Design Perth: The Winner

The Property Council sat down with Design Perth winners Cox Architecture to take a closer look at the winning entry.

 “The COX site was situated along Great Eastern Highway on the CBD-Airport transport corridor. The 9 lane highway presented a substantial challenge, but with potential access to the Swan River, 360° views and high exposure to passing traffic, there were also some good opportunities,” Cox Architecture Senior Architect Nic MacCormac said.

 The scheme proposed a mid-high density mixed-use scheme featuring 140 compact living apartments, featuring a high degree of shared residential amenity – both semi-public and private. Two flexible retail spaces along an internal pedestrian street were also proposed, with a new pedestrian footbridge and rapid bus transport service, including a city-to-airport express.

 The development featured equitable access to natural views and light, naturally ventilated corridors, some common balconies, recreation & dining facilities, as well as a car share scheme.

 The development assumed a 20% plot ratio bonus, which we deemed could be possible under a revamped NRAS funding scheme.

 ” We envisioned that the incentive proposal would be applicable to strategic sites along key transport corridors, provided that a portion of the saleable area was retained as rental-only (under market rates) for 5-10 years. In addition, there would be minimum sustainability and common amenity provisions required to complete the eligibility criteria,” MacCormac said.

 “The density bonus would make developments more viable initially and would also provide a framework for their long-term self-sustainability.

 “On-going developer investment, beyond the initial build and sell period, would mean that the developers have some skin-in-the-game when it comes to the long term success of their developments. This should help achieve our density targets with better quality development precincts. This in turn would produce a more vibrant city on a broader scale. “