Revitalising Community Spaces: Village Green

K5 talk to Alana Willis from our Perth-based partner, DesignFarm for a review on Village Green revitalisation, and the biggest projects coming through the city.

The transformation of the Karawara Village Green is a testament to intelligent design and collaboration. Spearheaded by developers Sirona Urban and shaped by the creative vision of Design Theory, the project sought to revitalise a suburban shopping precinct located just a kilometre from Curtin University. The result is an inviting, dynamic space designed to cater to a diverse demographic, from senior citizens to students, while fostering a renewed sense of community.

DesignFarm, Perth-based agents for K5 Furniture’s exclusive brands, contributed to the project by supplying carefully selected furniture to complement the designers' vision. With a decade-long relationship with K5 Furniture, DesignFarm has built a strong reputation for offering refined and sustainable furniture solutions. Their ability to connect designers with products that align with a project's needs and ethos has made them a trusted collaborator in Western Australia.

For the Village Green, DesignFarm recommended pieces from Nola, a Swedish brand exclusively distributed by K5. Known for its commitment to environmental sustainability and low-toxicity materials, Nola's offerings aligned perfectly with the project's goals. Three designs were selected: traditional upright seating, sun lounges and Bike Stand. These, paired with custom-built furniture and flourishing greenery, have transformed the space into a welcoming environment for both social gatherings and quiet moments of reflection.

The redevelopment wasn’t just about aesthetics; it was a strategic effort to cater to the evolving needs of the community. With its proximity to Curtin University, the space now includes student-friendly amenities like bubble tea shops and healthy fast-food outlets, balanced by premium coffee and retail experiences aimed at families and older locals. The overarching aim was to create a vibrant, multi-generational meeting place that reflects the diversity of its visitors.

Alana Willis from DesignFarm noted, “This suburban area needed revitalisation. It’s fairly secluded, with the next major shopping centre 4 kilometres away, making this an opportunity to truly elevate the local experience. The developers and designers focused on creating spaces that encourage people to linger; pockets of solitude, collaborative working areas, and inviting seating zones. It’s about bringing people back outdoors and into shared spaces.”

The Village Green transformation is part of a larger trend in Perth to activate spaces and rethink the way communities interact with their environments. Developers like Sirona Urban recognise the value of investing in sustainable, inclusive designs that reflect the needs of diverse communities. Their ongoing collaborations with DesignFarm include bringing these principals into workspace and other large-scale developments, creating a full dance card for the next few years ahead.

For K5 Furniture and DesignFarm, the project highlights their shared commitment to quality and sustainability. With this strong partnership and a focus on aligning the right products with the right spaces, they continue to contribute to projects that enhance communities and inspire connection. Up next between the two companies; Lyons’ project ECU’s city campus, expected to open in 2026. Watch this space!