CMP FOR HAROLD HOLT SWIMMING CENTRE
Lovell Chen recently prepared a conservation management plan for Melbourne's award-winning icon of 60s Brutalist architecture, the Harold Holt Memorial Swimming Centre.
The Centre was designed by Kevin Borland and Daryl Jackson, and opened in 1969. It was awarded a Citation by the Royal Victorian Institute of Architects. Since then, it has undergone piecemeal additions and alterations. Our CMP commission followed the announcement in 2005 that the City of Stonnington intends to redevelop the complex. [ photos: Peter Lovell ]
BORUSSIA — RESTORED AND EXTENDED
Borussia, a two-storey Victorian mansion in Shakespeare Grove, Hawthorn, has been restored from top to toe under the careful guidance of Lovell Chen's experts. And, like in many of our projects, we were also called upon to design a new element to complement the old — in this case a pavilion for family living.
The house had been much damaged by both fire and subsequent modifications made to the interior while the building was in use as the Junior campus of Bialik College. The restoration work has brought the interior back and we have also reinstated original external detailing. Several outbuildings and additions have been demolished as part of the works.
The new pavilion is a single storey extension, clearly separate from the house in form, detail and function. The choice of materials, finishes and colours sucessfully complements the older building. The pavilion houses the kitchen, laundry and family rooms. The landscaping is by John Patrick Pty Ltd. [ photos: Beng Hin Lim ]
A NEW LIFE FOR CRAIG & SEELEY OFFICE BUILDING
We have played a key role in preparing the former Craig & Seeley administration building for a new life — documenting it and overseeing restoration in preparation for its conversion to individual office suites.
The building dates from 1962 and was designed by Theodore Berman. It was part of the Hope Street, Brunswick, Craig & Seeley stove factory complex. Craig & Seeley, whose 'Chef' brand stoves with their iconic 'man with the pan' logo are well-known across Australia, ceased production in recent years. Much of the site has been cleared for redevelopment but the administration building was placed on the Victorian Heritage Register.
The building is a significant local landmark. Berman had cleverly used the company's own enamelled products in the design of the building. As well as our documentation and restoration work, our heritage team has prepared an interpretation plan and text panels for the building and for other structures remaining on the site. [ photos: Michael Galimany ]