NOMA Residences

Year of Construction: 2023

Client: Parcel Property

Location: Whadjuk Country, Mosman Park, WA

Team: Parcel Property, See Design Studio, Plus Architecture, PACT Construction, April Pine

Photographer: Ridhwaan Moolla

Rethinking Gardens in a Changing Urban Landscape

NOMA Residences challenges conventional thinking about gardens in urban living. Traditionally, suburban gardens have shaped Australian housing—large, fenced-in yards designed for individual households. In locations like Mosman Park, expansive block sizes have dictated green space, reinforcing a model where gardens are private, singular spaces rather than shared, integrated landscapes. As cities densify, this model is no longer viable. Green space must work harder—not just as an aesthetic element but as a social, environmental, and economic asset.

Rather than being an afterthought or a leftover space, landscape at NOMA is a primary design driver, shaping the experience of both residents and the broader community.

Resident reading in landscaped courtyard of modern multi-residential building with sculptures and curved balcony architecture

NOMA Residences redefines the role of gardens in multi-residential developments, demonstrating how deep soil planting, tree retention, and public-facing landscapes integrate density into a low-density suburb. The retention of a mature eucalyptus tree anchors the site, reducing the building’s perceived verticality while reinforcing a strong connection to place. 

The garden mitigates heat and supports biodiversity. Blending coastal native species with sculpted plantings, it brings the intimacy of a traditional garden while balancing ecological function. This fusion of wild and refined softens urban form, strengthens the streetscape, and proves that gardens in high-density projects can be enduring, adaptive, and beautifully integrated.

Layered Landscapes: Planting for Climate and Character

Inspired by the transition from river to sea, the gardens incorporate native species that respond to Perth’s coastal conditions while also introducing carefully selected plantings that reference the artistry of sculpted gardens. This fusion of wild and refined creates a landscape that is both functional and visually rich.