Whadjuk people of the Nyoongar nation
Western Australia
This project reimagines a former heritage technical college as a contemporary corporate workplace, balancing conservation with spatial clarity and modern performance. Large-volume classrooms were transformed into a diverse mix of executive, collaborative and training spaces, guided by a central design ambition to retain the original plan form, generous volumes and qualities of daylight.
A lightweight intermediate ceiling preserves visual connection to original room heights while discreetly integrating new services, supporting transparency and continuity across the workplace. External works restore the building’s civic presence and introduce landscaped courtyards that improve access, amenity and engagement with Fremantle’s streetscape.
The adaptive reuse consolidates a previously decentralised hospitality group into a single headquarters, fostering collaboration and shared purpose. Sustainability outcomes are led by extending the life of an existing building, supported by energy-efficient systems. Demonstrating how heritage architecture can be thoughtfully adapted to meet contemporary workplace needs while contributing positively to the public realm.
The Margaret Pitt Morison Award for Heritage
This project demonstrates a disciplined and carefully considered adaptive reuse of the former Fremantle Technical School. Guided by a values-led approach, the work prioritises the retention of cultural significance through minimal and precise intervention.
The existing civic presence and typology are maintained with clarity, allowing the heritage fabric to remain legible and largely undisturbed. A contemporary workplace is inserted with care and efficiency within the constraints of the original structure, achieving a refined integration that reflects a high level of thought and detail. The result is a sophisticated outcome where new work supports rather than competes with the existing building, enabling its ongoing use and long-term viability.
The project exemplifies a highly considered approach to change and a clear respect for heritage fabric and setting. Its strength lies in the precision and consistency of its resolution, and the restrained discipline applied to the adaptive reuse. The jury particularly noted the restrained material palette, applied with rigour and consistency of detailing, clearly expressing new interventions alongside the thoughtfully conserved heritage fabric.
The Margaret Pitt Morison Award for Heritage
This project demonstrates a disciplined and carefully considered adaptive reuse of the former Fremantle Technical School. Guided by a values-led approach, the work prioritises the retention of cultural significance through minimal and precise intervention.
The existing civic presence and typology are maintained with clarity, allowing the heritage fabric to remain legible and largely undisturbed. A contemporary workplace is inserted with care and efficiency within the constraints of the original structure, achieving a refined integration that reflects a high level of thought and detail. The result is a sophisticated outcome where new work supports rather than competes with the existing building, enabling its ongoing use and long-term viability.
The project exemplifies a highly considered approach to change and a clear respect for heritage fabric and setting. Its strength lies in the precision and consistency of its resolution, and the restrained discipline applied to the adaptive reuse. The jury particularly noted the restrained material palette, applied with rigour and consistency of detailing, clearly expressing new interventions alongside the thoughtfully conserved heritage fabric.
The Technical Institute Building’s design supports our core purpose as a hospitality business: to be genuinely hospitable. Its spaces help us induct, retain, train and inspire our future leaders. The café‑style reception creates a warm, social environment that intentionally blurs the line between work and play. Collaboration, retention, talent and culture have all strengthened thanks to the building’s comfort, modern tech, functionality and uplifting fit‑out. The 1912 building, like Prendiville Group (est. 1978), is enduring and intentionally paired back. In this way, the design reinforces our family businesses ethos.
Michael Patroni, Design Architect
Alessia Richards, Project Architect
Dimmity Walker, Design Architect
Tobias Busch, Design Architect
Samantha Mofflin, Design Architect
Resolve Group, Building Surveyor
Stephen Carrick, Heritage Consultant
Sustainable Garden Design, Landscape Consultant
WA Structural, Structural Engineer
Santec, Hydraulic Consultant