & Officer Woods

Jury citation:

The Hope Street Housing project exemplifies innovative urban design by integrating 28 medium-density houses into the suburban fabric of White Gum Valley. Prioritizing a balance between diversity of form and a cohesive identity, the project features two rows of north-facing homes, ensuring optimal solar access, natural light, and ventilation. Generous setbacks provide deep soil zones for gardens, enhancing pedestrian permeability adjacent green spaces. The mews configuration promotes community interaction within a lively landscaped laneway, while minimizing vehicular impact with just two crossovers. 

The project enriches the public domain by creating a richly vegetated public pocket park and upgrading adjacent verges, fostering community engagement and urban biodiversity. Thoughtful articulation of housing and gaps for pedestrian and cycle access ensures seamless integration with the existing suburban context. Demonstrating a sensitive approach to density, the design respects the area’s openness and informality, featuring large native trees, purposeful forms, and welcoming entry points. 

With a strong focus on sustainability, all mature trees were retained, 41 new trees planted, and an average NatHERS rating of 7.7 stars achieved. This project not only doubles the density of the site but also creates a resilient community, showcasing a replicable typology for addressing Perth’s density challenges while maintaining high environmental and social standards. 

 

Residential Architecture – Multiple Housing

Commendation: Hope St Housing – MDC Architects & Officer Woods

 

Sustainable Architecture

Commendation: Hope St Housing – MDC Architects & Officer Woods