Tasmania
In mid 2014, we were approached by the owner of 258 Macquarie Street, who nearly lost the property to fire shortly after its purchase leaving a dilapidated rental property uninhabitable and an owner with an enormous challenge.
Around the same time AirBnB was emerging and we suggested adapting the building specifically to this new typology to achieve the returns required to fund the restoration demands.
We developed a policy of removing the intrusive elements, repairing damaged external fabric where required and distinctly inserting new elements within the existing spaces and externally as clear modern attachments. Where existing fabric could remain in its current state, it was left that way ‘even the fire history’ such that a patina of eras is on display.
During the 258 construction, 260 was purchased by the owner allowing us to restore both terraces as a whole and reestablish their stately Georgian presence on Macquarie Street.
Award for Heritage Architecture
Through heritage conservation and adaptive re-use, the Murdolo project has restored new life and purpose to a significant collection of Victorian-Georgian residential buildings.
The architects have worked strategically with the owner in expanding the project scope and developing appropriate solutions to support a sustainable economic model for the project. Through this, they have ensured project viability, broadened the potential for critical heritage conservation, and enabled the re-establishment of the building as a significant presence in its historic streetscape.
Restoration of heritage fabric has been undertaken with best-practice conservation methods, including careful application of policies developed through a detailed Conservation Management Plan. Conservation works have included structural and site hydrology rectification, stone façade restoration, and the renewal of finer detail. In this, they have revealed layers of previously concealed historic occupation, use and adaptation.
The architects have demonstrated exceptional skill and judgement in reconciling the competing and contradictory demands of authentic conservation and the strict requirements of contemporary use and code compliance. This has been handled with dexterity and care and has resulted in an elegance of detail and an undeniable harmony between old and new.”
The redevelopment of 258 and 260 Macquarie Street began with the idea that these old buildings had potential despite their neglected state. The hope was that if a correct balance between retaining the heritage features and the modernisation of the buildings could be achieved, they would be invigorated with a new use whilst maintaining the historical significance. I and many visiting guests think this has been achieved to a great degree. I have great pride in the outcome and that we have made a contribution to the preservation of Hobart’s Heritage for some time to come.
Martin Stephenson, Design Architect
Craig Rosevear, Design Architect
Piers Chamberlen, Graduate
Castellan Consulting, Fire engineer
Gandy & Roberts, Structural Engineer, Hydraulic Consultant
Knight Frank, Property valuer
Philip Jackson, Consulting Arborist
Pitt & Sherry, Building Surveyor
Praxis Environment, Heritage Consultant
The Australian Institute of Architects acknowledges First Nations peoples as the Traditional Custodians of the lands, waters, and skies of the continent now called Australia.
We express our gratitude to their Elders and Knowledge Holders whose wisdom, actions and knowledge have kept culture alive.
We recognise First Nations peoples as the first architects and builders. We appreciate their continuing work on Country from pre-invasion times to contemporary First Nations architects, and respect their rights to continue to care for Country.
