Lyons Cottage | MODE

Lyons Cottage | MODE | Photographer: Pixel Collective

2025 National Architecture Awards Program

Lyons Cottage | MODE

Traditional Land Owners

Larrakia

Year
2025
Chapter

Northern Territory

Category
Heritage
Builder
TB Construction
Photographer
Pixel Collective
Media summary

Lyons Cottage, a cherished piece of Darwin’s history, has been reimagined for the future while honouring its past. Built in 1925 and once home to Darwin Mayor John Lyons, the cottage—also known as the BAT House for its role in housing telegraph company employees—has always been a place of service. MODE’s careful interventions, through heritage conservation and adaptive reuse, it has been transformed into a dynamic commercial space.

Now home to House of Darwin, the revitalisation balances modern functionality with heritage integrity. MODE also introduced climate control, discreetly sealed openings, and a significant new access ramp—designed to follow the site’s natural contours while retaining historic palm trees—enhance accessibility and usability. Close collaboration between MODE, heritage specialist and engineers, this project ensures Lyons Cottage remains a vibrant part of Darwin’s cultural and economic landscape, securing its place for generations to come.

Project Practice Team

Joseph Shanahan, Project Architect
Shruti Muley, Graduate of Architecture

Project Consultant and Construction Team

David Bridgman Architects, Heritage Consultant
Ashburner Francis, Electrical Consultant
Ashburner Francis, Mechanical Consultant
Major Consulting, Hydraulic Consultant
Capital House, Structural Engineer
Urban Place Design, Landscape Consultant

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