At this stage in the urban infill game, a worthy architectural challenge is one of refinement and nuance, rather than radical originality. At a time when the so-called “market” is speculating with smaller and meaner apartments, Neometro’s Smith Street development shows that decent-sized, well-considered apartments will find their own niche. Combining generous proportions with carefully designed practical details, these dwellings make a welcome change from a real estate scene that is glutted with over-polished but poorly designed product, and ill-suited to its task of making apartment living as easy and accommodating as dwelling within a house.
The Melbourne suburb of Fitzroy has long been a testing ground for residential conversions and additions, and the Smith Street development by Neometro is another chapter in the evolution of the suburb. At the same time, the development is the first air-rights extension of one of Smith Street’s prominent former furniture emporium buildings. These characterful, early-twentieth-century buildings, which are dotted along the length of Smith Street, stand tall against their neighbours, and the views from their upper levels verge on the spectacular. The emporia typically boast high ceilings and well-proportioned facades with large windows; the building in question is no exception.
via. ArchitectureAU Latest