200 West Coast Highway
CLIENT | MEADPOINT
TYPE | Architecture, interior design, Documentation
SECTOR | REsidential, build-to-rent
STATUS | schematic design
LOCATION | Scarborough, wa
HEIGHT | 90 m, 26 Storeys
SCALE | Site 3,057 sqm, 264 apartments
COLLABORATIONS | Howells
RENDERS | Howells
Forward-looking and democratic, 200 West Coast Highway is a build-to-rent project tailored to Perth’s changing needs, capturing a contemporary beachside lifestyle in sunny Scarborough.
A design collaboration between Plus Architecture and UK architects Howells for real estate investment group Meadpoint, 200 West Coast Highway introduces an innovative pinwheel-inspired built-to-rent housing scheme to Perth.
The planning proposal for 200 West Coast Highway seeks to re-energise Scarborough’s waterfront with a new type of housing scheme focused on quality and longevity, drawing inspiration from proven, best-practice built-to-rent models across the world and tailored to Perth’s unique lifestyle.
Comprising 264 one, two and three-bedroom units across 26 storeys, the development will offer a rare combination of high-quality apartment options at reasonably priced rents, with 12 per cent of the property’s units to be reserved as affordable units for working Australians.
Plus Architecture Director, Will Schofield said 200 West Coast Highway has been designed to emphasise the contemporary beachside living experience of Scarborough, taking advantage of the natural amenities of the location.”
“Instead of an insular living experience, our design encourages residents outward to make meaningful connections with the community and businesses in Scarborough. In this way, the development acts as a complement and conduit to the city, bolstering local trade and adding to Scarborough’s vibrant character,” Schofield said.
Central to 200 West Coast’s architectural design is an innovative pinwheel-shaped floor plan, which disperses the built form into four volumes radiating from a central core, making for a visually unobtrusive street presence and increased setbacks on all sides. Inside, the apartment configurations have been designed with flexible use that respond to rental market needs, each maximising ocean and city views with expansive windows and balconies that welcome ample sea views and sunlight.
Howells Partner, Dav Bansal said of Howells first project in Australia: “Working with Plus Architecture we have devised a typology unique to Perth focussed on tenant experience and a pathway to zero carbon. The pin-wheel arrangement of the building offers cross ventilation circulation and dual aspect homes, wrapped in a modern Art Deco-inspired façade echoing the local seaside architecture.
The articulation of the four elements reinforces the plan with generous balconies to provide private amenity and much-needed shading to the homes.
“Taking our extensive UK build-to-rent experience to provide a new, more affordable housing option in Western Australia has been a very rewarding experience and we look forward to continuing this collaboration.”
Aiming to support active lifestyles and encourage alternative means of transport, 200 West Coast Highway includes five dedicated electric vehicle (EV) parking bays, 10 bike share bays and 196 private bike spaces, all located near the main entrance to encourage uptake by residents and the public.
Eco-conscious solutions including double-glazing, renewable energy and a minimum of 90% construction waste diverted from landfill, will count toward the pursuit of a 5-Star Green Star certification. Used throughout, high-quality finishes and low-maintenance materials will ensure the longevity of the building and maintain its overall appearance while maximising cost-benefits.
A new pocket park at the building’s main entrance will feature casual communal seating, engaging public art installations, and native landscaping to soften the building at the ground plane, provide a convenient meeting spot for residents and community members, and add to Scarborough’s broader urban realm.
Plans have been submitted for 200 West Coast Highway with the proposals now under review and a decision expected by mid-September 2023.
