Once a late 19th‑century Masonic Hall and Lodge, the site has been reimagined into seven contemporary dwellings through adaptive reuse. The intent was never to erase history but to work within its walls, preserving structure, materials, and craftsmanship while introducing new layers for modern living.
Just 3,5km from Melbourne’s CBD, 32–34 Maribyrnong Road offered a rare opportunity to create homes within a heritage landmark without silencing its voice.
Heritage and Ceremony
Completed in 1887 by local architect J.C.M. Cowan, the Moonee Ponds Masonic Hall embodied Tuscan‑Classical Revival architecture. Its façade, framed by four pilasters and Masonic emblems, spoke of ceremony and symbolism. Inside, the elliptical vestibule arch, encaustic tiles, decorative friezes, medallions, and Kauri timber floors carried the weight of countless gatherings.
For decades, the hall was more than a building; it was a stage for community life. Lodge meetings, concerts, literary circles, political debates, and even World War II send‑offs unfolded beneath its high ceilings. Each event left an imprint, turning the hall into a vessel of collective memory.
Renewal Through Restraint
Adaptive reuse guided every decision. The Hall and Lodge were kept intact, with cornices, fireplaces, timber floors, and the rhythm of the interiors preserved. To the east, new elements were introduced, contemporary yet restrained, deliberately distinct yet respectful. This addition allowed the historic fabric to open outward, creating space for the seven dwellings to unfold more generously. Old and new stand together, not in competition but in dialogue.
Each dwelling was named to honour the Masonic and craft tradition: The Cowan, The Mason, The Apprentice, The Journeyman, The Stone Banker, The Artisan, and Gordon Lodge. These names carry forward the spirit of craftsmanship, reminding residents that their homes are part of a lineage of skill and artistry.
A Dialogue of Materials
The material palette balances heritage and adaptation. Original red brick and plaster hold the dwellings in their 19th‑century origins, anchoring each space with heritage texture. Around them, engineered timber, natural stone, and dark metal accents were introduced as contemporary layers that add warmth, tactility, and definition.
Together, the palette is muted and timeless, chosen to age gracefully and to support rather than compete with the building’s character. Inside, bespoke joinery brings a refined modern touch, while sculptural heritage details are carefully preserved, allowing old and new to extend the dialogue, creating interiors that feel contemporary yet remain grounded in history.
Sustainability and Craft in Balance
Sustainability was central to the project, hence the importance given to prolonging the life cycle of the existing building materials and ornamentation. Furthermore, Atelier 32-34 reused materials to reduce embodied carbon and achieve a 7‑star NatHERS rating.
Working alongside Bagnato Architects, NU navigated the building’s heritage fabric with care, documenting each stage as hidden layers were revealed, collaborating with Drake Developments and Boodz Construction. Challenges became opportunities to refine details, ensuring that heritage and sustainability worked together as partners, protecting the past while shaping a resilient future.
Carrying Memory Forward
The result is seven dwellings that carry history forward with quiet strength. Each home is functional and sustainable, yet deeply rooted in its context — where heritage and contemporary living meet in balance.
Inside, ornate cornices, heritage fireplaces, decorative mouldings, and generous ceiling heights are preserved and paired with a refined modern palette of engineered timber, natural stone, premium carpets, and bespoke joinery, creating interiors that feel timeless yet practical. Kitchens anchor each home as sculptural centers, with stone benchtops, integrated appliances, and custom cabinetry flowing into light‑filled living areas.
Atelier 32–34 shows that when old structures are treated with restraint and care, they carry memory forward while shaping a resilient future — guided by precise documentation and collaboration.
