One Smith Street
Bringing our laneway and hospitality knowledge to the Docklands.
Escala
Escala is a new benchmark mixed-use project for Melbourne’s NewQuay. Central to Escala’s community life is a small square and laneway integrated into the ground plane. It’s a natural meeting point and social springboard that launches an authentic neighbourhood vibe. As well as a gathering place, the square is a prominent forecourt and activated public realm with specialty retail and commercial tenancies that complement the residential tower.
![](https://a.storyblok.com/f/129431/1400x2100/be09fc65e3/_dsf6257-edit.jpg/m/)
A new lane was created through the entire block
1/4![](https://a.storyblok.com/f/129431/1400x2100/d705f771f8/230505_escala_reinders_250.jpg/m/)
Variation in scale and facade design breaks down the building into an authentic city block
1/4![](https://a.storyblok.com/f/129431/1400x2100/bdc147bb27/_dsf6178-edit.jpg/m/)
The podium is scaled to the pedestrian, with set back apartement towers rising above
1/4![](https://a.storyblok.com/f/129431/1400x2100/7b2cf8ca6e/230505_escala_reinders_193.jpg/m/)
Material detail on every corner
1/4![](https://a.storyblok.com/f/129431/2100x1400/cf57e60065/landscape-2100x1400.jpg/m/)
Corner of Docklands Drive & Aquitania Way
1/10![](https://a.storyblok.com/f/129431/2100x1400/e95958c8af/220428_reinders_mab_escala_061.jpg/m/)
Street level arrival
1/10![](https://a.storyblok.com/f/129431/2100x1400/725c0cbcd4/220428_reinders_mab_escala_092.jpg/m/)
Lift lobby
1/10![](https://a.storyblok.com/f/129431/2100x1400/85b4d0aab1/230505_escala_reinders_037.jpg/m/)
Shelter from the elements encourages movement through the site
1/10![](https://a.storyblok.com/f/129431/2100x1400/4952a7220f/220428_reinders_mab_escala_095.jpg/m/)
Terrace level pool
1/10![](https://a.storyblok.com/f/129431/2100x1400/4b1924a7e4/220428_reinders_mab_escala_060.jpg/m/)
Stain glass detail
1/10![](https://a.storyblok.com/f/129431/2100x1400/190f994852/220428_reinders_mab_escala_064.jpg/m/)
Tiled arch entry detail
1/10![](https://a.storyblok.com/f/129431/2100x1400/f40c114381/220428_reinders_mab_escala_121.jpg/m/)
Commercial lobby with brick arches
1/10![](https://a.storyblok.com/f/129431/2100x1400/fabdb5f3ef/220428_reinders_mab_escala_009.jpg/m/)
2-bedroom apartment
1/10![](https://a.storyblok.com/f/129431/2100x1400/c7a7699415/220428_reinders_mab_escala_026.jpg/m/)
Timber, tile and texture
1/10“Central to the success of the scheme is the level of detail lavished in various components of the project” Andy Fergus, Urban Design, City of Melbourne
![](https://a.storyblok.com/f/129431/2100x1400/dcbbc5da25/230505_escala_reinders_505.jpg/m/)
The lightfilled lobby connecting to the forecourt
1/8![](https://a.storyblok.com/f/129431/2100x1400/44c52857fd/230505_escala_reinders_783.jpg/m/)
Urbanity and scale that resembles Melbourne's CBD
1/8![](https://a.storyblok.com/f/129431/2100x1400/1aac54e8a1/230505_escala_reinders_818.jpg/m/)
Resident's library and meeting room facing a communal terrace
1/8![](https://a.storyblok.com/f/129431/2100x1400/9bc03cb4ad/230505_escala_reinders_192.jpg/m/)
Facade detail with signiture breeze blocks and green tiles
1/8![](https://a.storyblok.com/f/129431/2100x1400/e3053dbffd/230505_escala_reinders_330.jpg/m/)
Forecourt view from above
1/8![](https://a.storyblok.com/f/129431/2100x1400/af508d89cc/230505_escala_reinders_841.jpg/m/)
Rooftop garden
1/8![](https://a.storyblok.com/f/129431/2100x1400/68c3c847ea/_dsf6327-edit.jpg/m/)
Docklands Drive
1/8![](https://a.storyblok.com/f/129431/2100x1400/46c534facd/_dsf6227-edit.jpg/m/)
Escala's material palette
1/8