Description

54 Wellington Street creates space for two contemporary commercial buildings set among a collection of existing structures in Collingwood. The original buildings form a functioning telephone exchange exhibiting varied height, materiality and form. The two new buildings extend the campus character of the site and are located among and above the existing buildings. The southwest corner is held by a lower scale companion building which defines a new laneway connecting Wellington to Northumberland streets. By setting the taller main building back from Wellington Street, public activity is attracted onto the site creating an intimate location for tenants and community.
Drawing on Collingwood’s dynamic culture, history and architecture for inspiration, the curved design of Holme Apartments alludes to Collingwood’s old grain silos. The retention of existing fabric, the articulated brick podium and the curved forms of the balconies, combine to provide a considered addition to the neighbourhood. A robust material palette of brick, concrete, steel and glass imparts a strong contemporary aesthetic. The curved concrete slab edges and the balconies reflect the imprint of the silos and appear as a series of continuous sweeps around the entire building.

What's On

Join an architect-led walk around the exterior of these two recent JWA buildings focusing on design responses in relation to existing buildings, historical aspects and new interventions. Discussion will also cover design inspiration and constraints. These walking tours are timed to coincide with tours of the John Wardle Architects studio.