Melbourne developer Urban has focused on sustainability at it's most recent apartment project, 25 Smith Street in the heart of Fitzroy.

Designed by Clare Cousins Architects, the architectural gem sets a new standard in sustainable living, showcasing a harmonious blend of functionality, beauty, and responsible design principles that consider our impact on the environment and the community we inhabit.

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At the heart of 25 Smith's sustainability initiatives is its commitment to renewable energy. The building boasts an array of solar panels, harnessing the power of the sun to generate clean electricity.

In line with the forward-thinking ethos, the site features electric vehicle charging stations, encouraging residents to embrace eco-friendly transportation options.

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Furthermore, 25 Smith takes a bold step forward by eliminating the use of gas, reducing carbon emissions and promoting a greener future.

The developers have prioritised water-sensitive design features, ensuring high-quality water fixtures and implementing stormwater management practices to protect local waterways. A Stormwater Treatment Objective called Relative Measure (STORM) has been adopted, ensuring that stormwater quality from the site meets stringent standards.

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Inside the building, the focus is on creating a healthy and comfortable living environment. Natural daylight floods the living spaces, enhancing the well-being of occupants and reducing the need for artificial lighting. The architects have paid attention to indoor air quality, ensuring optimal ventilation and thermal comfort for residents.

The project team has placed a strong emphasis on reducing resource consumption and promoting recycling during the construction phase, significantly minimising waste sent to landfills. Additionally, the building management is committed to ongoing waste reduction and efficient waste disposal practices.

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The property boasts high-performance double glazed window systems, optimising insulation and minimising heat transfer. A 21 kW photovoltaic (PV) system adorns the roof, offsetting more than 40 per cent of the building's estimated energy consumption. By utilising highly efficient lighting, heating, and cooling systems, the development effectively reduces overall energy demand.

The inclusion of light-coloured paving on balconies and terraces, combined with the use of Solar Reflective Index (SRI) paints, helps mitigate the Urban Heat Island effect, creating cooler outdoor areas that blend seamlessly with the surrounding environment.

Water consumption is significantly reduced through the implementation of water-efficient fixtures and landscape design. Additionally, rainwater is collected and stored for reuse, minimising reliance on potable water sources.

In keeping with its commitment to sustainability, 25 Smith showcases innovative practices and strategies that address global sustainability challenges. The project adheres to GreenGuard emission criteria, ensuring a healthy indoor environment by utilising ultra-low VOC paints that minimise harmful emissions.

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The entire project, from design to ongoing operation, follows best practices to minimise environmental impact and maximise efficiency.

25 Smith also promotes alternative transportation options, aiming to reduce dependency on private vehicles. The development provides electric vehicle charging facilities, encouraging residents to embrace low-emission transportation methods and contribute to a cleaner urban environment.

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At the heart of 25 Smith's sustainability initiatives is its commitment to renewable energy. The building boasts an array of solar panels, harnessing the power of the sun to generate clean electricity

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25 Smith Street offers a sustainable oasis in Fitzroy

A new boutique apartment development has been approved for Fitzroy.&nbsp;

Melbourne developers Urban, headed by directors Bart Callaghan and Tony Suttle, submitted the plans for the 23 apartment project at 25 Smith Street, which has been designed by Clare Cousins Architects.&nbsp;

<a data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d1b2e71f-4084-4e6e-945b-45aa0e605daa" href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/25-smith-street-fitzroy"><img alt="Render of the Smiths Street development." data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d1b2e71f-4084-4e6e-945b-45aa0e605daa" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202022-09-06%20at%2011.45.11%20am.png?VersionId=kd5lbogwSMGJ1h.tyfUH9b.K0LTXWI.T" /></a>Render of the planned Smith Street development.&nbsp;Clare Cousins Architects

Clare Cousins Architects was recently awarded 'The Premier Award for Interior Design' by the Australian Interior Design Awards (AIDA) and has previously designed retail stores for Aesop around the globe. The 25 Smith Street site was actually previously the Aesop headquarters, which Cousins designed some 18 years ago.

18 of the apartments will be taken to market, with the generous-sized residences a unique offering due to the designers working collaboratively alongside purchasers, from inception to completion, to ensure the homes are purpose built.&nbsp;

Five two-bedroom apartments will be delivered across the project, along with 13 three-bedroom apartments, including one penthouse and two full-floor apartments.&nbsp;

There is also further opportunity for buyers to combine apartments, creating two more full-floor apartments.&nbsp;

The $44 million project’s prices begin from $890,000 through to $6,000,000, spanning from 91 sqm to 390 sqm.&nbsp;

The group is targeting the local down-sizer and owner-occupier market, having recently completed the nearby Collingwood project, C&amp;L, which was welcomed by a similar demographic.

<a data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="58bbcfaa-f567-45c7-97aa-790b1e95eaa5" href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/25-smith-street-fitzroy"><img alt="Render of the Smiths Street development." data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="58bbcfaa-f567-45c7-97aa-790b1e95eaa5" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screen%20Shot%202022-09-15%20at%202.39.24%20pm.png?VersionId=FiFt_W.JQP.MTXcndxNlniyVzRu08oH0" /></a>Render of the planned Smith Street development. Credit&nbsp;Clare Cousins Architects

The building features a sculptural precast concrete exposed aggregate form, with each residence focusing on providing ample natural light and cross ventilation, while solar panels have been added to the rooftop to further reduce the energy requirements of the property.&nbsp;

The eight-storey building also offers views that cannot be built out, to the Dandenong Ranges in the east as well as the Melbourne city skyline to the west.

Situated on Little Victoria Street’s northwest corner, the development enjoys an enviable position that also fronts Little Smith Street, with residents enjoying the amenities of Smith Street, along with the parks and green spaces of East Melbourne.&nbsp;

The Fitzroy area is also abundant with boutique galleries and health studios, with Gertrude Street boasting some of the city's finest dining options, with Marion Wine Bar, Cutler &amp; Co, and Tamura Sake Bar, all within 800 metres of the CBD.

Urban plans to begin the first stages of construction on the project by the end of the year.&nbsp;

The group began as a collaboration between the Directors, evolving to include a hand-picked specialist team of property-focused staff in Melbourne.

Since its inception in 2009, the team has successfully developed and delivered more than $2 billion worth of residential, commercial, retail, industrial and master-planned projects.

<a data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="363564ff-b257-4541-8e4b-6596cb07df85" href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/25-smith-street-fitzroy"><img alt="Render of the Smiths Street development." data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="363564ff-b257-4541-8e4b-6596cb07df85" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202022-09-06%20at%2011.47.08%20am.png?VersionId=FzQ3wNRrCgQD9l71VBNRpHJ3WSzOvBzX" /></a>

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Five two-bedroom apartments will be delivered across the project, along with 13 three-bedroom apartments, including one penthouse and two full-floor apartments. 

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