The Western Australian government has announced that it is developing a housing pattern book “to cut red tape and accelerate the delivery of housing in established suburbs.”
The $2 million initiative, which is estimated to take two years, will involve the development of architect-designed homes suited to medium-density infill projects.
It is being led by Government Architect Western Australia, as part of a broader suite of initiatives targeting densification to boost the state’s housing supply and affordability.
WA Treasurer Rita Saffioti commented, “We want more Western Australians to own their own home, which is why we are investing in innovative construction methods to deliver more housing choice right across our suburbs.
“This pattern book will provide ready-to-use, pre-assessed designs that will make it easier and cheaper for industry to build quality homes for Western Australians,” she said.
The project takes cues from similar precedents elsewhere in the country, namely the NSW Housing Pattern Book, which has led to pattern homes now under construction.
According to the WA government, the state’s pattern book will focus on common urban infill lot sizes in order to support more efficient land use in well-located areas close to public transport, amenities and services.
Saffioti emphasised that the initiative is intended to encourage growth around the state’s train stations, including recently completed projects such as the Morley–Ellenbrook Line, winner of a 2025 National Award for Sustainable Architecture from the Australian Institute of Architects.
“[The housing pattern book] will help deliver more homes around our Metronet stations, delivering on our vision to create well-connected communities,” she said.
A variety of medium-density housing types, such as townhouses, will be included in the pattern book, with each pattern designed to meet standards for energy efficiency, universal access and climate-resilient construction.
The patterns will also be pre-assessed, with the government’s aim of streamlining planning approvals.
Planning and Lands Minister John Carey said, “The 2026-27 State Budget includes record investments to build thousands of homes, unlock tens of thousands of lots and support first home buyers and renters.
“The development of a pattern book will further enable us to get housing out the door faster, especially for much-needed medium-density projects.”
Source: Architecture - architectureau
