131 Smith Street
Designed by Freadman White, 131 Smith Street is a respectful addition to the landscape of Fitzroy. The mixed-use development thoughtfully integrates contemporary design with the historical fabric of an iconic Melbourne street.
Situated between two heritage-listed buildings, it comprises dual ground-level retail tenancies and 39 residences above. Rather than replicating what came before, the building filters familiar cues through a modern lens, offering a confident contribution to the changing streetscape.
A sculptural precast concrete facade references the visual language of nearby heritage buildings, including the Foy & Gibson complex. The distinctive bay windows of the former warehouse have been reinterpreted through soft curvatures, while precast columns mirror the rhythm of neighbouring masonry piers. A setback of the upper levels preserves the heritage-scaled street wall as the defining visual plane, with cantilevered balconies above introducing subtle movement and animation. Finely detailed curved balustrades run across full-height glazing in the bedrooms and living areas, forming a series of Juliet balconies that invite the outside in.
The laneway interface with Little Smith Street takes a more residential approach. Here, a three- storey facade continues the architectural rhythm of the development while ensuring privacy and outlook for both new and existing residents. Private entry gates to the first level apartments activate the laneway, promoting a sense of community and a connection with the surrounding area.
At ground level, retail and residential entrances draw from the historical, with recessed thresholds that evoke the traditional shopfronts seen throughout Fitzroy. The residential foyer is defined by a raised precast bund wall and layered materials – concrete in an earthy tone, brick pavers and leather seating – creating an intimate atmosphere that gradually lightens as residents move inward. Details, such as brass numbering and curated lighting, imbue the arrival sequence with a crafted quality.
Material tactility carries through to the apartment interiors, where a palette of timber, marble and exposed concrete complements the architectural expression outside. Floating joinery elements and inset timber borders lend a furniture-like quality to cabinetry, while open-plan and flexible layouts support spaciousness and longevity. Characterised by curiosity-driven design and experientially rich spaces, Freadman White’s signature approach brings the interior detailing to life, enhancing the architectural narrative throughout.
Sustainability has been embedded in both the building’s construction and its everyday operations. Certified carbon neutral, the development runs as an all-electric building. Rooftop solar panels supply electricity to common areas, while a centralised electric heat pump system provides efficient hot water to all residences. Apartments are equipped with energy-efficient appliances, supporting a low-impact lifestyle that aligns with the project’s broader environmental commitment.
Distinctive in design and embedded in context, 131 Smith Street offers a contemporary response to the ongoing evolution of one of Melbourne’s most iconic and vibrant streets.
Architecture and interior design by Freadman White. Landscape design by Eckersley Garden Architecture. Development by Outline Projects.
