WARDERS’ BLOCK W2
Location: Fremantle, Western Australia
Status: Completed 2023
Builder: Buckingham Redevelopment Co.
Photographer: Dion Robeson
The Warders’ Block W2 was built in 1853 in the Victorian Georgian style as the second of three rows of terrace houses designed to house the Warders serving at the Fremantle Prison. The Warders’ Cottages represent places of significant cultural heritage and are registered on the National Heritage List. They are associated with the development of the Convict Establishment, a precinct that links the Fremantle Prison World Heritage site.
The challenge facing any adaptive re-use of such sensitive heritage is to ensure that not only does the fabric get retained but that the essence of the building is not lost. We therefore aimed to create an immersive heritage experience where patrons are well aware that they have just entered into a building from 1853 but added luxury elements to make it suitable for todays demands and a rear elevated walkway for universal access.
Awards:
2023 Western Australia state Heritage Award Winner - Conservation or adaptive reuse of a state registered place