‘Create a stylish development with universal appeal’ was the brief issued by the Client to Form Homes, for the cleared three-unit site in inner city St James.
Close to public transport, TAFE & universities, the pulsing hub of Victoria Park, Perth City and Cannington this site had a lot going for it, but nevertheless the owner was clear about his desire for it to stand out from the crowd and ensure each property would rent quickly, for the best return possible.
Form worked the design to ensure each property had a generous north-facing courtyard to maximize the passive solar properties.
Three bedrooms, two bathrooms, separate dining, kitchen and living areas as well as a separate study nook and plenty of storage are a hallmark of each property.
The front dwelling, characterized by its eye-catching established peppermint trees, addresses the road with off-street parking from the common drive, so as not to negatively impact the street appeal of the dwelling.
The second dwelling boasts multiple outdoor living areas and maintains occupant privacy and comfort by having the living & service areas adjacent to the driveway, but buffered by a large outdoor living area, with the bedrooms and bathrooms towards the rear of the dwelling adjacent to the boundary fence.
The rear dwelling, usually the most difficult to rent, was up-specced through the use of double height, vaulted ceilings in the living area, complete with clerestory lighting and feature pendant lighting and a limestone-terraced, grassed courtyard area – perfect for outdoor entertaining. Timber look kitchen cabinetry, feature island upstands, floating cabinets to the bathroom and cost effective, yet stylish fittings and fixtures selected by Form’s resident Interior Designer all contribute to making each space unique, practical and desirable.
Completed ahead of schedule, and released to the market at a time when Perth was flooded with rental properties, all three of these properties were immediately snapped up by keen tenants, paying more than the expected rental return.
