This article is from the Australian Property Journal archive
SAM Jamieson, son Harry the Hirer founder Rick Jamieson, has reached a foundational milestone with his local development company, obtaining approval for a $25 million residential project in Melbourne’s inner north.
Located on Napier Street, in hipster mecca Fitzroy, the 2,072 sqm project, dubbed “ns277”, comprises 10 two- and three-bedroom apartments enveloping an internal courtyard.
Designed by Warren and Mahoney, the six-storey residence is inspired by the high-density, mid-rise typologies of dwellings seen in Paris and London.
Sam Jamieson’s company, JMSN, acquired the mixed-use-zoned site last year for $4.5 million.
The building’s facade extends to the fourth floor without a setback, a planning concession Jamieson says is key to responsible development in the area.
“Fitzroy is a suburb that is densifying and needs to densify, but it can be done in a way that honours the existing neighbourhood and avoids overdevelopment,” Jamieson says.
“With ns277, we are looking to set a new benchmark of what that can look like, taking the learnings from Europe’s mature, urban cities and applying them in a way that is thoughtful and conducive to modern Australian lifestyles — an approach that will underscore all JMSN projects in future.”
Having worked in the family business for 15 years, Jamieson had travelled the globe to procure the temporary structures Harry the Hirer is recognised for, including the Victorian Spring Racing Carnival’s “Birdcage” celebrity hive and marquees iconic events such as the Australian Grand Prix and the Australian Open. It was during his travels, particularly in Paris and London, where Jamieson cultivated an appreciation for European architecture and observed that its design principles could be better incorporated into Australian homes.
“The evolution of inner city developments has seen many inspired by Brooklyn-style warehouse conversions, but in Fitzroy, a neighbourhood defined by its Victorian terrace homes, JMSN is exploring influences from Paris and London that better reflect local lifestyles and the aesthetic vernacular of the area,” he said.
European influences are identified in the Juliet windows, which allow for larger living spaces with the versatility of use in summer and winter, according to JMSN, while a contemporary curved entrance defines the ground floor and concrete polished lintels offer a modern contrast to the classic textured brick façade.
Warren and Mahoney principal Nick Deans says the sensitive design approach is considerate of the end user and surrounding neighbours, and that the lot is located in a “special” part of Napier Street.
He said the design “speaks directly to the Victorian vernacular of Fitzroy”.
“It’s a building that is good now and will only get better with age. All of the apartments are unique in layout, offer generous floorplans and delightful finishes, which are sure to create welcoming homes for owner-occupiers.”
An internal courtyard filled with greenery, a central water feature and arch windows will orient the residences, providing natural light, amenity and reducing the impact of shadow on neighbouring homes.Window planter boxes on Napier Street will spill long-flowering geraniums, and ivy will fill the façade in a further nod to London homes.
Warren and Mahoney has delivered multiple residential projects in the area including The Spanish Club by Gurner.
Project managed by industry veteran John Jorgenson, formerly of Icon Construction, works are slated to begin in mid-2024.
