During Melbourne Design Week, Associate Principal Suzanne Zahra will join authors Hannah Lewi and Cameron Logan on a panel discussing 10 years' best practice in adapting and reusing historic buildings and landscapes.
The event will launch 'ADAPT! Designing New Lives for Old Buildings' — a book informed by interviews with Anne-Marie Treweeke, Milica Tumbas and Peter Lovell and referencing several buildings we've worked to transform including The Stables Victorian College of the Arts; Old Customs House Melbourne/Immigration Museum; Yorkshire Brewery; and the Melbourne GPO. The launch even takes place at the former Collingwood Technical School complex, where we transformed former school and factory buildings to create Australia’s first purpose-made circus and physical theatre facility for Circus Oz!
6:00-7:30pm, Wednesday 20 May at Collingwood Yards
Book your tickets through MDW
https://designweek.melbourne/event/adapt-designing-new-lives-for-old-buildings/
#LovellChen #Heritage #Architecture
We are pleased to announce that both Trades Hall Stage 3 and 425 Collins Street have been shortlisted for the Victorian Architecture Awards
#LovellChen #Heritage #Conservation #Architecture
High-performance heritage, a study in subtlety.
Lovell Chen was engaged to refurbish this Essendon residence in early 2022. Home to a family of five, our brief developed from the stance that the existing building should work harder for them, rather than expand into their garden.
We completely reconfigured the first-floor layout while, true to practice philosophy, preserving original materials wherever possible. Windows were refurbished with original lead lights sandwiched into new insulated glazing panels; floorboards were meticulously dismantled and later reinstated; and the living room window frame and glazing were modified to create a new door. The building’s thermal performance and ventilation were significantly upgraded and a new verandah was introduced.
Last week Tina and our architecture team visited the finished project, reflecting on the successful journey to high-performance family home in a heritage context.
#LovellChen #HeritageArchitecture #ResidentialArchitecture #Essendon #HighPerformanceBuildings #Restoration #MelbourneArchitects
The Princess Theatre has been part of Launceston’s cultural life for more than a century and is now preparing for a new chapter. Lovell Chen has been engaged to design the theatre’s upcoming refurbishment – work that will focus on strengthening the building’s heritage character while improving how audiences, performers and staff experience the space.
Alongside the works to the Princess Theatre – which includes careful conservation, a refurbished front-of-house, amenity and accessibility upgrades – a new purpose-built Earl Street Theatre rethinks how the theatre connects with the broader precinct. It’s a rare opportunity to support a place that holds so many stories, memories and performances, and to help ensure it continues to serve the community well into the future.
Construction is now underway, with the Theatres set to reopen in 2028.
A thoughtful renewal for a place that has meant so much to so many.
#PrincessTheatreLaunceston #LovellChen #HeritageArchitecture #LauncestonCulture #TasmanianArts #ArchitecturalConservation
At Lovell Chen, we’ve always believed that heritage thinking and environmental sustainability aren't just compatible—they’re inseparable.
This Thursday, our own Tina Tam and Adam Mornement will be joining @architecture_au for a Member Lean-In event to discuss the future of adaptive reuse. Alongside Kirby Roper, they’ll be diving into how we can embrace heritage buildings to achieve high-level environmental performance.
This isn't just a theoretical discussion.
We’ll be looking at:
• how heritage drives innovation
• navigating the statutory processes
• local case studies and built outcomes
Championing our past is one of the best ways to champion a sustainable future. We’d love to see you there!
📅 Thursday 19 March, 12:00pm AEDST
📍 Online via Zoom
🔗 Link in bio to register!
Note: Registrations are capped at 1,000, so be sure to secure your spot early.
#LovellChen #HeritageArchitecture #SustainableDesign #AdaptiveReuse #AIA #ClimateAction #MelbourneArchitecture #Conservation
Associate Principal Tina Tam gives a personal perspective on how our work preparing the Tower Hill State Game Reserve Conservation Management Plan guided conservation work on the Robin Boyd designed Visitor Centre (c. 1971) and adaptation of the Amenities Block.
Click on link on our bio to read an interview with Tina in the latest edition of Heritage Council Victoria's heritage newsletter.
Scroll down to Story 6 - Custodian Interview and learn about our work to secure the relevance and future use of the Visitor Centre and Amenities Block at Tower Hill State Game Reserve.
#LovellChen #Heritage #Architecture
For many years we’ve been working with The University of Melbourne to conserve two important pieces of campus heritage: the 1925 University Grandstand and Tom Bass’ 1956 reliefs at Wilson Hall.
When we were initially engaged 7 years ago, the Grandstand was in a critical condition with an adjacent peppercorn tree undermining its structure. Our team delivered permanent strengthening, timber conservation, new footings and retaining walls, and a full roof replacement. To complete a total precinct upgrade, we also scoped and specified repainting works to the adjacent Ernie Cropley Pavilion (Reed, Smart, and Tappin, 1906).
At Wilson Hall, Bass’ four concrete reliefs were carefully cleaned, repointed and coated with a breathable silane coating, selected in collaboration with the Grimwade Centre. We worked closely with Abode Restoration to analyse the original mortar mix, then repointed with carefully matched mortar including aggregate matching that in the concrete panels themselves.
A rewarding project that brings new life to two remarkable pieces of the University’s history.
#HeritageConservation #LovellChen #UniversityOfMelbourne #ConservationArchitecture #TimberConservation #PublicArt #TomBass #BuiltHeritage
Last week, our Associate Principal Stuart Hanafin spoke at the opening of the latest Trades Hall works alongside Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan and Luke Hilakari, Secretary of the Victorian Trades Hall Council — a proud moment for our team.
Trades Hall holds more than 150 years of stories, and we’ve been honoured to help conserve them. Since 2016, we’ve delivered three major stages of restoration, breathing new life into public and administrative spaces while respecting the building’s remarkable legacy.
Stage 3 focused on the Victoria Street wing, including the careful conservation of honour boards that had been concealed for nearly a century. A light‑touch approach brought these pieces of history back into view, supported by a reinstated colour scheme drawn from early evidence.
These works celebrate the living heritage of Melbourne’s guilds and unions — and the traditional trade skills that keep these stories alive.
Thank you to our collaborators, @multiplexconstruction__au , @ics_melbourne , and the Trades Hall team for their ongoing support of Lovell Chen.
#HeritageConservation #TradesHall #MelbourneHistory #LovellChen #ConservationArchitecture #RestorationWork
Congratulations to Ankita Powale on her elevation to Associate!
Trained as an architect and holding a Master of Urbanism in Heritage Conservation, Ankita brings both design insight and practical expertise to her role with the Lovell Chen heritage team.
She's driven by the conviction that heritage is not only about preserving old buildings, but about keeping alive the stories, character, and spirit that make places special.
#lovellchen
A country lunch with old friends to celebrate the end of another busy year. Feeling very grateful for our team and wishing colleagues and collaborators a safe and happy new year. See you all in 2026!
Thank you for sharing time with us in 2025.
We'll take a summer break between Friday 19 December and Monday 5 January 2026, and look forward to collaborating in the New Year.
#LovellChen
