An innovative new apartment development delivering housing diversity to Fremantle’s West End has received top honours at the esteemed Urban Development Institute of Australia (UDIA) WA Awards for Excellence over the weekend.
Yolk Property Group won the Rising Star Award for an outstanding entry by a company who has not participated in the awards previously, for its Established project which transformed an underutilized parcel of land in a prime location into 19 apartments and ground-floor commercial, incorporating a unique one-bedroom studio design and micro-offices.
UDIA WA CEO Allison Hailes said the awards judges noted the innovative and collaborative approach taken by Yolk Property Group to produce a project delivering affordability and diversity to Fremantle’s expensive West End in a development at home in its surroundings.
“Yolk has delivered excellent outcomes on a challenging site for owners, occupiers, joint venture partners and the surrounding community,” Ms Hailes said.
Ms Hailes said judges took note of development constraints faced by Yolk, with a total of 19 apartments and four commercial spaces produced on an 800 square metre site; also praising the energy efficient design, affordability along with the building’s ability to blend in with the historical surroundings.
“Pushing boundaries to achieve great outcomes, the Established Apartments has confirmed Yolk Property as a well-deserved Rising Star,” Ms Hailes said.
Yolk Property Group Director Tao Bourton said the accolade was a great honour.
“We are proud of what we delivered with Established and to be recognized by the industry is a great compliment. We feel we accomplished our aim to bring a truly unique and affordable product to Freo’s West End,” Mr Bourton said.
Built on an 800sqm block, thoughtful design and a clever use of space was employed to create apartments with a sense of space and excellent functionality, despite their compact size.
Mr Bourton said a creative approach by Yolk Property Group and Harris Architects saw the traditional one-bedroom apartment reimagined into highly liveable studios offering residents flexibility with space.
“A retractable divider means the bedroom can open to the living area during the day creating of a singular open space with lots of natural light; then in the evening or when entertaining guests, the divider closes to offer separate living areas for maximum liveability,” he said.
All of the 19 apartments utilise an open plan design to maximise space and light and feature over-size balconies to increase living areas, light, air flow and produce a feeling of openness and space.
Mr Bourton said by reducing car bays and dividing up ground floor space, affordable commercial spaces with street-frontage were created, a product not found elsewhere in the area.
“These micro-offices offer sole operators and small businesses an affordable option allowing them a presence in a prime location that would normally be out of reach price-wise.”
With public transport links, parks, beaches and over 140 listed hospitality venues all within walking distance, the medium density development benefits from excellent walkability and amenity.
“The location is absolutely ideal for apartment living. Established has created homes and workplaces for a diverse mix of people, bringing a vibrant new energy to the area,” Mr Bourton said.
The development offers contemporary, liveable apartments that deliver affordability and quality in a building with strong street appeal that pays homage to the heritage aesthetic of the area.
Established sits on the corner of Bannister and Packenham Streets in Fremantle and comprises nine two-bedroom apartments, four one-bedroom apartments, six studio apartments and four commercial spaces. There are three apartments left for sale. More information at www.establishedfreo.com.au. More information on Harris Architects: www.harrisarchitects.com.au.
