Kalex set to launch Fitzroy apartments with an interactive display suite sessions

Early this year, developer Kalex is planning to launch their apartment and retail vision for their Gertrude Street, Fitzroy development, at the former Manfax hardware site.

However, they are going to launch the properties a little differently – with a new concept for the display suite presentation under the name ‘Living Events’, with sessions set to be held on Sundays.

Effectively, this is an interactive display suite that allows prospective buyers to be active, rather than passive, in exploring the space, according to Kalex’s development director Liam Wallis.

Jackson Clements Burrows Architects, Roger Seller, Gaggenau, Urban Commons and Great Dane are involved in bringing Living Events together.

“Living Events is our exploration of the design for a space that invites people to imagine themselves in this exceptional location, living within a truly considered boutique scale apartment building, for example, by witnessing in action exactly the same Valcucine kitchen and Gaggenau appliances that will be installed within the project,” said Wallis.

With a flexible 254 square metre front of house area and 34 square metre back of house kitchen, featuring the Gaggenau appliances, the site can hold 150 people at a time.

The 166 Gertrude Street mixed use development will feature a range of apartment types, as well as ground level retail opportunities.

“Our aim for Living Events is to create an engaging experience that connects with discerning, design-savvy people,” Wallis said.

Some of these events will include cooking sessions but also gardening classes. Their event invitations encourage prospective buyers to visit the local area, such as Fitzroy, for lunch. It's all so very Melbourne and will be interesting to see whether it resonates with their prospective buyers.