The 2026 Federal Budget may quietly reshape how Australians think about property ownership. As traditional investment property incentives become less attractive, many Perth homeowners may begin redirecting their focus toward improving the family home instead. From high-end renovations and extensions to custom knockdown-rebuild projects, the Principal Place of Residence (PPOR) is increasingly being viewed not just as a place to live, but as a long-term lifestyle and wealth asset.

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From Single Dwelling to Adjacent Yield

As property economics shift, value is no longer defined solely by capital growth, but by how effectively a site can be intensified. Ancillary dwellings represent a quiet but powerful form of this shift, where a secondary, adjacent structure works alongside the primary residence to unlock additional income, flexibility, and long-term resilience from a single parcel of land.

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From Single Dwelling to Multiple Tenancies

As housing pressures, planning reform, and tax changes reshape the Australian property landscape, many homeowners are beginning to reassess the potential locked within existing large dwellings. Rather than viewing a home as a single-use asset, there is growing opportunity to reimagine it as a framework for multiple independent rental tenancies.

Through thoughtful architectural intervention, larger homes can be reconfigured to support dual living, co-living arrangements, or fully self-contained units, often within the existing building envelope. This shift is less about expansion and more about precision: reworking circulation, access, services, and spatial logic to unlock new forms of occupancy.

In this context, architecture becomes a tool for transformation, turning underutilised space into meaningful, income-generating housing without necessarily increasing footprint or demolition.

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Most people see winter as something to endure - but what if your home was designed to make you love it? With thoughtful architecture, cold, rainy days can become some of the most comforting and beautiful moments of the year. By using passive solar design, strategic window orientation, and thermal mass, your home can stay naturally warm, filled with light, and deeply connected to the seasons — without needing to blast the heater. This article explores how great design can turn winter from a flaw into a feature.

From layout patterns and grout choices to smart tiling datums that double as shelf lines, a well-considered tiling plan is what separates a crisp, timeless bathroom from one that just feels… off. This article unpacks the key design decisions (and common mistakes) that go into great bathroom tiling — so you can get it right before the first tile is even laid.

Read the full post to learn how to balance trends with longevity, and turn small details into big design wins.

Before you call a builder, start with a plan.
A well-crafted design package sets the foundation for a smoother renovation, helping you avoid costly surprises, get accurate quotes, and bring your vision to life with confidence. Here's why design should always come first.

Framing is now complete, and new tiles have been laid across both the original home and the contemporary additions. These works mark a key milestone in our transformation of this charming Mount Lawley residence, designed to support the evolving needs of a young family. With generous volumes opening to the North West and a dual-purpose mezzanine for work and play, the project continues to balance heritage character with modern family living.

The holiday season is a time when many Australians open their homes to friends and family, celebrating the joys of Christmas and summer. For many, the experience of entertaining sparks a realization: their home could be better suited to hosting loved ones.

If this resonates with you, now is the perfect time to consider how additions and alterations can transform your home into an entertainer’s dream.

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Thinking of renovating or building in Perth? Don’t call the builder just yet. Starting with a tailored architectural design package gives you clarity, budget control, and a smoother path through approvals. Discover why investing in design first sets your entire project up for success.

This weekend’s site visit to our Mt Lawley additions and alterations project revealed fantastic progress. The rear demolition is complete, the slab is down, and the ground-floor structural steel is in place. Impressively, the clients undertook the prefabrication and steel erection themselves, delivering outstanding quality and precision. Stay tuned for more updates as this transformation continues!

Our South Perth additions and alterations project has received building approval! This exciting transformation will refresh a 1990s home, creating a modern and inviting space perfect for living and entertaining. Stay tuned as we bring this vision to life!

When planning a new development in Perth, Western Australia, it's essential to consider the impact of overshadowing on neighboring properties, especially at noon on June 21st, the winter solstice. Councils require this assessment as part of the Planning and Development Applications process. By calculating the sun's angle, developers can accurately predict the extent of shadows cast by their buildings, ensuring compliance with regulations and maintaining a harmonious urban environment. For developments in other locations, use specific geographical and temporal data to determine the sun angle using tools like ChatGPT.

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We are excited to announce our newest offering: the Concept Design Package for kitchens, bathrooms, and ensuites. Leveraging over 17 years of experience in residential architecture, we deliver detailed, professional design concepts that simplify your renovation journey. Our package includes everything from expert design drawings and fixture recommendations to thorough site visits, ensuring a seamless transition from vision to reality. You can also enhance your project with optional services such as 3D modelling and detailed plan development. In this article, we will delve into the details of this service.

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In the sun-drenched city of Perth, Western Australia, optimising airflow and cross ventilation in homes is crucial for creating comfortable and energy-efficient living environments. Leveraging the expertise of an architect can transform a house into a haven of natural breezes, reducing reliance on artificial cooling and promoting sustainable living. From strategic window placement to innovative ventilation openings, architects employ a variety of techniques to enhance natural airflow. Discover how professional design can make your home cooler, more comfortable, and environmentally friendly, all while maintaining a harmonious aesthetic.

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We are excited to share an update on our latest renovation project, currently under development application review by the City of South Perth. This project breathes new life into a classic 1980s two-storey house, blending its original charm with modern design elements. Our vision incorporates a diverse mix of materials, including timber screens, stucco, and cement render, to create a harmonious balance between tradition and contemporary style.

As Perth's urban landscape evolves, terrace housing is emerging as a popular solution to the city's growth challenges. This architectural style offers numerous benefits, including efficient land use, affordability, and fostering community interaction. Terrace houses are designed to be sustainable, with features like solar panels and energy-efficient appliances, making them ideal for Perth's climate. Their strategic locations ensure easy access to amenities, reducing reliance on cars and enhancing quality of life. Embracing terrace housing can help Perth create a more sustainable, connected, and vibrant urban future. Discover how Matthiessen architects can help you design the perfect terrace home.

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Architect: DKO

Self-Managed Super Funds (SMSFs) offer Australians the unique opportunity to take control of their retirement savings, and one innovative investment strategy is property development. This approach can potentially yield substantial returns through capital growth and rental income. However, it requires careful planning and compliance with complex regulations.

Engaging an architect in the property development process can be highly beneficial. Architects bring professional expertise in design, ensuring the property is functional, aesthetically pleasing, and compliant with local regulations. Their involvement can enhance the property's market value and streamline the development process, ultimately contributing to a successful investment outcome for the SMSF.

Disclaimer: This excerpt is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial or legal advice. Using self-managed super funds for property development involves complex regulations and financial risks. It is essential to consult with a registered financial advisor and obtain independent legal and financial advice tailored to your specific circumstances.

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