Whadjuk people of the Nyoongar nation
Western Australia
Forbes Residences, a new high-density development in Applecross, Perth, shows that a high-density form and expression can arise from the existing character of a beloved neighborhood.
Designed by MJA Studio and WOHA for Mustera Property Group, with CaPA Studio as the landscape designers, the project comprises a cluster of “villas in the sky” featuring extensive hanging gardens. These gardens enhance privacy, improve air quality, and create lush community spaces.
The architectural expression is a contemporary interpretation of the garden suburb aesthetic, with clean lines and a robust podium that anchors the building to the site. The apartments offer spacious balconies and sweeping views, prioritizing natural light and ventilation.
The project contributes to the social and cultural fabric of the neighborhood with a co-working space, dance hall, and short-stay apartments, as well as an art façade that is inspired by the changes that have occurred in this location over deep time.
Forbes Residences demonstrates a thoughtful and contextual approach to medium-density living within a low-density suburban environment. Careful massing responds sensitively to the existing urban fabric, maintaining a respectful relationship with the scale of surrounding detached dwellings. The built form stands elegantly in anticipation of future higher-density development. A refined material palette, detailed to suit the human scale, is complemented by lush landscaping that thoughtfully integrates greenery to break up the building’s mass, drawing visual and conceptual connections to Applecross’s identity as a garden suburb.
The planning excels at both the communal podium levels and upper residential floors. A community space is provided with direct access from the public domain, while flexible working spaces, a dance hall, and short-stay accommodation offer further amenity to both residents and the wider community.
Views are brought deep into the podium areas and lobbies, with the architecture framing mature trees, the river, and the city beyond—reinforcing a strong sense of place and connection to the surrounding suburb.
Internally, well-considered floorplate design at the upper apartment levels minimises common circulation while providing access to landscape, light, and air on three sides. Each typical floor accommodates four apartments, all enjoying multiple aspects. These are highly successful apartments, offering generous access to views, natural light, and cross-ventilation.
Passive design strategies, paired with active systems, deliver impressive, high sustainability outcomes, including an average NatHERS rating of 7.5 stars across the development.
The building’s articulated façade and setback tower allow the higher-density form to sit comfortably within a traditionally low-rise residential context. Embedded across the façade, integrated public artwork enriches the project’s contribution to the public realm, adding depth and identity to its architectural expression.
This is a project that excels in every aspect—balancing density, amenity, sustainability, community benefit, and neighbourhood character with uncommon finesse.
Richard Hassell, Founding Director WOHA
Mark Ciesielski, Project Architect
Jimmy Thompson, Design Director MJA studio
Roger Wakefield, Project Architect
Megan Cordin, Interior Architecture
Han Oh, Graduate of Architecture
Fu Yingi, Graduate of Architecture
Anna Jozwicki, Interior Architecture
Klaudyna Swiderska, Interior Architecture
Jason Welten, Senior Technician
Pru Hancock, Project Architect
Charles Hancock, Technician
HERA Engineering, Structural Engineer
Melchor, Engineer
ENCON, Project Manager
TALIS, Waste Consultant
FLOTH, Hydraulic Consultant
Windtech, Wind Engineer
CAPA, Landscape Consultant
Full Circle, ESD Consultant
RESOLVE Group, Building Surveyor
Melchor, Electrical Consultant