One Subiaco has been designed to ‘breathe new life’ into the iconic Subiaco Markets site. The mixed-use development has not only become Subiaco’s most sought-after real estate, but once fully tenanted will become a magnet for locals and visitors to shop, dine and play in the stylish suburb.

The development is formed by three distinct residential buildings, affording space on the ground plane for a series of connected laneways flanked with retail and food and beverage offerings. The Hames Sharley team worked closely with Multiplex to expedite construction using the ‘top-down’ method, which required flexibility, understanding and focus to execute the build without compromising on spatial and material quality.

Each building has been oriented to activate the street frontage it occupies and was named after – Rokeby, Roberts and Seddon. Each has its own character influenced by its context, providing visual continuity and respecting the rhythm of the existing streetscapes. The Roberts building draws on the heritage of nearby Catherine Street, with industrial-style brickwork and steel features throughout, while the Seddon building boasts a more contemporary palette, with high-end, neutral finishes in a nod to the ever-evolving inner city.

The ‘jewel’ of the trilogy, Rokeby, features an illuminated, wrap-around screen to draw the eye and assist with activation of the ground plane; a primary design objective. Another active zone – the private residents’ retreat – sits atop the northern edge of the Roberts building and is accessible from all three buildings. Featuring a raft of amenities including a pool, gym, dining room, barbeque and multiple green spaces – including a mini orchard with fruit trees – the retreat offers several informal ‘zones’ to facilitate many small gatherings through to larger social occasions.

Diversity is a cornerstone of One Subiaco, with three-bedroom apartments representing about 30 percent of total stock, which is much higher than the market average and has resulted in a broader buyer demographic. Larger apartments, which have been designed with a wider floorplate, attracted families and downsizers moving from a traditional home, while studio, one- and two-bedroom apartments appealed to first-time buyers, young couples and retirees.

Apartments have been thoughtfully designed to respond to the inner-city location, with some featuring operable screens for privacy and shading to facilitate natural lighting and cross-ventilation. These features, in tandem with One Subiaco’s proximity to public transport reducing reliance on individual vehicles, have earned the project a self-certified four star Green Star rating.

A measure of the project’s success was the huge demand and sales frequency of the apartments, with all but two penthouses sold before completion during a volatile time in the market – a remarkable outcome for client Blackburne, who have shifted their head office to the new prestigious location to reinforce their confidence in the revitalisation of the suburb.

The outcome is a transformative hub for the community that sets a new benchmark for urban development, responding to a desire for new public amenity, and in turn providing economic uplift for the long under-utilised site.

One Subiaco has won many national architecture, urban design and construction awards.