Gibson's Mill Apartments

Overview
The adaptive re-use of Gibson’s Mill was a highly technical project which enabled the preservation and extended lifespan of a significant heritage structure. Standing gracefully on Hobart’s waterfront since the mid-19th century, the mill was an important contributor to the city’s industrial origin. It operated as a flour mill until the 1970’s and was later converted to office space and car parking. Most recently, 1+2 was commissioned to explore the potential of converting the building to boutique hotel accommodation, dramatically elevating the complexity of its functionality while adding another layer to its evolution.

The virtual modelling of structural systems, fire scenarios and acoustic environments enabled contemporary performance standards to be met.  Simultaneously, overarching requirements to reveal and express the original cast iron, timber and brick heritage structures in a manner in keeping with contemporary building conservation practice and the requirements of the heritage authorities was achieved.

The final architectural, engineering and construction solutions were reached through a process of close collaboration with the building owners, consultants, heritage authorities and contractors within a demanding commercial context. In doing so, the story of this elegant building has been revealed by the removal of layers of unsympathetic recent additions and interiors and the restrained addition of simple, refined new elements complimentary to the richness of the heritage structure.