![multi-generational mixed-use house exterior night](/getattachment/bb54d06a-5962-46cf-b835-f024ef7fe6d7/wellington-street-mixed-use-matt-gibson-architecture-design-melbourne-australiahero-a.jpg.aspx)
This project is a series of stacked zinc-clad boxes, combined to create a mixed-use, multi-generational home on a narrow infill site in inner Melbourne.
As the site is surrounded by a residential street and a main road, it was important to establish an outdoor connection while minimising noise and protecting neighbours’ privacy.
![multi-generational mixed-use house day](/getattachment/4bccf735-bea3-449d-80a3-223b16b0b49b/wellington2.jpg.aspx)
The structure’s irregular stacked form helps with this, responding to the neighbours’ views and lighting requirements. It also lends well to multi-generational living and mixed-use applications, with each application receiving its own ‘box’.
There is a commercial space at ground level (required as per the site’s zoning regulations), with four levels of residential space above.
![multi-generational mixed-use house balcony](/getattachment/7f99e3c6-55ea-4052-ad89-66f59060d849/wellington3.jpg.aspx)
The first three floors have clearly defined zones, attributed to separate boxes. These include communal spaces such as the living and dining rooms, private bedroom spaces and “retreat” spaces.
![multi-generational mixed-use house outdoor](/getattachment/582f2559-f49b-458b-9802-8adcee2b2cef/wellington4.jpg.aspx)
A key design feature, there is an atrium at the centre of the structure which brings light into all of the living spaces. It also acts as a cooling stack for ventilation, with mechanical shades added to protect it when there is excess sunlight and heat.