Energised Hub – 131 Smith Street by Freadman White

Ideally positioned, 131 Smith Street takes full advantage of the eclectic surrounds within Collingwood and Fitzroy. Freadman White proposes a unique place to call home that plays with different ways to separate public and private realms, creating calming places of retreat for residents.

Iconic as a destination in its own right, the junction at which 131 Smith Street sits provides an onslaught for the senses – food, design and nightlife all come together as a reminder of place and of the depth of culture Melbourne has to offer. Although residential, the layered and staggered form of the overall building is brought together with an understanding of creating a separation between inside and out, resulting in an enviable bolthole for residents amongst the action while still feeling discreet.

The embedded craft and attention to reinterpreting historical elements through a more contemporary lens ensures the proposal remains relevant, yet its presence is a refreshing indicator of change.

As an honouring of the rich history within both Fitzroy and Collingwood, and the beautifully retained brickwork and original masonry that characterises the area, the scale of the building aligns with the context. With an activated ground level, curved glass walls within retail and hospitality usher movement inside, mirroring precedents along nearby shopping strips. The embedded craft and attention to reinterpreting historical elements through a more contemporary lens ensures the proposal remains relevant, yet its presence is a refreshing indicator of change.

Through a focus on everyday life, detailing and longevity has been carefully considered in the design. The interiors in their quaint and efficient sizing still allow for an individual touch, while the foundations of quality materials and classically referenced forms provide a timeless base.