Clever Small Home in North Perth

Hidden in the heart of North Perth, this clever small home North Perth proves that big ideas can thrive on compact sites. Just moments from Angove Street’s vibrant cafés, shops, and restaurants, the residence combines modern architecture with clever spatial planning to deliver comfort, light, and style on a tight 185sqm block. Designed by Garry Batt of Gary Batt Associates and built by Shelford Quality Homes, every inch of the home has been thoughtfully crafted to maximise lifestyle, natural light, and connection to the outdoors.

The Brief

Our clients dreamed of building a modern, family-friendly home in their dream location, despite the challenge of a narrow laneway block. The design needed to:

  • Make the most of a compact 185sqm lot (with only 173sqm build envelope).

  • Create a seamless flow between indoor and outdoor living.

  • Incorporate sustainable design principles with natural ventilation and light.

  • Deliver architectural flair and quality finishes, while blending into the heritage streetscape.

The Design

The two-storey clever small home North Perth uses a split-lot strategy to unlock its full potential. Two front doors (Woodville Street and Woodville Lane) provide versatility, while open-plan living and a central north-facing courtyard bring the outdoors in. Expansive windows, skylights, and commercial-grade Shelford stacking doors allow natural light to bounce throughout, creating a home that feels larger than its footprint.

Lightweight construction upstairs, combined with double brick on the lower floor, showcases flexible building methods that save space, improve thermal efficiency, and complement the contemporary design.

Key Highlights

  • Innovative Architecture – High ceilings, clever transparency between rooms, and expansive glazing make this home feel spacious and airy.
  • Quality Workmanship – A blend of brickwork, render, Sycon cladding, and exposed concrete create texture and style both inside and out.
  • Indoor-Outdoor Flow – The landscaped courtyard acts as an extension of the main living space, with stacking doors that open the home to fresh air and light.
  • Visual Appeal – Modern colour palettes, feature walls, mirrors, lighting, and even a freestanding bath on the balcony create a striking yet welcoming interior.
  • Sustainability – Passive thermal design with cross ventilation, extra insulation, shading, and lightweight upper construction delivers year-round comfort and energy efficiency.
  • Smart Use of Space – Despite its compact size, the home feels expansive, offering a perfect “lock-and-leave” lifestyle or an alternative to apartment living.

Ready to maximise your block’s potential? Talk to Shelford about building your own clever small home in North Perth – designed for your lifestyle, your site, and your future.