1814 Kindred House, A Custom Multigenerational Home in East Fremantle

Kindred House is a custom multigenerational home in East Fremantle, Perth, designed by Craig Steere Architects for an expanding family seeking independent yet connected living. The project brings together the careful restoration of a heritage residence, a series of contemporary additions and two flexible family wings, creating a layered architectural response to family, place and future adaptability.

As a Perth architect specialising in custom homes, Craig Steere Architects approached Kindred House as both a restoration and a reimagining. The original residence had been altered over time through a piecemeal sleepout and rear additions, which obscured much of its original character. The design restores the heritage home with a renewed verandah and a respectful return to its original detail, while introducing contemporary spaces that support the rhythms of modern family life.

The new rear additions create a deliberate contrast to the heritage fabric. Skillion roofs reference Fremantle’s industrial and architectural history, while lightweight materials, generous glazing and rainwater collection systems contribute to a more sustainable approach. Internally, the original home retains its sense of history, with thoughtful adaptations that allow it to function as a comfortable and independent residence within the broader family compound.

Within Kindred 1, each space tells a story of preservation and adaptation. The living area, anchored by an original fireplace, offers a quiet connection between the restored rooms and the contemporary addition. Lowered ceilings, contrasting materials and carefully framed thresholds define the transition from old to new. The dining space has been raised to align with the floor level of the new home, allowing natural light, garden outlooks and outdoor connection to shape the experience of daily living.

The kitchen was relocated to better support contemporary family life, with a scullery providing discreet functionality and storage. Articulated ceilings echo the external roof forms, drawing the architecture into the interior and giving the home a stronger sense of continuity between heritage detail and modern intervention.

To the rear of the site, Kindred 2 and Kindred 3 form the contemporary counterpart to the original home. Here, the design takes inspiration from Fremantle’s warehouse conversions, including the industrial character found in parts of Notre Dame University and the surrounding precinct. Double height living spaces, exposed steel trusses and suspended upper floor bedrooms create the atmosphere of a converted warehouse, while still offering the comfort and intimacy of a custom family home.

Kindred 2 is defined by a sawtooth roof structure, rustic red brick and corrugated metal cladding. The main living and dining spaces are generous and light filled, extending to outdoor decks, a swimming pool and views toward a central courtyard tree. Exposed trusses, high ceilings and carefully placed glazing bring northern light deep into the home, while the kitchen and scullery balance practicality with refined architectural detail. A large island bench, streamlined storage and durable finishes support the demands of a busy family household.

Kindred 3 shifts the focus to the younger members of the family. A dedicated children’s wing is connected to the main living spaces and parents’ room by an enclosed walkway, allowing for both privacy and connection. Bedrooms are bathed in north light and designed with open layouts that can adapt as the family grows. Bathrooms are tucked beneath the sawtooth roof, combining functionality, efficiency and spatial character.

Future adaptability was central to the design of Kindred 3. Internal walls between the small living space and adjacent bedroom have been designed so they can be removed in the future, creating a larger family living area and allowing the wing to operate as a separate three bedroom home. This gives the children future housing options within the family site, while also addressing broader questions of affordability, sustainability and long term resilience.

As Kindred House moved from concept to completion, craftsmanship and cost control guided the design process. Craig Steere Architects worked closely with the client and builder Unearthed Homes to ensure the project remained within budget while allowing for future enhancements and personalisation. Each element, from built in cabinetry to flooring selections, reflects a considered balance of quality, durability and affordability.

Kindred House demonstrates how a custom home in Perth can support multiple generations without compromising independence, privacy or architectural quality. By combining heritage restoration, contemporary residential architecture and flexible long term planning, the project establishes a thoughtful model for family living in East Fremantle.

The home has also recently been awarded awards in the Master Builders WA 2024 - Housing Excellence Awards under the following categories:

• Best Alterations & Additions, partnered by ABI Interiors

• Best Alterations & Additions Over $1,000,000, partnered by ABI Interiors

Photos by Blake Hobson Photography. Video by Chico Kretzer.