Project Overview Zoning: R20 / 40 Lot Area: 1,042 sqm Housing Type: Three larger townhouses This project was designed as…
Development Type: Medium-scale, infill-built form development
Zoning: R60
Lot Area: circa 1,800m2
Housing Type: Townhouses
Project Overview
Summit Developments partnered with a private client to deliver Doonan East and Doonan West — two medium-scale projects comprising a total of 10 architecturally designed, two-storey townhouses in Nedlands.
Led by Quentin Lau, Senior Developments Architect at Summit Developments, this project marked a strategic move into built form for the developer and demonstrated Summit Development’s capability in delivering high-quality, medium-density residential outcomes.
Development Project Goals
The client — previously focused on land subdivisions — engaged Summit Developments to support their first built form project. Their goal was to deliver a premium residential product that would generate a return on investment for stakeholders and recover development management fees.
Delivered during the peak of COVID-19 disruptions, the project faced significant headwinds, including labour shortages, material delays, and the complexity of architectural design. Despite this, the result was a distinctive, high-value development that achieved strong financial outcomes for the client.
Planning, Design & Development Process
Each parent lot was zoned for five dwellings, allowing for a combined total of ten across the Doonan East and Doonan West sites. Early feasibility assessments confirmed the project’s viability, with strong buyer demand and minimal competition in the recently rezoned Nedlands area when the land was purchased.
A key planning hurdle involved the City of Nedlands’ requirement for a laneway connection — a condition the client preferred to avoid. To navigate this, the client pursued a strategic subdivision approval process via the WAPC. While the planning process was complex and involved legal consultation, the team had anticipated these challenges and factored the extended timelines into the delivery strategy.
The existing gradient of the site also introduced design complexities, requiring each home to step with the natural contours. While the floor plans for each townhouse were consistent, the elevations were uniquely designed, giving each townhouse a distinct architectural identity — a contrast to nearby developments with uniform façades.
The client provided an initial architectural concept, which Summit refined for improved constructability and cost efficiency, while maintaining the original design vision. Each townhouse was constructed on its own green title lot, enhancing buyer confidence and individual ownership benefits.
Conclusion
Doonan East and Doonan West achieved strong financial results, with several homes sold prior to completion. Both client and buyer feedback were overwhelmingly positive, with buyers particularly drawn to the individuality, architectural detailing, and the benefits of green title ownership.
This project reinforces that built form development remains a highly viable strategy, even in a constrained market — especially when paired with a strong design vision and an experienced delivery partner.
“There’s a perception that it’s safer to stick with land subdivisions — but this project shows that built form, even in a difficult climate, can deliver excellent returns. It’s just about getting the right strategy and execution.” – Quentin Lau, Senior Developments Architect, Summit Developments.
Ready to explore the potential of built form on your site?
Speak to the Summit Developments team about how we can help you deliver your next medium-density project with confidence.
