2024 Destinations!

Join heritage architects Kyra Lomas and Rosie Douglas on a fascinating personal guided tour through the CBD to discover the clever ways architects are designing and adapting heritage places to create vibrant venues and spaces for our future.  The Open House Perth Adaptive Re-use tour recognises and celebrates the places where our unique built history has been reimagined and repurposed to meet the needs of our evolving city. Numbers are limited so book now to reserve your place and learn how great design can deliver new life into the important heritage places of Perth’s CBD. The walking tour will take you on a journey through our past and into our future with repurposed architecture across hotels, warehouses, offices and schools.  Hear the stories behind the facades as told by architects.. Book now! We hope this tour sparks your imagination and inspires excitement for our city’s heritage buildings into the future. CLICK HERE FOR BOOKINGS

Australia Place is a highly considered lobby experience that celebrates art, light and texture. What was initially a forecourt canopy restoration, quickly evolved into a revitalisation of the entire lobby. The aim was to deliver an activated space for visitors and the users in the building above. At the heart of the project is a previously concealed existing stained-glass window now braced by black quartzite to become a beacon set deep within the lobby. The white Carrara marble that wraps the walls opposite have been hand cut and set out to create a texture symbolic of a curtain, creating a secondary back drop for the lobby. Warm walnut tones on the walls and blades of the lift lobby provide relief from the white marble flooring below. A focus was placed on providing low level mood lighting to the voluminous lobby space to create a sense of intimacy, comfort, and privacy. Bespoke joinery and key furniture provide an array of user experiences. The feature ceiling pendant lights anchor the lounge space centred within the lobby where loose furniture and fixed high bench joinery adjacent to the glass curtain wall offers café patrons another experience and welcoming transition into a revitalised lobby experience. Full address will be available once you have completed your free registration for this property. Click Here for Bookings

This building at 33 BOADWAY was constructed in 1965 to be used as a showroom for furniture designer David Foulkes Taylor to a design by Architect Julius Elischer. In 2005 the RAIA purchased the building and carried out refurbishments in 2007 for its occupancy as Chapter headquarters to a design by Architect Bernard Seeber Pyt Ltd. David Phillips Foulkes Taylor was born in Perth in 1929, the eldest of 5 children of English-born pastoralist Douglas Foulkes Taylor and his wife Helen. David was educated at Christ Church Grammar School, Perth and at Geelong Church of England Grammar School, where he was exposed to the ideas of modernism by art teacher Ludwig Hirschfeld-Mack, who had studied at the Bauhaus. In 1947, David enrolled in architecture at Perth Technical College but left after a year to study in London at the Central School of Arts and Crafts, during which time he travelled extensively in Europe. He worked with furniture craftsmen Norman Potter in Wiltshire and then spent time in New York before returning to Perth in 1954 where he began to design furniture. In 1957, he stablished his business ‘Taylormade’. At his home in Crawley Avenue Nedlands, David established a showroom where he displayed imported European furniture, as well as ceramics, glassware, imported fabrics and pictures, and later added the Triangle Gallery where local artists displayed their work. His premises, with its vine-covered courtyard, became a gathering place for the Perth arts crowd. He was encouraging to others and is considered one of the inspirational people in the local art world of the 1950’s and early 1960’s. In 1964, David commissioned Architect Julius Elischer to design 33 BROADWAY as a larger display venue for his own furniture and imported wares. Elischer’s design was for a double height, single-volume building with two steel framed mezzanine floors accessed by steel stairway and connected suspended central mezzanine. His took into account the brief that the windows had to be designed in a way to provide sufficient light but protect displays from direct sunlight. Windows were provided in a deep revealed, abstract sculptured arrangement, the mass form was cubic, painted white with window reveals in colour. The building was praised at the time for its use of light and the changing scales of space and was the recipient of a citation in the Royal Australian Institute of Architects (RAIA) Bronze Medal Award in 1969 in Western Australia. Following the death of David Foulkes Taylor in 1966 and an interim period, 33 BROADWAY became a showroom for Jim Brant assisted by his brother Michael. The Jim Brant Pty Ltd showroom developed popularity with architects, design lecturers and students because of the display of contemporary European furniture and fabrics such as, Arket and Marimekko, but particularly with Corbusier’s furniture. During this occupancy, significant changes were not made to the building except for the laying of carpet over the brick floor in the late 1970s of early 1980s. The Brants left the building in 1985 and until 2006 it...

A seamless blend of past charm and contemporary luxury with our latest project, Blanc Haus, where we designed a meticulous renovation extension of a 1930s Art Deco home to meet the demands of modern living while honouring its rich architectural heritage.  Originally a modest 2-bedroom, 1-bathroom residence, Blanc Haus underwent a transformative journey to become a spacious 4-bedroom, 3-bathroom sanctuary with an emphasis on open-plan living and refined entertainment spaces. Our design ethos was grounded in honouring the home's distinctive Art Deco character. We preserved original features and seamlessly integrated them into the new layout, ensuring authenticity in every detail. Bespoke materials and finishes were carefully selected to complement and enhance the home's existing aesthetic.  The extension included expanding the ground floor footprint to accommodate a modern open-plan living area that now serves as the heart of Blanc Haus. This expansive space includes a new kitchen (with butlers), a spacious lounge area, and a dining room that effortlessly caters to family gatherings and entertaining. Beyond, a generous alfresco area extends out to the client’s pool, providing a perfect blend of indoor-outdoor living. Blanc Haus is a testament to our team's dedication and attention to detail, resulting in a residence that harmoniously blends the elegance of the past with the comforts of contemporary living. It stands as a showcase of our commitment to preserving architectural heritage while meeting the evolving needs of our clients. Full address will be available once you have completed your free registration for this property.  Click Here for Bookings

Burt Street house is an experiment with small spaces and big tables.  This house is one of two semi-detached cottages built using limestone from the former quarry on which they sit. Our brief was to bring the outdoor bathroom inside and facilitate a sunny, wind protected courtyard despite a challenging south- west orientation. The 1890’s original house has been largely unaltered.  A new vertical volume, anchored by a generous dining table forms the new heart of the house. An outbuilding with another table has been positioned on the rear boundary for flexible use, bike storage, as a windbreak and night lantern. This project celebrates the value of existing elements, seeking to peel back a colourful history through layers of paint and weathered materials. Imperfections present stories in a new light and give a lively backdrop for the current custodians of the house.   Address will be released closer to the OHP24 weekend. Click Here for Bookings

Nestled in the heart of Inglewood, this exquisite heritage house embodies the charm and elegance of Spanish Mission architecture, meticulously transformed into a contemporary sanctuary. Originally built in 1932, the property has been fully gutted and extended to create a spacious 4-bedroom, 2-bathroom home that harmonises historical allure with modern sophistication. The renovation project began with a vision to preserve the heritage essence while introducing minimalist design principles. The exterior retains its iconic stucco walls, terracotta-tiled roof, and arched windows and doorways, paying homage to its Spanish Mission roots. Complementing these features, modern touches like a steel front door, travertine floors, and minimalist landscaping to enhance its curb appeal. Inside, the transformation is nothing short of breathtaking. The original floor plan has been reimagined to optimise space and functionality. The open-concept living area, characterised by clean lines and an abundance of natural light, serves as the heart of the home. High ceilings, recessed lighting, and large windows create an airy ambiance, while lime-washed walls in neutral tones and minimalist decor exude elegance. The state-of-the-art kitchen is a culinary enthusiast's dream, featuring top-of-the-line appliances, custom cabinetry, a spacious island that doubles as a gathering spot and a laundry/scullery combo. The adjoining outdoor area is for relaxation and entertainment. The centrepiece of this outdoor haven is the height of the alfresco at over 9 meters, with an outdoor kitchen, lounge with a wooden fireplace. This space is complemented by a pool and cabana, enhancing the Mediterranean ambiance. To the upper storey we have a theatre room and the master suite which offers a private retreat with a luxurious ensuite bathroom, complete with a built-in sauna, travertine flooring, micro cement walls, roman bathtub, dual vanities/shower and underfloor heating. Each additional bedroom on the ground floor is thoughtfully designed to provide comfort and style, making this home ideal for families and guests alike. Sustainability was a key consideration throughout the renovation. Energy-efficient systems, smart home technology, and eco- friendly materials were integrated to ensure the home meets modern standards of sustainability without compromising its historical integrity. This project stands as a testament to the seamless blending of old-world charm and modern luxury, offering a unique living experience that honors the past while embracing the future. Full address will be available once you have completed your free registration for this property. Click Here for Bookings

The new HQ of Chicho Gelato encapsulates the best of the Mount Lawley and its quintessential style that, while nuanced, has a distinctive and instantly recognisable design aesthetic. As a suburb deeply-rooted in the migrant community of Perth, today it vibrates with a blend of exuberance, electricity, and a splash of neon against an Art Deco backdrop. Chicho Gelato’s newly opened retail gelateria features a therefore befittingly bold décor, with a state-of-the-art kitchen facility that has been purpose-built to expand the flavour exploration of its ice cream empire. Hailing from Italian and Greek backgrounds, Carly and Cesare “Chez” De Bartolo, are proud to amplify their European roots and infuse it through their business with a modern Australian twist. “From the start we considered this build as a destination – high on personality and integral to the neighbourhood,” says Carly. “The space has a rich colour palette and hones in on the Australian migrant home in the suburbs with elements like the vaulted corrugated ceilings, stucco plaster, patterned tiles, concrete lion at the entrance and Pilbara dolomite stone.” While at a practical level the project’s purpose was to increase production space, lending itself to better efficiencies and the opportunity to be spread their creative wings in a competitive market, Chez says the design is really about transparency. “We’re putting our love for the creative process of gelato and design on show for the public,” he says. “The spaces respond to our passion for design and considers the palette of our other stores, so it acknowledges the journey we have been on whilst adding a new chapter.” The production area dictated the groundwork for the rest of the design, and the front of house gelateria fell evolved from that. Caroline Hickey of Bosske Architecture drew on material and an aesthetic that felt authentic to the location. “Mount Lawley’s Art Deco architecture, post war housing, terracotta tiles, and renovated Italian modernism find a home in many aspects of the scheme, providing colour, texture, materials and forms,” Chez says. A clever design solution unlocked a raft of issues with the existing building – once home to the iconic Indian institution Gogo’s – lending the workable space required but it also creating design intrigue. (think this needs rewording) “What’s most unique about 556 Beaufort St is the sneaky laneway entry and the fact that the interiors are lower than pavement level,” says Carly. “Entry to the building takes you down a set of steps ramped laneway and then where you enter from the side, which creates an opportunity for a unique arrival sequence; alfresco area, universal access and a reorientation of the planning of the building.” Additionally, glimpses of the interiors can be captured from street. “The layering of the internal program along the footpath sees the kitchen, shop and courtyard run in parallel, perpendicular to the street,” says Chez. “Consequently, from footpath level you peek into rooms and their operations, you see each space connected and working together – we love the honesty and...

Come on down feast your eyes on on of Perth's Art Deco gems. The First Church of Christ, Scientist, Perth, features distinctive Art Deco architecture with clean, geometric lines typical of the style. It is located on St Georges Terrace in Perth and was designed by Ochiltree and Hargrave in the late 1930s. The building is characterized by its minimalistic, yet elegant façade, incorporating vertical emphasis and streamlined motifs. The church’s structure reflects both functionality and aesthetic appeal, blending modernist architectural elements with the church’s spiritual purpose. This heritage-listed building stands as an architectural icon in Perth’s cityscape. (Source: Art Deco Perth, First Church of Christ Scientist Perth & Heritage Council) We look forward to seeing you at First Church of Christ Scientist!   CLICK HERE FOR BOOKINGS

Alterations & additions to this family home that are all about enjoying the Perth summer. Rooms within the existing home were repurposed & amp; rearranged, meaning a smaller extension was required. This allowed for retention of the large Floreat backyard, plus a new pool by Tristan Peirce Landscape Architects. A minimal and modern palette of concrete, black- stained timber and denim-blue quartzite, to offset the lush greenery surrounding this home. Full address will be available once you have completed your free registration for this property. Click Here for Bookings

With views, abundant natural light, exceptional acoustics, and a roof terrace offering access to the outdoors – a premium in city locations – Hames Sharley's award-winning Perth Studio is a model of adaptive reuse and project sustainability. Situated on Hay Street above Kmart, the 1,100sqm space was abandoned for decades, and long deemed unfit for use. Transforming the site came with abundant challenges, from the limitations of using crane lifts around a functioning mall, to conditions not immediately obvious in the initial surveys. The palette is authentic, timeless and natural, and links physical expanse and enhanced creative thinking. Low ceilings were removed, revealing 4.3m high slabs, which were painted white, with services left exposed. Existing brick walls were cleaned but otherwise untouched, and the concrete floors polished, with meeting spaces designed as pavilions of natural plywood that act as an unobtrusive backdrop, their independent volumes simultaneously celebrating the height. The design demonstrates a significant shift in how office space is perceived. Deliberately putting the staff first, it flips the traditional approach of placing the greatest emphasis on visitor-facing focal points such as boardrooms. Instead, ‘prime’ areas are given over to the people who use them most, facilitating a sense of connection and promoting creativity. The welcoming space enhances Hames Sharley's ability to invite clients and the wider community to actively participate in the design process, so they can collaboratively create design solutions that enable communities to flourish.   Click Here for Bookings

We're excited to share our new Perth Studio, within the State heritage listed Commonwealth Bank Building in the heart of the city. This represents an exciting leap forward for Hunt Architects' in Perth. Moving into the city is a significant milestone, having been been based in West Perth for over 50 years! We are privileged to be creating our studio within a space vacant for close to 10 years, and breath life back into it. “The design embraces the building’s heritage, carefully integrating highly contemporary elements. We sought to create a space that not only inspires creative thinking, but also stands as a bold representation of our studio's evolution." - Mark Young, Director | Managing Principal Design Director of Hunt Architects Perth Studio One of the most distinctive design decisions is the use of vibrant, monochromatic colours for our gathering spaces. Inspired by Perth’s natural landscapes, we have worked closely with linguists at the Noongar Boodjar Language Cultural Aboriginal Corporation to translate these concepts into the correct Noongar words and correct Noongar grammatical form. Honouring the Traditional Owners of the land, the Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, our meeting rooms will be titled Boodjar (Country), Bilya (River) and Marlak (Bush), and the smaller, focus room will be named Bidi (Path). Having recently moved in the space supports our collaborative style and reflects the Hunt brand – a dynamic environment that our team can take pride in. We gratefully acknowledge the support of  our delivery partners Primeprivate, Centuria, Plexus Engineers & West to West Group for bringing our vision to life.   Click Here for Bookings

Karijini National Park, known for its grandeur and tranquillity, inspired the design of Karijini House. The goal was to create a home that offers the same sense of solitude and connection to nature. Karijini House may appear modest from the street, but inside, it features 7-meter-high rammed earth walls and large glass windows that showcase the native landscape and natural pool. The design includes multiple level changes that mimic the varied terrain of a gorge. The colour palette is organic and simple, with natural shades of bronze, taupe, and sand. Face brick is used to echo the horizontal banding seen in Karijini. At night, the dim, warm lighting emulates a campfire glow, with task and accent lighting creating a cozy ambiance. Brick breezeways and glass louvres bring playful light and reflections into the home. The underground basement, designed as a cave, serves multiple purposes, functioning as a music hub, guest room, play space, home office, and reflection room. It offers a tranquil retreat with water reflections dancing on the ceiling. The top floor, bathed in natural light, provides private spaces with views of the suburbs green canopy. Karijini House seamlessly blends natural beauty with architectural sophistication, creating a sanctuary that inspires relaxation and creativity. It exemplifies how the serenity of a holiday can be integrated into everyday living. Full address will be available once you have completed your free registration for this property. Click Here for Bookings

TRCB was commissioned to convert Queen Street, a heritage-listed merchant building in Perth’s centre constructed in 1910, into a contemporary retail showroom with office and hospitality spaces. During the design process Living Edge, the high-end furniture supplier, was secured as a long-term tenant, allowing for a fully integrated approach to the entire three storey space building. The City of Perth supported our approach to adaptive reuse with a significant heritage grant. Our engagement with the City early in the development process enabled this to form part of the project’s overall feasibility assessment and to expand its heritage ambitions and outcomes. Early contractor engagement allowed an efficient and collaborative approach that benefited the project program as well as its commercial feasibility.  Our collaborative approach extended to our work with our design partners, Living Edge, and their fit-out designers Hassell. The design team’s curation of the first floor hospitality area is expertly crafted and has become a welcoming and open space for, not only retail customers, but the broader Perth design network. Resultantly, it has successfully achieved Living Edge’s objective, for the building to be a place for the sharing of ideas.   The result is another century of health for this unique heritage building – an inherently sustainable outcome in material and energy terms. The integrated pedestrian thoroughfare has become an important link between Wellington Street, Northbridge and the CBD. Queen Street ultimately acted as a catalyst for a high-end furniture precinct, creating a viable long-term commercial asset that further activates a recognised heritage area.  In 2019 TRCB won the Design Institute of Australia WA Awards Built Environment (Retail) Award of Merit, the Property Council of Australia WA Awards WA commercial Property of the Year Award up to 20,000 sqm and the Outstanding Refurbishment Award: Secondary Grade.    We Look Forward to seeing you at Living Edge! Click Here for Bookings

Penryn Avenue is a loving homage to the mid-century modernist influences of City Beach. KADA employed passive design principles from the first concept sketch. Glass from head to toe along the northern façade and both floors is carefully considered and takes advantage of the sun’s angles, flooding the living areas with warmth and light during winter months while perfectly positioned eaves offer relief when the overwhelming sun gets higher in summer. Double glazing ensures gained heat is not lost in winter nor gained in summer. From pressed tin cladding, textured brick walls and timber framed windows, the material palette is diverse and elegantly arranged into a cohesive composition of warm and human materials. The garden design is the perfect complement to the house, adding shade, softness and playful energy to the outdoor spaces.   Full address will be available once you have completed your free registration for this property. Click Here for Bookings

Are you a listener of RTRFM? Want a sneak behind the scenes? Then this property is for you! Come on down and say high to your local presenters and gain some insight into the inner workings of your favourite radio station. You will need to hurry! there are only a limited amount of spots available! RTRFM is The Sound Alternative: an independent, non-profit community radio station in WA that provides an alternative voice for Boorloo and beyond through innovative music and talks programming. Founded in 1977, we take pride in being a platform for local news and issues, with a strong focus on the arts, culture, social justice, politics and the environment. We especially champion local music and support musical diversity through 50+ specialist music programs and a huge program of events. We look forward to seeing you at RTRFM!   Click Here for Bookings