82 Westgarth
Designed by the multidisciplinary Prahran-based studio A22a, 82 Westgarth is a landmark net-zero apartment development in inner-city Melbourne.
Comprising 16 generously proportioned apartments and two townhouses, the project is located in the heart of Fitzroy and is a considered response to the suburb’s layered architectural and industrial character, as well as future impact.
A22a’s intention for 82 Westgarth was to craft a building that feels as though it has always belonged. The upper levels are recessed, creating a stepped and rhythmic form that softens the impression of density and allows the building to integrate naturally into the streetscape. The structure and neutrality of the upper levels offers a visual counterpoint that lightens the overall mass and reduces visual bulk, while the lower levels feature richly textured bricks.
A defining feature of the development is the open-air internal laneway, a nod to the city’s iconic laneways. This passage connects all apartments, enabling cross-ventilation, abundant natural light and a strong visual flow throughout. More than just a transitional space, it has become the building’s spine, supporting environmental performance and encouraging community interaction.
Sustainability is embedded in every layer of the design. An eight-star energy rating has been achieved through integrated systems and the material selections, all driven by environmental performance. Open planning and a connection to the outdoors enable passive thermal control, reducing the need for mechanical intervention. Locally sourced bricks tie the building to Fitzroy’s architectural fabric, both in tone and tactility, while also reducing embodied carbon.
Inside, the light-filled interiors are warm, calm and grounding. Exposed concrete ceilings enhance spatial volume and speak to the area’s industrial past. Oak flooring, Japanese ceramic tiles and stone benchtops lend material richness. The details reflect a commitment to enduring quality, with materials chosen for performance, beauty and longevity. Each residence features one of two distinct interior palettes, light or dark, offering individuality while maintaining a unified aesthetic.
Ornamentation is minimal, allowing material honesty and functionality to take precedence. Generous balconies and framed views of Fitzroy’s treetops allow the interiors to feel connected to the streets beyond, providing a direct link between private space and urban life.
Despite its scale, 82 Westgarth feels finely attuned to its context. The careful articulation of form and materials ensures a sense of continuity with the development’s surroundings. An enduring addition, 82 Westgarth is a thoughtful contribution to the evolving identity of Melbourne’s inner north.
Architecture and interior design by A22a. Build by AG Construct. Tapware by Phoenix Tapware. Appliances by Fisher & Paykel and ASKO Appliances. Lighting by Volker Haug Studio and Light Project. Flooring by Royal Oak Floors and RC+D. Laminate surfaces by Laminex. Stone and tiles by Artedomus, Cosentino and De Fazio. Bricks by Krause Bricks.
