A family in Perth has rebuilt their 1920s-era cottage into a home designed to strengthen community ties rather than showcase luxury finishes.
The original house, a weatherboard and asbestos workers’ cottage with severe termite damage, was mostly demolished after 15 years of occupancy. Western Architecture Studio was brought in to create a replacement that aligned with the owners’ priorities: connection, simplicity, and a sense of belonging in their neighborhood.
Design choices prioritized community over aesthetics
Architect Andrew Boyne said the project was less about high-end materials and more about removing barriers to everyday life. “The owners wanted to continue being part of their community and to enjoy a life under a Western Australia sky,” he said. “The house was about removing the obstacles that made it difficult to do that, while also making a positive and communal contribution.”
The exterior was designed to blend into the streetscape, adopting a bullnose verandah and matching roof pitch with zincalume roofing and weatherboards. Solar panels were integrated into a flat section of the roof, positioned for optimal sunlight and easy maintenance. Skylights were also installed, though their placement was secondary to functionality.
What sets the home apart is its intentional engagement with the surrounding area. The front verandah and a side laneway opening into the backyard create opportunities for spontaneous interactions with neighbors and passersby. The design gives the impression of a larger property while maintaining a modest footprint on a 354-square-meter block.
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Boyne described the approach as “getting more with less—more space, more benefit to the owner, less enclosure.” The result is a home that feels open without sacrificing privacy, encouraging both family life and community interaction.
Neighbors followed suit after seeing the finished home
The impact of the redesign extended beyond the original property. A neighbor, initially planning a contemporary box-style replacement for their own home, reconsidered after visiting the completed house. Their revised design now mirrors elements of the original project, contributing to a more cohesive streetscape.
Another neighbor replicated the long gate leading to the backyard, creating a shared play area for children. “The house has changed attitudes in the street, toward a more connected way of living,” Boyne said. “It settles the occupants in a community life.”
The project demonstrates how residential architecture can shape social trends, even in established neighborhoods. While the home itself is unassuming, its influence on the surrounding area has been noticeable, proving that design choices can ripple outward in unexpected ways.
For the family, the rebuild wasn’t just about modernizing an aging structure—it was about reinforcing the relationships that make a house feel like home.