Multiply Your Vision.

We delivered this contemporary multi-unit development at 35 Liverpool Street, creating four modern townhouses that maximise land efficiency while maintaining privacy and quality of life for residents. The project demonstrates our expertise in medium-density housing, balancing the demands of multiple stakeholders with strict council requirements and budget constraints.

Client

The Smiths
Completion

February 5th, 2024
Project type

Medium Density Housing
Designer

Ben Kusabs

Ben / Designer

Multi-unit developments are where construction meets mathematics. This Liverpool street project perfectly illustrates the complexity behind what looks simple. We had to thread the needle between council requirements, neighbor concerns, investor returns, and future tenant needs - all while delivering four homes that people would actually love to live in.

The site presented immediate challenges. The narrow frontage meant creative solutions for vehicle access and parking. We designed a shared driveway system that provides each unit with two dedicated spaces while maintaining clear sightlines and safe pedestrian access. The acoustic engineering between units was critical - using specialised insulation and offset wall systems to ensure privacy between neighbours.

What sets Black Pine apart in multi-unit development is our understanding that these aren't just investment boxes - they're homes. Yes, we standardised where it made sense - same kitchen layouts, bathroom fixtures, and door hardware across all units - but we also ensured each home had its own private outdoor space, proper storage, and quality finishes that will stand up to rental wear while still attracting quality tenants.

The green-grey color palette wasn't just aesthetic choice - darker colors show less wear and require less maintenance, crucial for investment properties. The metal fencing provides security and privacy while requiring zero maintenance compared to timber. Every material choice balanced upfront cost against long-term value.

From breaking ground to final handover, we delivered four completed units in record time and within deadlines. That's the efficiency that comes from experience - knowing how to sequence trades, anticipate issues, and maintain quality at pace. This development now provides quality housing for four local families while delivering solid returns for our client. That's the sweet spot we aim for in every multi-unit project."

Process:

Feasibility & Design Optimisation

Multi-unit developments start with the numbers. For this site, we analysed council density rules, height restrictions, and recession planes to maximise yield while ensuring each unit remained desirable. We worked closely with investors to balance construction costs against rental returns, optimising the design to fit four quality units where others saw only three.
Coordinated Construction

Building multiple units simultaneously requires military precision. We scheduled trades in waves - foundations for all four units, then framing, then cladding - maximising efficiency and minimizing costs. Critical infrastructure like drainage and services were coordinated from day one to avoid costly retrofits. Every decision impacted four homes, not just one.
Quality at Scale

The challenge with multi-unit builds is maintaining quality while meeting tight margins. We leveraged bulk purchasing power for materials, standardised layouts where possible, but never compromised on finish quality. Each unit received the same attention to detail as a standalone home - from the kitchen cabinetry to the bathroom tiling. The result: four homes that feel individual despite their shared DNA.

The development includes shared driveways with designated parking, individual fenced courtyards, and careful landscaping that creates distinct boundaries without compromising the sense of community. This project showcases Black Pine's ability to deliver complex multi-unit developments that offer both investment value and livable spaces in our regions growing housing market.