Architect develops his own backyard
An R-Code change was the catalyst architect Sam Klopper and his wife Kazia needed to create 10 contemporary new apartments on the site of their tiny old home in Maylands.
The 1060sqm block, which had been re-zoned R40, was ripe for development, so the couple teamed up with Developments by Dale Alcock to demolish the existing three-bedroom home that they had lived in on and off since 2001. In its place, a modern Class 2 development – which will blend in with the scale of surrounding developments – is starting to take shape.
A partner with Klopper & Davis Architects in Subiaco, Mr Klopper designed the new three-storey apartment building, which is under construction at 58 Kennedy Street in Maylands, close to Whatley Crescent and the Beaufort Street urban village.
“I’d been playing with options for the block for years. As an architect, it’s something you tend to do in your spare time,” Mr Klopper said. “But when the R-Codes were changed to allow multiple residences in R40 zoning, Kazia and I took the opportunity to develop the block into a modest set of 10 boutique apartments.”
“The design focuses on big flexible living spaces and generous bedrooms. There is good access to natural light and breezes, and the loft-style apartments on the top floor will enjoy panoramic views of the city and the Perth Hills.”
It’s the first time that Developments by Dale Alcock and Klopper & Davis Architects, a boutique architectural design studio, have worked together.
“We selected Developments by Dale Alcock as we were confident of their experience, impressed by their professionalism and attracted to the full suite of services offered by their team,” Mr Klopper said.
Mr Klopper said there was still a great degree of confusion in the community and at local council level regarding the recent R-Code changes, but working with a builder experienced in Class 2 developments had helped overcome the challenges.
“We see this development as a responsible part of high-quality urban infill, but encountered some resistance, primarily due to the new R-Codes having being poorly understood and explained,” Mr Klopper said.
“The Dale Alcock team helped us work through the challenges.”
Ideal for infill development sites, Class 2 dwellings are typically apartments and flats as the dwellings are one above the other, unlike Class 1 dwellings, such as villas, which are either stand-alone properties or built side by side.
Class 2 developments can bring big benefits in terms of the number of properties that can be built on a parcel of land, creating the potential for greater returns. Typically low-maintenance residences, they are not only an attractive proposition for investors, but they can also offer an affordable entry price into an area.
Dale Alcock, Managing Director of the ABN Group, said the Kloppers’ project was a prime example of the modern infill development that was needed to help slow Perth’s urban expansion.
“We need to encourage quality infill development in established suburbs, to ensure we fully utilise the resources and amenity available in these locations,” Mr Alcock said.
“Infill sites are typically underutilised lots in established neighbourhoods, located closer to the centre of our community and already served by public amenity such as hospitals, shops and transport,” he said.
“Growing the population in a neighbourhood helps support and enhance amenity, which can enhance and improve the quality of life in our community.”
To be known as Dwell, the Kloppers’ project is scheduled for completion in the middle of next year, but potential purchasers are being invited to register their interest as soon as possible.
Kane Williamson, General Manager of Projects at Developments by Dale Alcock, said development sites were being valued for their highest yield.
“This means Class 2 developments, rather than your typical villa development from the past,” Mr Williamson said.
“Understanding that infill is the future, Developments by Dale Alcock is quickly becoming established as one of the leaders in Class 2 projects, from feasibility and design, through to construction and interiors,” he said.
For more information on Dwell, visit https://www.liveatdwell.com/