Adaptive reuse
Grieve Gillett Anderson Architects
Although it is commonly thought that heritage buildings are a ‘locked asset’, this is not the case.
The adaptive re-use of heritage buildings is not a new phenomenon. It can respect and retain the significance of the building while at the same time adding economic value both for the present and in the future.
In addition, to create a more sustainable future, the re-use of heritage buildings must be a vital part of environmental planning.
Planning and Development have collated some examples of successful projects within the City of Adelaide.
They are intended to aid and inform planners, heritage advisors, owners, developers, architects and heritage consultants.
State Library of South Australia, B 7079, c1936
The former Colonial Mutual Life (CML) building was constructed in two stages between 1935-1936. It has since been adapted to become The Mayfair, a boutique hotel with a rooftop bar and function space.
Photo credits: Above: State Library of South Australia, B 7079, c1936. Below: JPE Architects
JPE Architects
State Library of South Australia, PRG 631/2/124, c1910
The original Citizens' Life Assurance Company office was built in 1901 and was known as Electra House from 1940. It has recently been adapted to a restaurant, including a contemporary outdoor dining area, providing a new public use in a busy City street.
Photo credits: Above: State Library of South Australia, PRG 631/2/124, c1910. Below: Studio Nine Architects.
Studio Nine Architects
City of Adelaide
The Beresford Arms Inn is the oldest remaining hotel building in the City of Adelaide and reputedly in South Australia. Constructed in 1839, it was first licensed in March 1840 and was known as the Oddfellows' Arms between 1856-1861. It was later used as a dwelling for a period before being severely damaged by fire. The site was then purchased by the City of Adelaide. After conserving the building, it was placed on the market and is now used as offices.
Photo credits: Above and below, City of Adelaide.
City of Adelaide
City of Adelaide.
The Adelaide Brewery operated on this site between 1845-1902. After being utilised as a parking lot, the extant brewery buildings along Wyatt Street have been adapted to offices for an engineering firm.
Photo credits: Above: City of Adelaide. Below: Grieve Gillett Anderson Architects.
Grieve Gillett Anderson Architects
City Archives, HP0290, c1910
The former Model School was constructed in 1873-1874 and was divided into three sections to separately accommodate boys, girls and infants. In 1908 it formed part of Adelaide High School, along with the two buildings to the east. It has since been adapted for use as a childcare centre.
Photo credits: Above: City Archives, HP0290, c1910. Below: Flightpath Architects.
Flightpath Architects
State Library of South Australia, B 1852, C1916
This former shop with a residence above was constructed in 1908. It is now solely used for residential purposes and the adaptation process provided much needed conservation work to the facade and balcony.
Photo credits: Above: State Library of South Australia, B 1852, c1916. Below: BB Architects.
BB Architects
State Library of South Australia, B 17669, c1967
This building has had multiple uses over the years but has remained largely true to its original form. Starting life as a chemist shop, its most recent adaptation to a private residence provided much needed conservation work to the façade, verandah and balcony.
Photo credits: Above: State Library of South Australia, B 17669, c1967. Below: BB Architects.
BB Architects
The former Providence Chapel congregation
The former Providence Chapel has been recently adapted into a private residence, while still contributing to the local area by maintaining its original appearance to the street.
Photo credits: Above: The former Providence Chapel congregation. Below: Studio Nine Architects.
Studio Nine Architects
State Library of South Australia, B 71604
This ‘Classical Palazzo’ style five-storey building was designed by the notable architect, EH McMichael in 1916. After a fire, years of vacancy and the loss of services, the recent adaptation has bought back to life an office building which many deemed unfit for use.
Photo credits: Above: State Library of South Australia, B 71604. Below: Williams Burton Leopardi Architects.
Williams Burton Leopardi Architects
State Library of South Australia, B 10366, c1923
The former power station has been adapted into the National Aboriginal Cultural Institute, known as Tandanya, which has become an important local cultural facility.
Photo credits: Above: State Library of South Australia, B 10366, c1923. Below: Panache Photography.
Panache Photography.
City Archives HP12646
Adapting a portion of the former City Destructor site into a restaurant and public space (featuring the chimney) has provided a new use for this important visual icon of the City.
Photo credits: Above: City archives HP12646. Below: Adelaide Living
Adelaide Living
Originally built as a shop with residence above, the building was adapted to become the North Adelaide Fire Station. It has since been adapted into themed holiday accommodation, providing a unique stay for visitors.
Photo credits: Above: Photographic survey of North Adelaide 1976. Below: City of Adelaide.
City of Adelaide
State Library of South Australia, PRG 287/1/12/5, c1936
The Torrens Parade Ground and Training Depot was erected by the Commonwealth of Australia in 1936 as a military training depot and assembly ground for troops. The Depot was given back to the State in 2001. The building was subsequently adapted to provide a central city location for several ex-services organisations and the History Trust of South Australia.
Photo credits: Above: State Library of South Australia, PRG 287/1/12/5, c1936. Below: Grieve Gillett Anderson Architects
Grieve Gillett Anderson Architects