Pattern book homes have a long history, especially during times of housing shortages. With construction costs rising and housing becoming increasingly unaffordable, is it time to revisit the past?

Reflecting on historical precedents and what’s currently on the market, Matt Delroy-Carr (MDC Architects) will share his off-the-plan housing model, whilst Joel Benichou (Archive) and Craig Nener (Grotto Studio) will launch Project_Home, a new model for efficient, innovative and comfortable housing. 

This event is part of the Fremantle Design Week Conversations Series.

Students and concession card holders can use code FDWCONCESSION for 10% off tickets.

Conversations Series presented by:

Matt Delroy-Carr

Matt Delroy-Carr is the director of MDC Architects.HIs fundamental belief is that architecture should be for everyone, and is central to an improved quality of life. He has a focus on infill housing, accessible to the wider majority.

Notable recent projects include Farrier Lane House, recognised locally and nationally for its innovative approach to sustainability, and Hope Street Housing in White Gum Valley, designed with Officer Woods Architects and recognised in three categories at the WA Architecture Awards in 2024.

MDC Architects has developed a range of small house plans that can be purchased by people seeking to build sustainable, affordable homes on small blocks.

Joel Benichou

Joel Benichou is a prominent Australian architect and educator, celebrated for his innovative and thoughtful design. He began his career in Melbourne, working with internationally recognised studios, where he specialised in bespoke residential and coastal properties. In 2014, he established his own practice, focusing on integrating Australian cultural perspectives into human-centric design.

Joel has taught at the University of Melbourne, RMIT, the University of Western Australia, and Curtin University, inspiring students to create contextually rich designs.

Craig Nener

Craig Nener is an architect and founding director of GROTTO Studio. Craig has worked with firms, Herzog & de Meuron, MORQ, Iredale Pedersen & Hook, and Nic Brunsdon. Beginning his career as a draftsman at TAFE, Craig furthered his studies at Curtin and UWA, participating in exchange programs with RCR Architects in Spain and EMBAIXADA in Portugal. He was awarded the Cox Howlett and Bailey Woodland Architectural Award and several Vice Chancellor Awards.

At GROTTO Studio, Craig focuses on residential projects, with notable work including Shadow House, his first built project, featured on the cover of Habitus Magazine, Issue #57. Craig contributes to academia as a master’s tutor at the University of Western Australia, School of Design.

As specialists in selling design-led homes, ZSA ZSA Property believes in the power of great design to help people live in more meaningful ways. Through selling, sharing and celebrating beautiful homes, ZSA ZSA Property is dedicated to helping their clients reach their potential – setting a new standard of excellence. They combine astute design knowledge and traditional service with modern technology and digital trends, ensuring every sales and marketing campaign is strategic, polished, and multifaceted. This approach, paired with their discerning eye and access to the media, gives clients a unique advantage in a crowded market. At ZSA ZSA Property, every beautiful home has a story, and it’s their mission to sell it.