NSW Government
Planning

Terraces 04 by Other Architects x NMBW

A multi-dwelling housing (terrace) design for 3 buildings connected by garden courtyards.

Terraces 04 design by Other Architects x NMBW street view of 3 2-storey terraces with 2 houses on either side with less detail. Credit: Other Architects x NMBW

This flexible design has multi-use spaces, gardens and modular room layouts to allow your home to grow with you.

Terraces 04 by Other Architects x NMBW is a multi-dwelling housing (terrace) design for 3 homes arranged side-by-side. Terraces 04 was a winning design from the NSW Housing Pattern Book Design Competition.

The development is made up of 3 buildings: one at the street, one at the centre and one at the rear of the site. This means the site can be subdivided into 3 equal parts, or 1-bed, 2-bed and 3-bedroom combinations. Outdoor areas between each building provide light, air and a green outlook to each home.

This innovative design reimagines a terrace as a series of flexible rooms that can be rearranged and customised to suit different households and preferences. The front carport can double as a covered dining area or a flexible room, while the rear building can be a teenager’s retreat, studio, home office, or granny flat. An attic bedroom can be added to the core building and a second storey added to the rear building when the budget or site permits.

The base pattern is for 3 homes on a single lot. In new neighbourhoods, the pattern can be used to create up to 7 connected homes.

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Key metrics

Each pattern has a compact design for Low and Mid Rise (LMR) Housing Areas and a standard design for non-LMR Housing Areas. The metrics below reflect the compact design.
  • Number of dwellings3
  • Bedrooms per dwelling2-5
  • Bathrooms per dwelling2-2.5
  • Parking spaces per dwelling0.50
  • Floor Area per dwelling113 m²
  • zoom_in_mapMinimum lot area595 m²
  • Minimum lot width18 m
  • Number of storeys2
  • Floor-Space Ratio (FSR)0.90
  • Livability ratingSilver/Gold
  • Site gradient front to back0-3.0 m

Key metrics

Each pattern has a compact design for Low and Mid Rise (LMR) Housing Areas and a standard design for non-LMR Housing Areas. The metrics below reflect the compact design.
  • Terraces 04 design by Other Architects x NMBW render of view from the street to multi-use carports. Credit: Choi Render
    Illustrative street view, multi-use carports can double as workspaces.
  • Terraces 04 design by Other Architects x NMBW render of interior view with light filled living spaces. Credit: Other Architects x NMBW
    Illustrative interior view, light filled living spaces feature throughout the home.
  • Terraces 04 design by Other Architects x NMBW render of dining room with windows to landscaped garden. Credit: Choi Render
    Illustrative interior view, windows in the dining area open onto the private landscaped garden.
  • Terraces 04 design by Other Architects x NMBW render of interior view using traditional materials. Credit: Other Architects x NMBW
    Illustrative interior view, traditional materials allow for easy construction.
  • Terraces 04 design by Other Architects x NMBW render of courtyard view surrounded by greenery. Credit: Other Architects x NMBW
    Illustrative courtyard view, outdoor spaces are bordered by greenery.
  • Terraces 04 design by Other Architects x NMBW render of garden view and landscaped area. Credit: Choi Render
    Illustrative garden view, windows open up to landscaped area in between each building.

Floor plans

Explore the ground and first floor layouts of the compact and standard design. Refer to the pattern pack for more floor plan variations to suit your preferences.

  • Compact design ground plan of the Terraces 04 design by Other Architects x NMBW. Credit: Other Architects x NMBW
    Compact design ground plan of the Terraces 04 design by Other Architects x NMBW.
    Credit: Other Architects x NMBW
    Compact design ground floor plan (not to scale), each home has access to varied landscape areas.
  • Compact design first floor plan of the Terraces 04 design by Other Architects x NMBW. Credit: Other Architects x NMBW
    Compact design first floor plan of the Terraces 04 design by Other Architects x NMBW.
    Credit: Other Architects x NMBW
    Compact design first floor plan (not to scale), generous bedroom sizes provide flexibility.
  • Standard design ground plan of the Terraces 04 design by Other Architects x NMBW. Credit: Other Architects x NMBW
    Standard design ground plan of the Terraces 04 design by Other Architects x NMBW.
    Credit: Other Architects x NMBW
    Standard design ground floor plan (not to scale), separate car ports and rear studios offer multi-generational living.
  • Standard design first floor plan of the Terraces 04 design by Other Architects x NMBW. Credit: Other Architects x NMBW
    Standard design first floor plan of the Terraces 04 design by Other Architects x NMBW.
    Credit: Other Architects x NMBW
    Standard design first floor plan (not to scale), flexible layouts on the first floor all provide access to light and cross-ventilation.

Fixed and flexible features

Fixed features must be included in your planning application. Flexible features can be modified within agreed parameters.

Axonometric section of the Terraces 04 design by Other Architects x NMBW. Credit: Other Architects x NMBW
Tap to explore

  • Fixed features
    • 3-part homes

      Two-storey dwellings separated into 3 parts: street, centre and rear buildings, each with configuration options.
    • Courtyard gardens

      Private courtyard gardens separate each building and increase the opportunities for landscaping, sunlight and outdoor living.
    • Simple, sustainable construction

      The standardised grid and lightweight construction system is easy to build and maintain.
    • Multi-use carport

      The substantial carport is designed for multiple uses. It can also be located at the rear for sites with laneway access.
    • Permeable street-facing facade

      The front facade must be at least 50% glazing or open screening to ensure visual connection to street.

  • Flexible features
    • Multiple subdivision options

      The base building footprint can be subdivided in a variety of ways to achieve small, medium and large homes.
    • Modular room layouts

      The designer can reorganise interior rooms and stair layouts to suit different households and living styles.
    • Studio, office and granny flat designs

      The rear and front buildings can be used as a teenager’s retreat, studio, home office or granny flat.
    • Loft fit-out with stair access

      An additional bedroom and loft storage with full stair access can be added into the roof space.
    • Second storey in the rear building

      A partial second-storey can be added to the rear building if the site conditions allow.

Materials and character

The pattern uses lightweight construction materials. Fibre cement and corrugated metal are the primary materials, and timber details, such as the window frames, add warmth. Light roofs reflect heat in summer to keep energy bills down. Screen and glazing options add visual interest and activity to the street. Choose from 2 colour and material palettes. 

Example render of cladding featuring natural timber. Credit: Other Architects x NMBW
Example render of cladding featuring natural timber.
Credit: Other Architects x NMBW
Timber and fibre cement

Fibre cement cladding with design details including natural timber.

Example render of cladding in neutral soft colours. Credit: Other Architects x NMBW
Example render of cladding in neutral soft colours.
Credit: Other Architects x NMBW
Neutrals and fibre cement

Fibre cement cladding with design details in neutral colours.

Example render of corrugated metal roof either coated or uncoated. Credit: Other Architects x NMBW
Example render of corrugated metal roof either coated or uncoated.
Credit: Other Architects x NMBW
Metal roof

Both options feature a corrugated metal roof, either coated or uncoated.

Example render of the material palettes reflecting Australian materials. Credit: Other Architects x NMBW
Example render of the material palettes reflecting Australian materials.
Credit: Other Architects x NMBW
Australian material palette

The Australian material palette suits any street.

About the architect

Other Architects is a young, Sydney-based practice that designs strategic frameworks and adaptable, resilient buildings. Their growing portfolio includes houses, exhibitions and large-scale masterplans. 

NMBW Architecture Studio is a Melbourne-based architectural practice. They are an industry leader in housing, adaptive reuse and civic spaces, and they apply a research-based approach to all projects. 

This team were one of 5 winners of the NSW Housing Pattern Book Design Competition. They entered the competition under the name ‘Housing is a Verb’ with Sydney-based landscape practice, TARN. 

For more about these architects, visit Other Architects and NMBW Architecture Studio.

Meet the pattern book design team

Getting into the detail

Learn more about turning your pattern book project into reality with supporting guidance for designing your landscape and gaining fast-track planning approval.

Illustration of landscape design. Credit: Felix Saw
Illustration of landscape design.
Credit: Felix Saw

Complement your proposal with beautiful, resilient landscape designs.

Illustration of approvals process. Credit: Felix Saw
Illustration of approvals process.
Credit: Felix Saw

All patterns are eligible for fast-tracked assessment.

Preview or purchase this pattern

View the pattern drawings at no cost to help you select the most suitable pattern for your project.

To use the pattern for your planning application, you must purchase the full suite of documents, accept the terms and conditions and reference your unique identification number. When you pay the fee, you will receive technical drawings in PDF and DWG formats, a BASIX information sheet for this pattern, an editable design verification statement and your unique identification number.

Purchase the pattern design