Verse on McCabe

Flanked by the Swan River to the south-east and the Indian Ocean to the west, and close to both Cottesloe’s coastal charm and the cultural centre of Fremantle, Verse on McCabe’s location plays a leading role in its identity. “We chose the site because it captures the best of coastal living, urban convenience and access to natural beauty,” says Nicholas Zborowski of Mustera Property Group.

The locale’s distinctive characteristics heavily informed the architectural response. Curved tropes reference the river and the limestone cliffs that trace its edges; planted sections evoke the riverine landscape; and the building’s podium level, which presents to the streetscape like a sculptural triptych, nods to the nearby Rocky Bay Waugal Cave. The palette of metallics, timbers and curved glass is a fitting reflection of the river’s hues, particularly in spring, when it turns a deeper shade of bronze.

The building comprises 42 one-, two- and three-bedroom residences and three penthouses. “Unlike larger-scale developments, we’ve deliberately kept this to just 42 residences,” says Zborowski. “It’s a boutique collection that offers exclusivity to create an intimate community in the building.” The various amenities – which include a residents’ lounge, a wine room and private dining room with a fully equipped kitchen – support this notion.

The design of every dwelling has been treated with a similar reverence. Each has generous proportions, abundant natural light and views of either the river or ocean. Some benefit from both. Residents can choose from one of three bespoke schemes ranging from lighter tones and sandy colours to deep chocolate hues and grey accents.

“Colour schemes are a really personal decision, so it was important for us to give purchasers a choice,” says Jimmy Thompson of MJA Studio. “Shore, which is the light scheme, resonates strongly with purchasers and is reflective of the coastal and river views. Drift and Ember are more individual in their expression, offering a bolder choice as well as a counterpoint to the bright world beyond the apartments’ walls.”

These schemes are most impactful in the bathrooms and kitchens, and the layouts are clever and considered, resulting in spaces that belie their apartment typology. “There’s an incredible sense of generosity in the scale of the kitchens and their islands and the way they flow to the outdoor areas,” says Thompson, adding that “a full suite of Fisher & Paykel appliances is integrated seamlessly into the kitchens and works so well with the interiors”.

Minimal-style appliances include an induction cooktop and large oven – the design, capacity and performance of which effortlessly rises to meet the lifestyle needs of potential purchasers. Built-in technology creates further flexibility and ease. “The way the Fisher & Paykel technology allows someone to follow the progress of a dish from their SmartHQ app means they can continue looking after guests without having to worry or fuss over the outcome,” explains Thompson.

Refrigerators and dishwashers are integrated into the timber cabinetry, facilitating a resolved architectural expression in the heart of these homes, and the Integrated Column Wine Cabinet is befitting of Verse on McCabe’s luxury positioning. For Thompson, deciding which appliances to integrate is “an easy choice. For me, fridges, extraction and dishwashers always want to be integrated into joinery, while wine fridges ask to be on show and the generous, 76-centimetre ovens really want to make their presence known.”

The decision to work with Fisher & Paykel was driven by a shared commitment to excellent design and sustainable choices – the project is aiming for a 5-star Green Star rating – and an appreciation for the role of the kitchen in a luxury home, no matter the scale or typology. The team’s involvement in the project from its early stages has created a deeply considered outcome that sees performance, aesthetics and lifestyle choices considered as the pillars of a cohesive, design-centric story.

“We wanted the kitchens to feel refined, timeless and genuinely liveable, and Fisher & Paykel’s technical expertise made that possible,” says Zborowski. “Their team really helped us balance performance with subtlety and the result is a collection of kitchens that will not only look beautifully resolved but also perform effortlessly, allowing our future residents to cook comfortably and entertain easily.”

Architecture by MJA Studio. Interior design by MJA Studio Interiors. Development by Mustera Property Group. Appliances by Fisher & Paykel.