171 La Trobe Street

171 La Trobe Street is a 13-story high-rise with a green glass facade divided into two vertical sections. The structure houses ten office floors, a ground-level tavern, basement parking, three elevators, and two double-height penthouses on the upper levels.

The structure was built in 1991 during Melbourne's commercial recovery following the early 1990s recession. At a cost of 12 million Australian dollars, it marked a return to growth in the city's business district.

The lobby features a 95-panel glass wall by artist Joseph Licciardi that opens the interior to street views and activity outside. This artwork creates a visual dialogue between the building's inside space and the busy urban environment beyond.

The building is easy to navigate with three elevators, and the interior is well-lit thanks to the large glass installation in the lobby. Visitors can best explore the public areas during business hours when the ground-level tavern and street-facing spaces are most active.

The two penthouses on the upper levels feature rooftop gardens and motorized glass screens that shift automatically based on the sun's angle throughout the day. This smart screening system represents a thoughtful design detail that balances natural light with temperature control in the residential spaces above.

Location: Victoria

Inception: 1991

Architects: Nonda Katsalidis

Floors above the ground: 13

GPS coordinates: -37.80900,144.96700

Latest update: December 14, 2025 16:43