Wakefield Residences

Verity Lane - with road, plant and foot darkened

Location

Dickson, ACT

Country

Ngunnawal

Status

Completed

Year

2023

Client

SSM Projects Pty Ltd

Project Team

PBS Building

Hama Developments

Plot Design Group (Landscape)

Sellick Consultants (Civil & Structural)

These generous missing middle terrace homes prioritise sunlight, privacy, usable outdoor space and street frontage in an evolving inner‑north precinct.

Wakefield Residences introduces larger sized family, medium density homes that is rare in Canberra. Positioned along Wakefield Avenue, the development is carefully planned to protect living amenity, using generous courtyards, thoughtful landscaping and strategic setbacks to create a sense of calm and privacy. The north‑facing orientation of every townhouse ensures living spaces receive consistent sunlight throughout the day, with direct connections to private open space that offer genuine backyard living in an inner‑north context. Architecturally, the development presents as modern and elegantly restrained, offering a refined presence within the evolving Dickson precinct.

Behind the terrace form is a thoughtfully layered planning strategy that gives each home a sense of generosity uncommon in this typology. Private garages sit beneath the residences, providing secure entry straight into the home, while the main living level sits raised above the streetscape and opens directly to courtyards and backyards. Upper levels are arranged to accommodate a variety of household needs, with flexible bedroom and study configurations across the row.

Inside, three curated interior schemes, Dawn, Dusk and Midnight, offer distinct expressions of warmth, texture and mood, ensuring each home feels personal while maintaining a cohesive architectural character.

Gallery

Photography By Tim Shaw

Photography By Tim Shaw

Photography By Tim Shaw

A thoughtful vertical sequence from private arrival to elevated living, enriched by three curated interior moods.

Wakefield Residences is conceived as a row of terraces, yet delivered with the efficiency of a consolidated building. A single basement level runs beneath the development, with individual garages aligned to the homes above and direct internal access that makes arrival feel private and secure. Above this shared base, the planning reads as distinct multi-storey houses, with the main living level lifted away from the street and upper floors arranged for bedrooms and study spaces. This hybrid approach combines the privacy and generosity of terrace living with the practical advantages of an apartment-style structure, making higher density feel genuinely liveable.

A mix of dwelling sizes expands who this terrace model can serve, from a two-bedroom plus study home through to generous four-bedroom plus study residences. This range supports different household stages within a consistent architectural language, offering an inner-north alternative for those who want more space than an apartment typically provides. The result is a compact development with a surprisingly generous feel, delivering family-sized living in a form that sits comfortably within an evolving precinct.

Sustainability outcomes

Sustainability and longevity underpin the development, with north-facing orientation and stepped massing maximising solar access for residents while helping preserve sunlight to neighbouring properties. Durable, low-maintenance materials were selected to support long-term performance and reduce replacement and upkeep over time.

North-facing orientation to maximise solar access and improve winter warmth
Stepped massing to protect solar access across the broader neighbourhood
Durable, low-maintenance material selection to support longevity and reduce waste
PV solar, Efficient reverse-cycle AC and heat pump HW has been provided for all dwellings

Approach To Materials

Externally, warm and robust materials, including brick and timber elements, create a dialogue with the established character of the area and give the residences a grounded presence. Internally, a restrained, hardwearing palette is varied across the homes, with differing timber and tile finishes used to distinguish residence types while maintaining a cohesive overall language.