Adaptive Reuse and Animation – Church on Napier by Kerstin Thompson Architects and James Stockwell Architects

Reimaging a precinct, Church on Napier sees the adaptive reuse and restoration of an existing hall and church, together with the addition of a newly conceived medium density apartment building. Master planned by Kerstin Thompson Architects together with James Stockwell Architects, the area is brought into a contemporary relevance, animating the otherwise unused historical icons.

While Fitzroy is known for its eclecticism, and its proximity to the CBD ensures its accessibility for a diverse range of people, preserving the history of the area and, in particular, the unique historical reminders of it being the first suburb of Melbourne were always going to be paramount. The opportunity to rework an existing church and church hall and propose a new residential building within the same precinct then called for an aptly fitting, respectful approach and matching experience in both. While the functions of these buildings may have changed, their initial inception as integral pillars of community needed to carry through into its next chapter, while ensuring continued use and occupation through time. Combining forces, Kerstin Thompson Architects and James Stockwell Architects bring a collective knowledge in restoration and adaptive reuse to ensure the most deserving resolve ensued and to allow the moments in history to continue.

While the functions of these buildings may have changed, their initial inception as integral pillars of community needed to carry through into its next chapter, while ensuring continued use and occupation through time.

The overall masterplan for the site sees Kerstin Thompson Architects redefine the program for the generous allotment and, through extensive studies, identify an appropriate massing for the proposed residential insertion. Following this, the team worked on the adaptive reuse of the church hall and the proposal for the housing element, while James Stockwell Architects took the reins of the adaptive reuse of the heritage listed church. Built by Martin Builders, Church on Napier becomes a series of 13 occupiable dwellings around a communal outdoor shared space. Drawing from the scale and proportions of 150-year-old church, the new three-level building was proposed through an understanding of existing context and with materiality that would ensure its longevity.

As important as the restoration and new works of the buildings, the urban and landscape areas between the built elements allows breathing room for appreciating the history as well. Adapted into four new residences, the church hall takes on a new role, with screening on either end to allow for ease of ventilation across the site and through the building itself. The new building then houses a combination of one-, two- and three-bedroom residences allowing a variety of occupants to live together across the site. All materiality introduced was selected as a means to add to the existing, while not competing in any way.

As important as the restoration and new works of the buildings, the urban and landscape areas between the built elements allows breathing room for appreciating the history as well.

Reinforcing a sense of community, Kerstin Thompson Architects and James Stockwell Architects extend the life of such important elements of history and embeds them in current life, drawing people back into their walls – as was always intended.