Victoria
Completed in 1898, College Church originally featured a unique limestone crown and lantern, which was dismantled in the 1980s for safety reasons. Over the next 40 years, the building became known for its apparently precarious condition, its heritage values truncated along with the tower.
Reconstruction of the three meter high missing lantern was the most appropriate way to restore the building’s integrity. ?amaru limestone was imported from New Zealand, and hand carved by the stonemason to match the 46 detailed pieces originally making up the lantern, before being carefully hoisted into place. Less visible, but equally important, conservation interventions included seismic upgrades and repairs to the damaged crown buttresses.
The building is assuredly redefined as a well used Christian Church. To the current custodians the Mar Thoma Church, as to the original Presbyterian congregation, it is a physical and permanent demonstration of their place in the Parkville community, and their commitment to it.
When the Mar Thoma Church bought the building in 2008, the upper part of the crown was missing and the rest was supported by rusting scaffold poles. The crown was an eye sore and a potential danger to the community.
We can proudly say that the current structure is stronger and better than the old structure and it’s the carbon copy of the original crown lantern. The new spire has brought a sense of pride and joy to our church community.
Roger Beeston, Design Architect
Margaret Nicoll, Senior Conservation Technician
Phillipa Hall, Design Lead
Deirdre Heffernan, Delivery Lead
Meher Bahl, Graduate of Architecture
Lachlan McMullin, Graduate of Architecture
Paula Yanez, Graduate of Architecture
Sophie Tuck, Graduate of Architecture
Ingegnaria Consultants, Structural Engineer
OC Stone, Stonemason
Philip Chun Building Compliance, Building Surveyor
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.
