School Hall Residence

This intriguing heritage building began its life as a Methodist church in 1869, was converted into a school in 1885 and was refurbished by the Castlemaine Freemasons in 1925. The Freemasons Hall contains one of Castlemaine’s most spectacular 1920s interiors. The exterior reflects the architectural modifications associated with different occupations, while inside a recent conversion in the school hall exemplifies the adaptive reuse of a heritage building.

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The masterplan for the conversion included a number of energy saving measures and the reconfiguration of the interior into two residences, an architecture studio and a multi-purpose room suitable for small community gatherings. The design strategy was to keep the large volume and decorative heritage features of the original church on the south, while dividing the smaller school hall on the north into living spaces.

The design takes advantage of the original triple brick walls and high pitched roofs and provides light, functional, energy efficient, weather resilient space. Energy saving measures include solar panels, insulation to the roof, ceiling & floors, double glazing, the removal of air-conditioners, the use of recycled materials and bike racks.

Credits

Shannon McGrath
Photographer

Felicetti
Structural Engineer

Katrina Logan
Builder


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