Bernard Seeber Architects took centre stage tonight when Housing Minister Peter Tinley announced the Fremantle-based firm as winners of a design competition to deliver creative infill public housing solutions in the heritage suburb of Hilton.
The intent of the competition, as part of the Hilton Revitalisation Project, was to help conserve heritage, deconcentrate public housing and boost the diversity of housing stock.
The competition judging panel – comprised of noted architects and Fremantle Mayor Brad Pettitt – praised the high standard of entries, noting that all the designs were dignified, elegant and place responsive.
Bernard Seeber Architects’ winning entry was commended for its sophistication and contemporary and refined aesthetic. The firm was offered a contract to apply the design to 14 new public homes planned for construction on seven battleaxe lots located behind heritage homes in Hilton.
The four shortlisted teams each received an honorarium of $10,000.
The Hilton Design Competition is a partnership between the Department of Communities, the Australian Institute of Architects, the Office of the Government Architect and the City of Fremantle.
It was initiated by the McGowan Government to encourage innovative and creative solutions to public housing and urban infill challenges in the Fremantle area.