FRASER WILLIAMS-MARTIN, CREATIVE CAPITAL

Habitat started as a sketch by legendary architect Rod Simpson, before slowly evolving into the cleverly designed village you see today, thanks to the vision and talent of Fraser Williams-Martin and DFJ Architects, who stitched this wildly diverse project together through beautiful, inclusive spaces that make everyone feel at home. We chatted to Fraser about his superb work…

Habitat: You work for DFJ Architects, but tell us exactly what your role has been throughout the process of designing Habitat?

Fraser: Officially, my title is Project Architect, which means designing the buildings and being the representative whilst they’re being built. Basically, all the stuff from concept to approval. I’ve liked this particular job though, because it’s extended beyond the typical role of the architect. With Habitat, I’m now involved in everything from marketing meetings to meeting with potential tenants to speaking with the landscapers. It’s fun.

What are you working on right now?

Designs for stage five, which will be the final stage of Habitat. Can’t say too much right now, but we’re really excited about the direction it’s headed. Personally, I can’t wait for it to be complete, because it’ll be like the final piece to a massive jigsaw puzzle and everything will make sense when it’s done.

What's great architecture to you?

Something that’s compliant and meets all the codes! I’m only half joking. I really do enjoy the puzzle of making something fit within legal constraints.

Where do you find inspiration when coming up with designs?

I think every project I’ve worked on has been different. It’s really site-specific architecture. Something that’s appropriate to the location, the climate, and the culture. I’d never force my own vision on a place.

What are some of the guiding design principles behind Habitat?

Good orientation. Working on a human scale. Natural materials. I don’t like anything unnecessary. Form making, which is creating simple shapes that work. It’s a bit like music where certain chords work together, or naturally feel right when you hear them – same with certain shapes, forms and ratios.

You're from England, tell is the biggest difference in designing spaces back home to Australia?

Climate. Back home it’s all about keeping the heat in, closing the doors and getting as much light inside as possible. Here it’s big leaky, breezy, breathable buildings and keeping the sun out of them. Fundamentally arse about face.

What's something people might not have noticed about Habitat that you adore?

There’s a junction of roofs that come together and they sort of crash together and there’s chaos in all the angles. That’s really nice.

Describe the design of Habitat in five words?

Paired back, simple, but considered.

As you mentioned, there’s more to come at Habitat. What sort of things can we expect?

A shout out to Easy Street Living, which is about to be released in the new year. They’re apartments inspired by the global small house movement, so they’ve got everything you need and nothing you don’t. Next year, there’s also more commercial space coming, more retail, new food offerings, purpose-built health and wellness spaces. Architecturally, there’s some of the existing elements of the design, but we’re taking a new direction too.

Your offices are at Habitat. If you're not behind your desk, where should we look for you?

Getting (too much) coffee at Barrio or doing a class up at F45.

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