Winter - Australian Institute of Architects

HeritageThe Margaret Pitt Morison Award forHeritageMarsala House, DianellaArchitecture PracticeDonaldson + Warn ArchitectsBuilderDave Walling Building Services Pty LtdPhotographerAndrew PritchardJury CommentsMarsala House is a commanding and distinctive residence that clearlydemonstrates the idiosyncratic explorations of the highly-regarded WesternAustralian architect, Iwan Iwanoff. Faced with this significant heritagebuilding - in bad repair and no longer functional for its purpose - this projectskilfully combines the conservation processes of preservation, restoration,reconstruction and adaptation, to ensure that Marsala House will continueto survive as a benchmark of high quality residential design and of sensitiverestoration.Guided by extensive research, through the engagement of heritagespecialists to prepare the conservation management plan and through bothdetailed archival and onsite investigations, the work of Donaldson+Warnshows a particular attention to detail and a subtlety to the contemporaryinterventions that exemplify the best in heritage architecture.The architects applied an exceptionally well-resolved conceptual frameworkto the challenges of restoring and upgrading a mid-1970s house in the spiritof the original design intent. Like the original work, this project extends theresponse to the clients’ needs in a way that brings delight to the users and tothose lucky enough to visit this remarkable house.Architecture AwardCathedral House Conservation and AdaptationHay Street, PerthArchitecture PracticeGriffiths ArchitectsBuilderColgan IndustriesPhotographerJohnathan TraskJury CommentsCathedral House is a landmark heritage building that was first constructedin 1855 as the Episcopal Palace for Bishop Serra of Perth. Progressivelyaltered and added to over the years, this project is the first major work sincethe 1930s and demonstrates the consummate skill of Griffiths Architects inheritage architecture.The judges were impressed by the architect’s success in resolving thecomplex problems posed by the existing building. Of particular note is theintroduction of new services with minimal impact on the spatial qualitiesinherent in the building and the careful attention to the restoration andrefurbishment of not only the building fabric, but of significant furnishingsand features.The enhancement of the setting of this important building and the reestablishmentof the visual connection with the Cathedral, as well as therange of interpretative devices that reveal hidden layers of meaning provide aheightened level of interaction with the place for users and visitors alike.Guided by a conservation plan and demonstrating a profound understandingof architectural responses and building methods over time, the end result isa deeply fulfilling and fascinating experience.45THE ARCHITECT 2012 ISSUE 002