Delicate and density do not normally get linked together. But one apartment complex breaks the mould

Article by Kim Macdonald | The West Australian

Delicate and density are two words rarely linked together, but a Mt Lawley complex that was once the centre of a community backlash has won an award for pulling the two together.

Clifton and Central, a sustainable 15-apartment, six-commercial tenancy project, won the boutique category of the recent Australian Apartment Advocacy awards.

The complex was recognised for its delicate density in an area dominated by standalone heritage homes.

It is high praise for a development which drew fierce opposition from locals during the approvals stage several years ago, when locals were fearful of losing their neighbourly atmosphere and art deco heritage.

But the development appears to have won over locals after not only retaining the art deco corner deli, which has been transformed into a cafe and wine bar, but by turning a quiet corner into a vibrant hub.

The shops were deliberately made small to ensure they were affordable to local operators, helping to retain the neighbourly vibe through mum-and-dad-owned businesses.

WA chief executive of Australian Apartment Advocacy, Samantha Reece, said the project showed the positive impact of good design on a once-neglected site.

“MJA Studio and Willing Property incorporated red bricks and stained glass perfectly, reflecting the local neighbourhood, most of it standalone homes in a heritage precinct,” she said.

“For an area that typically does not offer apartments, this development has set a benchmark for a greater appreciation of this housing choice.”

The inner north is relatively new to the apartment market, with the Willing Group among the few developers of the area, with projects including the upcoming East Residences.

The Mt Lawley complex was the only WA winner, with Victoria scooping the pool with 14 awards. NSW took home four awards, and Queensland won two categories.