A Freo Federation cottage updated for the future

Pro-tip: If you’ve ever organised a game of golf at one of WA’s most on-the-coast courses (The Cut) and the forecast says bucketing down with a side of blustery winds, perhaps give it a miss and go to the pub instead, as I wish I did yesterday.

^{Troy Mutton, Editor, Perth is OK!}

“Simple, expressive and built to gather stories across decades.”

Isn’t that the dream? Not necessarily a fancy-pants home – but a home that’s part of the neighbourhood, and will grow with you over a lifetime.

That’s how Cast Studio describe their most recent project: Howard Residence. On the outskirts of the Freo CBD, the architects have extended a Federation-era cottage for a lively family – creating a playful, practical home intended to see them through the coming decades.

A spiritual sibling to Cast’s Marine House, completed in 2020, Howard Residence calls upon a similar materiality of bleached timber, bagged brick and concrete – extrapolating the angular structure into a more pronounced, sculptural form.

And while it still echoes a coastal influence like its sibling, Howard also situates itself more within the urban, and suburban – not just in the retention of the original cottage at the front (and its ’50s Italianate finishes), but in its curated views to the more leafy surrounds, and more industrial interior interpretation.

The school holidays are coming back around again and we have a few ideas to help keep the kids - and by extension, you - sane over the break. We’ve put together a list of activities and adventures for all ages and interests, from art and craft to sporting programs to fun things to do all year round!