The East Fremantle Town Hall refurbishment project strived to enhance its civic facilities, optimize operational efficiency, and create a welcoming environment for its community.
With the town’s growth came the imperative need for a workspace that would promote synergy among staff members. The town of East Fremantle equally recognized the importance of crafting a more inviting facade for the public and modernizing its Council Chambers to create an appealing space for decision-making. The project’s objectives were not only centered around aesthetics but also encompassed functionality, accessibility, inclusivity and compliance with heritage building requirements.
This involved detailed spatial planning to ensure ergonomic work areas, proper circulation, and compliance with building codes. The challenge lay in achieving this without compromising the historical integrity and structure of the building, requiring careful collaboration with certifiers. The design embraced a delicate balance between modernity and tradition. Careful material selection, consideration of scale, and attention to texture created a contemporary aesthetic while preserving historical elements.
The refurbishment encountered a few interesting challenges, notably compliance with the Building Code of Australia (BCA). Given the limitations of the existing building’s footprint, collaborations with certifiers became a pivotal aspect of the project. To meet universal accessibility requirements on both the ground and first floors, innovative solutions were explored and developed. Importantly, these solutions were implemented without compromising the building’s heritage elements or structural integrity.