Located on Fitzroy’s renowned Smith Street, this mixed use development carefully retains the existing heritage brick façade at ground level, embedding contemporary living within a valued industrial streetscape. The original red brick frontage is restored and reinterpreted, with new infill elements stitched into the historic fabric. Retail tenancies and shared amenities are introduced through openings that respect the established proportions, ensuring continuity along the street.
Perforated darkened brass screening distinguishes new from old while providing privacy and solar control. This layered approach allows the heritage base to remain legible, grounded and expressive of its industrial past.
Above, 52 apartments, including a selection of boutique residences, are expressed as a distinct contemporary addition. A lighter façade of white precast concrete contrasts deliberately with the retained brickwork below, establishing clarity between podium and upper levels. Angled façade elements introduce rhythm and movement, reinforcing the reading of the upper volume as a new architectural layer set above the historic shell.
Deep balconies are integrated into the façade to enhance privacy, environmental performance and everyday liveability. Each apartment is planned with a strong emphasis on B.A.D.S principles, ensuring access to natural light, ventilation and meaningful outdoor space.
The result is a considered balance between heritage retention and contemporary expression, contributing density to Fitzroy while respecting the character and rhythm of the urban context.
Project undertaken by Sgourakis Architects pty ltd
