We note with sadness Jonathan’s untimely passing on 27 November this year. As Associate Director at GBA between 2006 and 2017, Jonathan not only managed important projects, including conservation and restoration work at the Queen Victoria Building, the Anzac Memorial in Hyde Park, the State Theatre (including award-winning Heritage Interpretation) and many others, but also contributed broad knowledge, great enthusiasm and a keen wit to GBA’s culture, not to mention excellent restaurant recommendations. He will be missed by GBA and by the profession.

The Glenferrie Lodge, established in 1907 in Kirribilli, has primarily functioned as an accommodation facility and has undergone multiple upgrades while maintaining its Federation Arts and Crafts architectural style and presentation within the streetscape. Winim Developments engaged Rothelowman Architects and GBA Heritage to enhance the building by adding three luxury apartments and upgrading its 42 rooms into boutique-style accommodations. Following thorough analysis and consideration of several development options, the project received approval from the NSW Land and Environment Court in early 2024.

Hornsby Council issued consent for this project on 26 June 2024 and construction is expected to commence in the near future. A significant extension was required to allow this small Inter-War Old English style brick cottage in a Heritage Conservation Area to accommodate the anticipated number of residents and visitors. GBA Heritage’s research and analysis allowed later additions to be identified and removed, while our design advice helped to ensure compatibility with the original house and the Conservation Area.

Two of our team members have attended Longford Academy – excellence in building conservation training this year, one at the Summer School and one at the Winter School. Both have returned with a deeper knowledge of material conservation and traditional material use while also reigniting a passion for traditional material detailing and preservation.

SJB and Dangar Barin Smith

GBA assisted in transforming this site from a redundant church building in a main street retail heritage conservation area into Sydney’s first Nightingale project.

Nightingale partnered with Fresh Hope Communities, an arm of the Church of Christ, who offered the land value, allowing for the shared vision to tackle affordable housing in Sydney’s Inner West. The project delivers an innovative build-to-rent scheme.

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Daniel Boddam

Development approval was received from the City of Sydney for Daniel Boddam Studio’s infill residence at Allen St, Glebe.

The design successfully blends with the surrounding design characteristics of the Heritage Conservation Area while maintaining its contemporary appeal.

Playoust Churcher Architects

An agreement was reached in LEC conciliation for Playoust Churcher Architects’ upgrades to a listed Interwar house on a prominent street corner in Pymble.

Council were initially reluctant to approve the changes, particularly to the roof fabric; however, an agreement was reached based on historical evidence presented that this fabric had previously been altered.

fjc studio (formerly fjmt studio) Architects

LEC approval was received for the infill apartment building at Onslow Place, Elizabeth Bay. GBA Heritage researched the sensitivity of the existing post-war building and the sensitive Heritage context before providing detailed contextual design advice and Expert Peer support for the project, which received Development Approval in early 2023.

As part of the International ICOMOS (International Council on Monuments and Sites) Conference, Lauren Schutz and Mariah Hart attended the ICOMOS Youth Forum, at Wareamah (Cockatoo Island).

The event brought together emerging heritage professionals from across the world to discuss contemporary and future issues facing heritage practice globally, including climate change and inclusivity. As well as providing feedback on the Cockatoo Island/ Wareamah Draft Master Plan.

As Found International Colloquium on Adaptive Reuse – Belgium In September 2023, Dr Shabnam Yazdani Mehr presented a paper at the As Found International Colloquium on Adaptive Reuse, organised by the Faculty of Architecture and Arts of Hasselt University and Flanders Architecture Institute, in Belgium. The presentation was titled How Heritage Buildings Respond to Contemporary Needs, which reviewed three adaptive-reuse cases by GBA Heritage.