FROM HUMBLE BEGINNINGS
Since 1903, Plunkett Homes has been a driving force in the WA residential building industry, renowned for their innovative designs and unwavering commitment to quality. It all began with Thomas Scott Plunkett, who, along with his brother William Thomas Plunkett, started buying land and sub-dividing it to build and sell homes. Their pioneering spirit and dedication to excellence have paved the way for Plunkett Homes’ continued success in the industry.
In 1922, Plunkett Homes was instrumental in developing many of Perth’s suburbs including Inglewood, Mount Lawley, Highgate, Mount Hawthorn,
South Perth, Nedlands and Claremont – where 1,000 new homes were built by the Plunkett family.
By 1933, the two brothers passed away, and it was Thomas Scott Plunkett’s son, Charles Henry Plunkett who supercharged the business. From building the first spec home open for public viewing, to pioneering the use of concrete slabs and metal roof frames, to building hotels, airport runways and display villages – Charles Henry Plunkett set the benchmark for others in the building industry to follow.
The Ambergate display home, Vasse
THE START OF A NEW ERA
As a former employee of Plunkett Homes in its early days, Julian Walter, Group Managing Director of JWH Group always had the intention to
one day buy the business, which he did in 2006 – a process that took about 18 years of negotiation with the previous ownership.
With his children Alicia Kelly (nee Walter) and Jay Walter by his side, Mr Walter took the business from strength to strength and is proud to continue the legacy that the Plunkett family started. Once JWH Group acquired Plunkett Homes, Mr Walter said he wanted to keep the feel of the business much the same while instilling a sense of the Plunkett pride back into the company.
“Plunkett had a reputation. They were renowned for their business ethics and how they did things. And it was a legacy that was passed down through all of us that worked there – some for 30 to 40 years. A business that has been passed down five generations.”
Following in their father’s footsteps, Jay and Alicia said they feel a great sense of responsibility protecting the Plunkett brand and the experience for clients who have come back to Plunkett Homes generation after generation.
A TIME TO CELEBRATE
In commemoration of Plunkett Homes’ 120-year anniversary, the Plunkett Homes design team embarked on a challenge to create a modern interpretation of the original Plunkett family home built in 1910, whilst maintaining its original architectural features.
“While yesteryear features have plenty of charm and history, some aspects are not cohesive to present-day living, which presents a challenge
when redoing a home design from more than a century ago.”
Drawing inspiration from the original home’s floorplans and photos, The Heritage was carefully designed with contemporary updates to key areas of the home.
“We took the original floor plan and broke it down into its key zones, including the kitchen, living, sleeping and outdoor entertaining areas. We
then recreated those spaces in a more modern-day configuration with open-plan living areas, a kitchen and a scullery, with connection to the outdoor spaces.”
The end result – The Heritage, a timeless design that honors Plunkett Homes’ rich history whilst meeting the demands of modern living.
Plunkett Homes’ dedication to creating homes that families can grow old in is exemplified by the predecessor to The Heritage. This home in WrightStreet, Highgate still stands strong today and serves as a testament to the quality and craftsmanship of a Plunkett-built home.
Render of the anniversary home design, The Heritage.
WHERE TO NEXT?
Continuing the legacy of Plunkett Homes is something which fills General Manager David Hochwald-Jones with immense pride as he leads
WA’s oldest building company into its 120th year.
“We’ve been an innovator in the industry over the last 120 years and we’re continuing to work on some of those innovations,” Mr Hochwald-Jones said.
Plunkett Homes has always embraced the evolving needs of families, which is reflected in their vast collection of home designs. Whether it’s an
abode for a family, investor, retiree and downsizer, or those looking to demolish and build, the Plunkett Homes team provides a range of different styles to choose from, including Hamptons, Contemporary, Mid-Century and Federation.
Speaking on Plunkett Homes’ operations today, Mr Hochwald-Jones said he was grateful for the opportunity to be General Manager of such a
prestigious building company and was proud to be part of the Plunkett Homes story.
“Plunkett Homes has been through world wars, the Great Depression and all the pandemics that have occurred, and we’re still here.”
