The StandardX Hotel, Melbourne by Hecker Guthrie and Woods Bagot

In Melbourne’s Fitzroy, where creativity and cultural heritage collide, The StandardX Hotel emerges as a fresh new face in the neighbourhood’s cultural landscape.

Designed by Hecker Guthrie in collaboration with Standard International’s in-house design team, led by Verena Haller, the long-awaited hotel is a celebration of the bohemian spirit that defines this vibrant enclave. Inspired by the subcultures of the 1980s and ’90s, The StandardX embraces a bold design that feels right at home in Fitzroy. Woods Bagot’s architecture pays homage to the area’s industrial past with a striking Corten steel facade. The thoughtful selection of materials ensures a seamless connection between the building’s exterior and its richly layered interiors, creating a cohesive narrative that resonates with the local environment.

The design thoughtfully balances the raw, unpolished charm of a Fitzroy warehouse with an elevated sense of playfulness.

Inside, Hecker Guthrie continues this narrative with an emphasis on materiality and craftsmanship. Grounded by oversized timber furniture from local artisans like Charles Sandford, the lobby is an inviting space that feels welcoming yet richly textured. Draped fabrics and macrame art by Sarah Parkes of Smalltown add layers of tactile warmth, creating an environment that is both comfortable and engaging. The design thoughtfully balances the raw, unpolished charm of a Fitzroy warehouse with an elevated sense of playfulness.

“Our focus was always about weaving the threads of The Standard’s well-established design pillars with our understanding of what is locally relevant to Melbourne and specifically to a Fitzroy  hotel,” says Josh Watt, associate at Hecker Guthrie. “We have conceived an honest and playful response that speaks to the location and experience rather than aesthetics.”

Art plays a significant role in shaping the identity of The StandardX, with site-specific works curated by Haller, her team and Hecker Guthrie.

Art plays a significant role in shaping the identity of The StandardX, with site-specific works curated by Haller, her team and Hecker Guthrie. Pieces like Dane Lovett’s powerful paintings, suspended above the bar, lend intrigue and a point of difference. These works, along with contributions from other local artists, ensure that the hotel remains deeply connected to Fitzroy’s eclectic cultural fabric, enriching the guest experience.

The guest experience extends into the ground floor that hosts an all-day Thai restaurant, Bang, and a curated retail space, The Box, offering a selection of lifestyle items and local crafts. Upstairs, The Roof is a retreat where guests can enjoy Mexican-inspired snacks and drinks while taking in panoramic views of Fitzroy’s skyline. This rooftop space encourages interaction and relaxation amid a backdrop that celebrates both the urban environment and the natural world.

With The StandardX, Hecker Guthrie has created a hub that captures the essence of Fitzroy.

With The StandardX, Hecker Guthrie has created a hub that captures the essence of Fitzroy. “The guest experience is conceived as a journey that begins at the hotel’s front door and ultimately ends inside each of the 125 hotel rooms,” says Watt. It’s a bold, immersive experience that blends the local community spirit with The StandardX’s rebellious personality, adding a compelling new chapter to Melbourne’s design story.

Architecture by Woods Bagot. Interior design by Hecker Guthrie.