Heritage Restored: Lockhart-Krause Architects Complete Adaptive Reuse of 145-Year-Old Brisbane Landmark

Lockhart-Krause Architects have completed a transformative adaptive reuse project [https://www.lockhartkrause.com.au/projects/btc-commercial-fitout] in Brisbane's Kelvin Grove, restoring a 145-year-old heritage building into a children's speech therapy centre. The design unites old and new through a carefully balanced composition - one side preserving the building's historic character, the other introducing a contemporary interpretation. The result is a layered, place-specific response that restores a Brisbane landmark and invites new stories to unfold.

Image: https://www.globalnewslines.com/uploads/2025/07/cac3697a377d9e7a66b292c084f7cd9b.jpg

Dating back to the 1880s, the building has had many identities - from candy store and pub to private residence, music shop, and a series of restaurants. Over time, its original structure was concealed beneath layers of unsympathetic renovations, including a Spanish Mission-style facade added in the 1930s that obscured its original masonry, detailing, and proportions. The new addition clarifies and responds to these heritage qualities- echoing the building's scale, material palette, and rhythm to create a respectful architectural dialogue between old and new.

"We aimed to honour the building's original character - sandstone brick walls, ornate windows, timber joists, and brick fireplaces - while clarifying the space and removing unnecessary elements," said Jesse Lockhart-Krause [https://www.lockhartkrause.com.au/team], director of LKA. "The result is a place that is grounded in its history but significantly improves function and amenities for the people within."

A new entry leads directly to a reception and admin area, anchored along the sandstone boundary wall to create a generous waiting space filled with natural light. Twelve consulting suites and a staff area were positioned on the upper level to maximise access to daylight, ventilation, and views toward Mount Coot-tha and Mount Nebo. The basement, once entirely dark, was opened up for indoor and outdoor play and music therapy. Original materials were reinstated throughout - with exposed sandstone, previously concealed timber joists, and a revitalised brick fireplace paired with new functional upgrades to bring warmth, clarity, and character to the space.

The success of the project depended on close collaboration [https://www.lockhartkrause.com.au/journal/344-btc-commercial-fitout-coordinated-design-for-a-community-focused-health-hub] with the client, builder, and many consultants, with the client reflecting:

"Lockhart-Krause Architects supported us from start to finish. They were great collaborators - their vision allowed a project we could have never imagined, adding significant value."

Image: https://www.globalnewslines.com/uploads/2025/07/ad68c3ead6f016534367254928ccec17.jpg

The project adds to the firm's growing project portfolio [https://www.lockhartkrause.com.au/projects] across Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, and Tasmania, and reflects its ethos of human-centred, collaborative design.

"Good architecture is about teamwork," said Jesse Lockhart-Krause. "We're always keen to connect with like-minded clients, consultants, and collaborators."

Further Information:

Project Information, drawings and images - https://lockhartkrause.com.au/BTCImages.zip

For more information, press inquiries, or to discuss upcoming projects

Photographer: Christopher Frederick Jones, CFJ Photography

Builder: Charles Warren Constructions

Client: Brisbane Therapy Collective
Media Contact
Company Name: Lockhart-Krause Architects
Contact Person: Jesse Lockhart-Krause
Email: Send Email [http://www.universalpressrelease.com/?pr=heritage-restored-lockhartkrause-architects-complete-adaptive-reuse-of-145yearold-brisbane-landmark]
Phone: +61 2 9090 4678
Address:Suite 302, Level 3, 50 York St
City: Sydney
State: NSW 2000
Country: Australia
Website: https://www.lockhartkrause.com.au

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