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The Switch Perth | MJA Studio

The Switch Perth | MJA Studio | Photographer: Dion Robeson

2023 National Architecture Awards Program

The Switch Perth | MJA Studio

Traditional Land Owners
Whadjuk people of the Nyoongar nation
Year
2023
Chapter

Western Australia

Category
Residential Architecture – Multiple Housing
Builder
Icon
Photographer
Dion Robeson
Project summary

The Switch Perth sees the retention, renovation and celebration of an early piece of Perth’s forgotten heritage integrated within a new typology of urban accommodation. The slender, 40-level, 5 Star GBCA certified co-living building anchors Wellington Street adjacent to the evolving City Link and Yagan Square precincts.

Proactive heritage listing, undertaken during the design phase, ensured the neglected heritage fabric received long overdue respect. The restrained tower, over, comprises a mix of room types of various scales and extent of shared amenity.

Occupancy was realized during an affordability crisis with a severe lack of inner-city accommodation. Currently at 100% occupancy, a diverse cohort now calls The Switch Perth home, with 90% of residents aged between 18 to 35 and the most senior resident of 71 years.

The Switch demonstrates that considered design can facilitate the retention, preservation and integration of our important heritage fabric within contemporary inner urban infill.

The Switch Perth is designed to create a vibrant, creative and connected community hub where people can live, work and play. Aside from various affordable apartment types, The Switch offers a range of innovative spaces.

The design of The Switch encourages collaboration and social interaction, providing a unique place for people to come together, share their ideas and call the place home. This helps to drive creativity and innovation, as well as creating a sense of community. The design of The Switch also compliments the Green Star rating and sustainable drive that the Switch and its tenants strive to achieve.

Client perspective
Project Practice Team

Harriet Drummond, Interior Architect
Chris Dwyer, DA Project Lead
Jesse Swan, Project Architect
Jimmy Thompson, Project Director
Megan Cordin, Interior Architect

Project Consultant and Construction Team

Elememt, Heritage Consultant
Hera Engineering, Structural Engineer

Connect with MJA Studio
The Switch Perth | MJA Studio | Photographer: Dion Robeson
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The Australian Institute of Architects acknowledges First Nations peoples as the Traditional Custodians of the lands, waters, and skies of the continent now called Australia.

We express our gratitude to their Elders and Knowledge Holders whose wisdom, actions and knowledge have kept culture alive.

We recognise First Nations peoples as the first architects and builders. We appreciate their continuing work on Country from pre-invasion times to contemporary First Nations architects, and respect their rights to continue to care for Country.

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