Former Workmen’s Dwellings Lower Fort Street | Neeson Murcutt Neille

In 2017 the NSW State Government sold a row of 3-storey walk-up flats as part of its divestment strategy for former housing commission properties in Tallawoladah. The former Workmen’s Dwellings were amongst the last government housing projects prior to the establishment of the 1912 Housing Board. The adaptation of heritage listed social housing to contemporary private market housing posed a conundrum, balancing contemporary liveability with the retention of heritage fabric. The buildings were non-compliant with current standards- access, fire safety, light, ventilation, room size. This required a clearly articulated strategic approach, and surgical precision, working closely with heritage, fire and access specialists, Burra Charter, CMP, client and builder. The minimal interventionist approach aligned with heritage and sustainability values, minimised cost, and created unique housing that offers fundamental spatial interest in contrast to the now ubiquitous NSW Apartment Design Guide room sizes, a richness of material, and the beauty of time.