South Australia
The State Heritage Listed Goodman Building was built in 1908 as the administration base of the Municipal Tramways Trust for Adelaide’s new electrified tram network. The building is an imposing landmark on Hackney Road and is of architectural significance as a fine example of Edwardian architecture with Arts and Crafts influences.
This mammoth 8-year long conservation project by specialist architects and trades involved the repointing of brickwork, painting rendered detailing and the replacement of the entire slate roof, which had deteriorated beyond repair and was causing leaks. Replacement roofing slates imported from Penrhyn (Wales) were selected, paired with traditional copper nails, to match the original and to achieve another 100-year lifespan.
Prominently sited at the East Gate of the Adelaide Botanic Gardens as their administration centre, the conservation works ensures that the Goodman Building continues as a demonstration of civic pride for another century.
Constructed in 1908, the Goodman Building was built as the administrative centre for the Municipal Tramways Trust as part of the new Hackney Tram Depot precinct. The building is an imposing landmark facing Hackney Road and is an excellent example of Edwardian architecture with Arts and Crafts influences. The three-storey building features high quality pointed brickwork on a stone base, rendered detailing and slate roofing with terracotta capping tiles.
Grieve Gillett Architects have been involved with the Goodman Building for 14 years, working on both the interior and exterior over that time. The building has become somewhat of a labour of love for the practice and owners. The dedication and persistence has resulted in a completed conservation project that is a testimony to the effort of the architects, client and trades. The quality and thoroughness of the work is evident on close inspection, with the attention to detail, patience and thoroughness seen on all restored surfaces.
Positioned on the eastern boundary of the Adelaide Botanic Garden, the Goodman Building is the main administration building for the Botanic Gardens of South Australia.
Initial documentation on the repairs required to this State Heritage Listed Building occurred in 2007 with the first major works started in 2014.
Welsh slate was imported to replace the failing roof with local trades undertaking the replacement in sections over several years.
The significant repairs and restoration undertaken on the building has ensured that the building continues to be used community and special interest groups.
Elizabeth Little, Heritage Architect | Registered Architect
Garth Davos, Technician
Paul Gillett, Project Director | Registered Architect
BuildSurv, Building Surveyor
Heinrich Consulting, Cost Consultant
The Australian Institute of Architects acknowledges First Nations peoples as the Traditional Custodians of the lands, waters, and skies of the continent now called Australia.
We express our gratitude to their Elders and Knowledge Holders whose wisdom, actions and knowledge have kept culture alive.
We recognise First Nations peoples as the first architects and builders. We appreciate their continuing work on Country from pre-invasion times to contemporary First Nations architects, and respect their rights to continue to care for Country.
