Gadigal People of the Eora Nation
NSW
In 2017 the NSW State Government sold a row of 3-storey walk-up flats in Lower Fort Street and Trinity Avenue, as part of its divestment strategy for former housing commission properties in Tallawoladah, on Gadigal Country. Credited to Vernon, the former Workmen’s Dwellings were amongst the last government housing projects prior to the establishment of the 1912 Housing Board. The adaptation of heritage listed social housing to contemporary private market housing posed a conundrum, balancing contemporary liveability with the retention of heritage fabric. The existing buildings were non-compliant with current standards – access, fire safety, light, ventilation, room size. This required a clearly articulated strategic approach, and surgical precision, working closely with consultant heritage, fire and access specialists, Burra Charter, CMP, client and builder. The minimal interventionist approach aligned with heritage and sustainability values, and minimised cost, creating a unique apartment ‘offer’ that celebrates richness of material and beauty of time.
Substantial skill and sensitivity have been exercised in the alterations and additions to these State listed three-storey Federation Arts and Crafts workmen’s dwellings from 1910, originally designed by the Government Architect. The architects have successfully reconfigured and expanded the originally small apartments to achieve genuine liveability and market appeal.
Non-compliant with current building codes, standards and guidelines, including access, fire safety, light, ventilation, and internal room sizes, the architects extracted more out of these challenges than others might have: thinking laterally, they looked for design opportunities whilst maintaining a respect for significant heritage fabric. Within each apartment, all potential options were explored, arriving at subtly different solutions for each which nevertheless offer a regular pattern of intervention across the building group. Subtle adjustment to the mandated external heritage colour palette is an example of the delicate creative invention brought to the project, including simple strategies to ensure privacy between units.
This was an ambitious project, taking a poorly maintained and outmoded housing model, sensitively reconfiguring it to achieve genuine liveability and market appeal. The build period was difficult with onerous latent conditions exacerbated by covid-related challenges. I worked closely with the architects throughout.
Neeson Murcutt Neille navigated significant NCC, DDA and ADG considerations with stringent heritage requirements, while making beautiful living environments. I feel the size of spaces are wonderful, presenting an attractive alternative to many CBD apartments.
We commenced leasing apartments in 2024, they have been highly sought after notwithstanding the absence of parking and close proximity to neighbours.
Rachel Neeson, –
Stephen Neille, –
Giles Parker, Project Lead
Jeff Grant, –
Realino Tan, –
Ben Dixon, –
Tropman & Tropman Architects, Heritage Consultant
Jane Irwin Landscape Architecture, Landscape Consultant
SDA, Structural Engineer
BCA Logic, Building Compliance
Code Fire Safety, Fire Engineer
Integral, Services Consultant