Can small-scale urban infill housing actually improve our connection to the natural world?

Gardening · Published 3 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Urban infill often faces criticism for sacrificing green space to increase density. However, one architect proves that building on small parcels of land can actually replicate 100% of the original plot surface with gardens, creating a climate-responsive home that blurs the boundary between architecture and the landscape.

Infill housing involves constructing new homes within existing neighborhoods, typically on small parcels of premium real estate. While this approach makes city living more accessible, it often sparks debate regarding the loss of tree canopy and private garden space. Architect Jimmy Thompson, working in Perth, demonstrates a solution by treating the garden as a primary design element rather than an afterthought. His home, situated on a 15m x 17m block, replaces the former backyard with an equivalent area of green space distributed across multiple levels, including perimeter edible gardens, an internal medicinal courtyard, and a rooftop garden featuring endemic wildflowers and grasses.

The design philosophy centers on the idea that architecture and landscape should be enmeshed. By utilizing raised walls for gardens, the home creates boundaries without traditional fences, allowing the structure to 'borrow' the surrounding landscape. The building is highly operable, functioning like a yacht to harness southwesterly winds for climate control. This approach draws inspiration from mid-century Perth architects Marshall Cliffton and Julius Elischer, who adapted practical elements from North African courtyard houses—such as whitewash walls and glazed blue bricks—to suit the local environment. These features help the home store and redirect natural energy, ensuring comfort throughout the seasons.

Beyond aesthetics, the property functions as an environmental sponge. The permeable roof and internal courtyard collect rainwater, which is then directed through downpipes embedded within the walls to irrigate the plants. While roof gardens remain uncommon in Perth, they offer significant benefits, including improved insulation, increased habitat for local species, and a better outlook for inhabitants. This model of building small but smart suggests that high-density development does not require a trade-off with nature. Instead, when design prioritizes the integration of plants, infill architecture can enhance both the quality of life for residents and the ecological health of the surrounding urban area.

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