Architect Fitzroy

Fitzroy and Fitzroy North are among Melbourne's oldest suburbs: Victorian terraces, narrow blocks, rear lanes and a community that values how a house is made as much as how it looks.

Zen Architects has designed four homes in Fitzroy North alone. We design new homes, extensions and whole-of-home renovations for clients who want more light, more garden and a lighter footprint on a tight inner-city site. Every project is led by our directors, Ric Zen and Luke Rhodes.

A family home built from recycled materials.

The Eco House was designed for clients who wanted a home built from local, sustainably sourced, recycled or organic materials. Recycled bricks, insulation made from recycled glass, locally sourced timber and triple-glazed windows answered that brief.

On a small block, the house still accommodates a family of six. It faces north for passive solar gain, and summer sun is controlled by adjustable shades made from recycled ship sail canvas.

Project shown: Eco House, Fitzroy North. View the project

Terrace Extensions

More light and space behind a period frontage.

Sustainable Renovations

Recycled and local materials and passive solar design.

Small-Site Homes

Generous homes on narrow inner-city blocks.

A private conversation with one of our architects about your Fitzroy property. Arrange a design consultation

Questions worth answering.

Which council handles planning in Fitzroy?

Fitzroy is in the City of Yarra, where many streets are covered by heritage overlays. We check every control that applies to your property before the brief is fixed. You can check your own property's overlays with a free planning property report from VicPlan.

Can a family of six live well on a small Fitzroy North block?

Yes, with careful planning. The Eco House accommodates a family of six on a small block by placing living spaces upstairs where they get unobstructed northern sun.

Can a home be built mostly from recycled materials?

To a large degree. The Eco House used recycled bricks, insulation made from recycled glass and shades made from recycled ship sail canvas, alongside locally sourced timber.

How do you bring light into a narrow Fitzroy terrace?

By orienting living spaces north, opening the back of the house to light and garden, and using courtyards or upper levels where the site allows.

What kind of clients does Zen Architects work with in Fitzroy?

Owners of period homes who want to stay in the inner city, and who care about how their home is made and how much energy it uses.

We also work with clients in neighbouring Brunswick, Northcote and Richmond.