Perth home owners become more 'architecture aware' A stunningly designed bathroom from an Owston Street, Mosman Park home. DESIGNER homes are popping up across Perth as the city becomes more 'architecturally' conscious. Aspects such as strong horizontal lines, cut outs and bold rectangular features are increasingly popular in new residential homes. As Perth's architectural style grows up, McMansions will be out and clean, simple modernist designs will be in, according to David Karotkin, the WA President of the Australian Institute of Architects. The kitchen and living area at an Owston Street, Mosman Park property. "In more recent years there has been an increased awareness of architecture in Perth," Mr Karotkin said. That's started to appear in cities and suburban areas, and is being filtered through into our residential areas. There's awareness about the importance of the designs and the buildings we live in, work in and play in - it's all architecture. An award-winning beach house, designed by architect Blane Brackenridge Mr Karotkin said Perth suburbs were at the forefront of a rejuvenated architectural scene. "We're seeing more and more of these designs in the builder's home market and many of the building companies are now hiring their own architects," he said. People are becoming more aware of it, and becoming more educated in the differences in the approach to design which is starting to filter through into the residential markets. This home, designed by architects Philip Gresley and Justine Monk, was an award winner in 2012 for its alterations and additions Mr Karotkin said adaptable design was on the rise and buyers were becoming more engaged with covered alfresco dining and luminous indoor areas. "People have a demand for indoor-outdoor living now so we have an in-between area in modern homes with big outdoor openings and sheltered areas so you can choose what sort of environment you want to be in according to the weather," he said. We're also moving towards simpler houses that are able to be adapted more easily, and that sort of adaptation is based around changing lifestyles, so a house can actually adapt as the family ages. More home owners in Perth are having their residences architecturally designed, such as this award winning Applecross property designed by Caporn Young. Mr Karotkin said Perth increasingly had its own architectural style. "Architects and clients have generally looked to express their confidence in the future of the state by expressing modern, forward looking, themes in the buildings they are developing," he said. This has been manifested in the twentieth century in modernist architecture tailored to our unique climate as well as available materials and skills.