Cromdale Street, Mortdale

This award-winning multi-residential development demonstrates how thoughtful planning can increase housing opportunities while maintaining the character of an established suburban neighbourhood. Located on a generous site in Mortdale, the project delivers six well-designed townhouses that balance privacy, functionality, and efficient land use. The development provides residents with the benefits of low-maintenance living while preserving the scale and rhythm of the surrounding streetscape.
Brick duplex townhouse with shared driveway, garage and landscaped front garden in suburban street

The Challenge

As demand for housing increased across Sydney’s middle-ring suburbs, the site presented an opportunity to create additional dwellings without resorting to large-scale apartment development. The challenge was to make efficient use of the 1,536 square metre allotment while ensuring each home retained a strong sense of individuality, privacy, and connection to outdoor space.

The design also needed to address vehicle access, circulation, and building placement within a relatively deep suburban block. Maintaining a low-scale residential character was important to ensure the development sat comfortably within the existing neighbourhood.

The Solution

JMH Living Design developed a townhouse community arranged along a central shared driveway, a planning approach well suited to the site’s shape and dimensions. This layout allowed the homes to be positioned efficiently while reducing the visual impact of the development from the street.

A clear hierarchy of privacy was established throughout the site. Homes closer to the street engage with the neighbourhood, while residences positioned further into the site benefit from increased separation and a quieter living environment.

Each townhouse was designed across multiple levels, creating a clear distinction between living and sleeping zones. Open-plan living areas on the ground floor connect directly to private courtyards, providing outdoor space without the maintenance demands of larger gardens. Bedrooms are located on the upper level, offering privacy and separation from daily activity areas.

Integrated garages were incorporated into the overall building form, ensuring vehicle accommodation remained practical without dominating the appearance of the development. Durable materials and straightforward architectural forms were selected to support long-term performance and ease of maintenance.

The Result

The completed development delivers six comfortable and highly functional homes within a well-planned residential setting. Careful attention to site planning, privacy, and circulation has created a development that feels balanced and liveable, despite its increased density.

More than two decades later, the project remains an excellent example of medium-density housing done well. It demonstrates how thoughtful design can maximise land use while maintaining amenity, privacy, and a strong connection to the surrounding community. The project was recognised with a Building Designers Association of Australia award for Multi Residential Development.

Key Takeaways

  • Good medium-density housing begins with strong site planning and clear circulation.
  • Privacy, outdoor space, and functionality remain essential regardless of development scale.
  • Thoughtful townhouse design can increase housing choice while maintaining neighbourhood character.