131 Smith Street | Freadman White

131 Smith Street | Freadman White | Photographer: Derek Swalwell

2025 National Architecture Awards Program

131 Smith Street | Freadman White

Traditional Land Owners

Wurundjeri clan of the Woi-worung tribe

Year
2025
Chapter

Victoria

Category
Interior Architecture
Builder
Element Five
Photographer
Derek Swalwell
Media summary

131 Smith Street is a multi-residential project in Fitzroy, Melbourne, blending contextually driven design with the area’s historical character. A rich material palette defines the interior, with deep tones in the foyer transitioning to lighter spaces beyond. Apartments feature natural timber, refined marble, and bespoke joinery, engendering a warm and uncomplicated calmness. Offering diverse apartment typologies, the development promotes inclusivity and a multi-generational community, embodying historical sensitivity through contextually driven modern interpretations.
An unfolding sense of arrival takes cues from the tenets of modernist living, with through apartments enjoying natural light and cross flow ventilation. A textural material palette and refined interior details are employed to enhance the experience, marking a journey through spaces that recondition the senses through a gradation of colour and tonal change; from deep-darker tones of the lobby spaces to warm organic tones within the apartments to imbue each dwelling with a sense of uncomplicated calmness.

131 Smith Street is a unique opportunity to deliver a contemporary residential development that honours Fitzroy’s rich heritage. Thoughtfully designed by Freadman White, it balances modern living with a deep respect for the area’s architectural legacy.

Seamlessly integrating with the streetscape, the design draws inspiration from its heritage surrounds while offering a refined, sophisticated living experience. Residents enjoy carefully crafted interiors, generous natural light, and a strong connection to the vibrant community.

This project enhances Smith Street’s urban fabric, creating a timeless addition that not only respects its past but also contributes to the future of Fitzroy’s dynamic neighbourhood.

Project Practice Team

Michael White, Design Architect
Ilana Freadman, Project Architect
Yann Tixhon, Graduate of Architecture
Cameron Gordon, Graduate of Architecture

Project Consultant and Construction Team

Ascot, Services Consultant
Eckersley Garden Architecture, Landscape Consultant
UpCo- Hugh Smyth, Town Planner
Outline Projects, Developer
Ark Resources, ESD Consultant
Floreancig Smith, Building Surveyor
Bryce Raworth, Heritage Consultant

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