Fremantle character retained

Awarded for its work in the multiple dwelling category, the ‘Fremantle Cold Storage Ltd’ site (now named Fletcher Mews) is a 101-apartment Homeswest housing precinct with a strong link to the history of the Fremantle site on which it stands.

HASSELL architect Mark Keltie said the site had evolved into a vibrant housing precinct that acknowledged its past while creating a contemporary housing complex suited to current accommodation requirements.

“There was an extensive period of liaison with the client and the City of Fremantle to develop a planning concept to maximise the potential of the site,” Mr Keltie said.

“And it was important the design process recognised the benefits of the site, including the close proximity to the heart of Fremantle shops and transport, the existing heritage elements and views to the port area.

“The site planning and design reflects the character and ambience of the port city with the characteristics of traditional narrow Fremantle streets linked to attractive landscaped spaces created between buildings.

“The presence of existing facades along both streets is a critical link between the old and new. The new buildings pick up elements of the heritage facades and modified heritage buildings now have introduced design elements mirrored by the new structures.  There are four heritage buildings maintained and upgraded to varying levels.”

Mr Keltie said the facilities provided to each unit type were consistent with the standards expected by the client, with little variance made.

“This was important to ensure the occupants, both within this and other residential developments, were provided with similar facilities,” he said.

The jury commented that the architects had skillfully arranged the buildings on the site to disguise the overall development density of the project.

“A united yet varied external streetscape is repeated within the site and the site contours have been used to disguise parking and to establish major vistas from and through the site,” they said.

“Public artwork has been cleverly woven into the internal walkways and references to a previous industrial past have been retained in appropriate locations.”

HOMES & LIVING MULTIPLE/DUPLEX TRIPLEX award

Building

Fletcher Mews, Queen Victoria

Street, Fremantle.

Architects

HASSELL Pty Ltd

Universal Constructions (builder).

Jury comments

“A united yet varied external streetscape is repeated within the site. Public artwork has been cleverly woven into the internal walkways. This project is proof that public housing can produce a positive outcome in the hands of skilled practitioners.”