Kerr Street Residences | Kerstin Thompson Architects

Kerr Street Residences established a precedent for integrating new housing with heritage fabric. Rejecting the default setback of new additions from the existing street wall the design introduces a slim perimeter block (of three wings) around a generous central courtyard, directly above the two storey red brick heritage base. This continued an established pattern in Fitzroy of defined street corners and zero setbacks. It also yielded vastly superior amenity within and adjacent, to the development to deliver on a promise of mutual benefit: occupants benefit from dual aspect dwellings and adjacent neighbours benefit with a view into a large, well-vegetated courtyard, far in excess of the minimum setback. It creates a friendly and connected neighbourhood with a variety of dwelling types and sizes, shared spaces, passive surveillance, garden rooms and delight. Here Fitzroy’s industrial heritage combines with a European housing sensibility – a private inner world behind a strong street presence