Apartments – Kennedy St, Maylands (Dwell)

Project Overview

Designed by Klopper & Davis Architects, the project comprised of 7 two-bedroom and 3 one-bedroom apartments over three levels with under croft car parking, totalling 10 dwellings.

The client, a partner of Klopper & Davis Architects in Subiaco, had been living in a tiny three-bedroom home on and off since 2001. When the R-Codes were changed to allow multiple residences, the 1060sqm block, located close to Whatley Crescent and the Beaufort Street urban village, was ripe for development.

As an infill development, surrounding neighbours had to be given careful consideration. However, the property’s delicate location meant the site fell on the boundary of two local authorities: The City of Bayswater (who controlled everything within the site) and the City of Stirling (who controlled the footpath and verge). Combined with responsibility of the overall approval lying with the Joint Development Assessment Panel (not the two local authorities), there was a range of confusing crossovers in the approvals process.

Klopper & Davis Architects partnered with the Dale Alcock Projects team to create a high-quality Class 2 development, turning the block from a stunning three-storey building home to 10 architecturally-designed boutique apartments. The design focuses on big flexible living spaces and generous bedrooms, with the loft-style apartments on the top floor enjoying panoramic views of the city and Perth Hills. To help overcome the many communication barriers the project presented, we undertook a letter drop to inform the neighbours.

As a Class 2 development, the client maximised the number of properties built on his property, creating the potential for greater returns. As low-maintenance residences, the new apartments are attractive propositions for both investors and those looking for an affordable entry into the Maylands area.