Located on the former site of Kew’s historic Barker Station (est. 1887), 138 Barkers Road draws on the site’s history while delivering a contemporary residential development that responds to its surrounding context.

The development comprises three distinct building volumes arranged around a network of landscaped communal gardens and pedestrian pathways. While each building responds to its immediate setting, a consistent material palette, integrated planting strategy and subtle references to the site’s railway heritage create a cohesive architectural outcome.

Materiality is a defining feature of the project. A palette of textured brickwork and rendered finishes references the site’s industrial and railway history, reinterpreted through a contemporary architectural language that adds depth, durability and connection to place.

Addressing Barkers Road, the largest building establishes the primary street presence and arrival experience. Its curved form and horizontal expression help reduce the perceived scale of the development, creating a softer interface with the busy main road. Along Hawthorn Grove, the architectural language responds to the surrounding residential character through a more vertical expression, refined detailing and proportions that reference the area’s Victorian-era homes.

At the centre of the site, a smaller building provides contrast through its warmer brick palette and simpler form. Curved corners help mediate between the two larger street-facing volumes and contribute to a cohesive site-wide composition.

Comprising 128 residences across six storeys, 138 Barkers Road balances increased residential density with generous landscaping, communal open space and strong connections to the surrounding neighbourhood. The result is a development that respects the site’s history while providing a contemporary living environment for residents.