The King
Located in East Fremantle – an enclave known for its layered heritage, leafy streets and a streetscape where Federation cottages sit comfortably alongside contemporary homes – The King is shaped by the neighbourhood’s familiar rhythm.
The original cottage form has been retained at the street, maintaining the scale, setback and silhouette that define the area’s charm, while &Dalecki’s new extension sits quietly behind the heritage frontage, revealed only intentional glimpses. “This approach allows the house to read as an evolution rather than a replacement – a respectful continuation of East Fremantle’s architectural story,” explains Janik Dalecki, founder of the Perth-based practice. “Material choices also subtly reference the suburb’s maritime and residential history, grounding the home in its context while signalling a new chapter for its owners.”
For the clients, recent empty nesters, the project marked both a lifestyle shift and a chance to redefine how they wanted to live. Their brief prioritised light, landscape connection and calm, open spaces that felt private yet generous. Energy efficiency and year-round comfort were essential, as was the desire to honour the character of the original cottage without being overly limited by it. Both clients value colour, art and personal expression, and the interiors were designed to support their collection and creative instincts.
The plan is anchored by the idea of fluidity. The original cottage houses more intimate, enclosed functions, while a clear shift in materiality and volume signals the transition into the new addition. Here, the main living, dining and kitchen areas are arranged around garden views and pockets of light, with sliding doors opening to terraces that expand the home’s footprint for entertaining. Garden courts, along with the retained Jacaranda tree, act as natural orientation points, guiding movement and softening the experience of the interiors. The result is an intuitive home that can expand or contract depending on the season, mood or gathering size.
Internally, restraint is balanced with warmth. Textured render, natural timber, stone and a muted base palette establish calm, while carefully placed injections of colour – like green carpet and burnt-orange ceilings – celebrate the clients’ creativity. Their mix of thrifted and restored furniture pieces sits comfortably within this material language, reinforcing a sense of authenticity. Honest materials, gentle light and thoughtful detailing create an atmosphere that feels both grounded and uplifting, enhancing daily rituals and offering the couple a place to reconnect and retreat.
&Dalecki’s considered restraint and appreciation for the home’s history has ensured that the architectural response has focused squarely on detail, proportion and material performance rather than excess.
Architecture and interior design by &Dalecki. Build by Base Construction. Landscape design by Hills&Co.
