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New state-of-the-art events space opens on Gertrude Street, Fitzroy
United Kingdom Architecture News - Jan 13, 2015 - 10:09 4641 views
image courtesy of Kalex
A Thoughtful Transition For An Exceptional Site, Kalex’s ‘Living Events’ Space Shakes Up The Local Scene
In early 2015, boutique residential developer Kalex plans to present its apartment and retail vision for the former Manfax hardware site on Gertrude Street, Fitzroy to the Melbourne market and is introducing the offer by creating a new concept for the presentation of a display suite, known as Living Events.
A considered response to Melbourne’s growing demand for well appointed, flexible events spaces with an emphasis on functionality, Living Events, which opened on 6 December 2014, will offer a unique approach to short-term site activation by presenting an event venue with an exceptional interior design response.
Some of the most respected names in architecture and design have joined forces with Kalex to bring Living Events to life, including Jackson Clements Burrows Architects, Roger Seller, Gaggenau, Urban Commons and Great Dane.
According to Kalex Development Director Liam Wallis, Living Events is a thoughtful transition for an exceptional site.
“The idea behind Living Events is to have a display suite for the project that is active rather than the passive,” Mr Wallis said.
“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.”
Mr Wallis said that the development at 166 Gertrude Street will be mixed use, with a range of apartments and a ground level retail offering that will be curated to ensure that the integrity and character of the Gertrude Street retail strip is maintained.
“Our aim for Living Events is to create an engaging experience that connects with discerning, design-savvy people,” Mr Wallis said.
As well as being visually appealing, Living Events will be extremely functional, with a maximum capacity of 150 people, a flexible 254sq m front-of-house area, and a 34sq m back-of-house kitchen with cutting edge Gaggenau equipment.
The kitchen and back-of-house areas were designed with professional catering companies and chefs in mind, with the front-of-house Valcucine kitchen fully appointed with Gaggenau appliances and the bar equipped with climate controlled wine cabinets and under-bench refrigeration.
The back-of-house kitchen has stainless steel benches, twin ovens, induction cooktops, extraction canopies, refrigeration, a cool room, dry storage and a commercial dishwasher.
Within close proximity of both Brunswick and Smith streets and only 1km from the CBD, the site features off-street parking and public transport links to the No.86 and No.112 tram.
image courtesy of Kalex
Gertrude Street’s desolate Manfax parking lot has been transformed into a flourishing pocket park and will play host to a series of gardening workshops and cooking events throughout the summer.
Boutique property developer, Kalex, rejuvenated the space, turning it into the Living Events display suite, which now features a productive garden with a recycled timber deck, a Tilt outdoor Kitchenette, and a stunning flowering Gum – the perfect environment for intimate summer events.
The Sunday Garden Sessions with Urban Commons will provide general gardening advice and tips for continued horticultural success, such as the importance of plant selection, basic soil science, and dealing with pests and plant diseases.
Another focus will be how best to maximise space (such as balconies or verandahs, which are prolific on the Northside) using clever design.
Due to the central location of Living Events, guests are encouraged to experience the gardening workshops and then head to one of the many fabulous Fitzroy eateries for lunch.
Location: Living Events, 166 Gertrude Street, Fitzroy
Date: 25 January, 8 February, 22 February, 22 March, 19 April, 26 April Cost: Free
Time: All sessions run between 10:30 – 12:30 PM
image courtesy of Kalex
About Living Events:
In early 2015 boutique residential developer Kalex plans to present its apartment and retail vision for the former Manfax hardware site on Gertrude Street, Fitzroy to the Melbourne market and is introducing the offer by creating a new concept for the presentation of a display suite, known as Living Events.
As well as being visually appealing, Living Events will be extremely functional, with a maximum capacity of 150 people, a flexible 254sq m front of house area, and a 34sq m back of house kitchen with cutting-edge Gaggenau equipment.
For more information on booking Living Events for your next function, please visit www.living- events.com.au. For information on 166 Gertrude St, please visit www.kalex.com.au