Balance Architecture + Interior Design in South Melbourne, Victoria | Architectural designer

Balance Architecture + Interior Design

Locality: South Melbourne, Victoria

Phone: +61 418 341 443

Address: 164 Bank Street 3205 South Melbourne, VIC, Australia

Website: http://balancearchitecture.com.au/

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25.01.2022 Originally a theatre, now known as the Metro Nightclub, the building was constructed in 1911 replacing the original Queens Hall attached to the Hotel Douglas. https://balancearchitecture.wordpress.com//the-difference/

25.01.2022 Last weeks article on Heritage Loans and grants has stimulated a lot of interest.To demonstrate a sense of such funding and how it is put to purpose, this week we review some examples of how the Ballarat Heritage Restoration Fund has been applied in the past. We then follow up on the last year of grants funded by Heritage Victoria. Many of the buildings and locations funded have been featured previously here on Balance Architectures blog site and latest news. [ 4,070 more words ] https://balancearchitecture.wordpress.com//heritage-grant/

25.01.2022 Completed in 2002, Federation Square is the latest addition to the States Heritage Register. Federation Square is significant as a notable example of a public square. It is highly intact and its size and design illustrate the principal characteristics of a public square. Victorian Heritage Council statement on its decision to list the precinct. So ends the Apple Store debate and some sections of the Victorian Governments efforts to demolish part of the square. [ 1,946 more word ] https://balancearchitecture.wordpress.com//heritage-listi/

24.01.2022 There is a widespread recognition amongst savvy property investors that Heritage listed properties can offer excellent returns given the right circumstances. At one stage investors would simply allow a property to further deteriorate then call the demolition team when the building became unsalvageable. The current Victorian Government introduced laws to prevent this practice. These days Heritage Victoria will serve a works order on the owner. [ 1,483 more word ] https://balancearchitecture.wordpress.com//the-dilemma-wh/

23.01.2022 Its the school holidays. What a perfect time for a visit to Mt Macedon located 64km North West of Melbourne. On a clear day when looking west from anywhere with sufficient elevation in greater Melbourne, Mt Macedon sits like a sentinel. Its indigenous name is Geboor or Geburrh in the traditional language of the Wurundjeri people. During the expansion of the British Empire in the late nineteenth century it was often the case than an area was selected for a Hill Station or summer residence for the then Governors and their key staff. [ 2,111 more words ] https://balancearchitecture.wordpress.com//mt-macedon-an-/

23.01.2022 Victoria is fortunate in that State Government politicians have a bipartisan approach to heritage protection. To a major extent political parties, Local Government and the public agree on the majority of established Heritage listed properties being protected. The issue here is the updating and strengthening of protections for those buildings and properties either undergoing Heritage inspection and/or those not currently heritage listed. https://balancearchitecture.wordpress.com//heritage-prote/

23.01.2022 North Park is an extraordinary example of an early Melbourne mansion, a grand property that to this day remains in relatively pristine heritage condition. For those amongst you who may have missed our original posted blog on the property back in April of 2018, we reprint it here https://balancearchitecture.wordpress.com//heritage-histo/

22.01.2022 With significant Grants available through Victorias Heritage Restoration Fund, the Living Heritage Program (administered through the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning) as well as specific Grants from the City of Melbourne, the City of Yarra and the City of Ballarat dispensed by the Heritage Restoration Fund soon to be determined and announced, its timely to remind all those interested in Heritage and its protection to now prepare for the next round of grants available in 2020. [ 1,551 more word ] https://balancearchitecture.wordpress.com//is-your-herita/

22.01.2022 Balance Architecture is pleased to announce the commencement of the Ballarat Botanical Gardens Fernery project. First designed and submitted for approval back in 2018 and 2019, the project is now underway constructed specifically to the drawing and plans of Balance Architecture and its principal Architect Mr Andrew Fedorowicz (FAIA). https://balancearchitecture.wordpress.com//the-ballarat-b/

22.01.2022 Its been some time since we have discussed some of the ongoing Heritage disputes here in Victoria. Whats entirely disappointing is the return of several development battles we considered safe. Not the case we are up for round two and the first of these is in Albert Park. https://balancearchitecture.wordpress.com//save-these-her/

22.01.2022 Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year. Balance Architecture, the Balance team and its Principal Andrew Fedorowicz wish all of our clients, suppliers and friends a very Merry Christmas and a Happy and Prosperous New Year. its the beginning of a new decade and we sincerely hope that this is the decade that brings new respect and care in fostering and protecting our amazing heritage inheritance, both here in Melbourne and right across Australia.... Balance will be taking a break from Friday December 20th until Monday the 11th of January. We look forward to catching up with you again in the New Year. Once again, best wishes, have a very Happy Christmas and a wonderful festive season.

21.01.2022 Over the last few years it has become increasingly obvious that there is a need for a stronger lobby group in presenting the arguments, the cases for retention and protection of heritage buildings in Greater Melbourne and Victoria. https://balancearchitecture.wordpress.com//heritage-in-vi/

21.01.2022 In Architecture more than any other discipline the visionaries are unconventional. When in the 1950s and 1960s builders and developers were having a field day modernising Melbourne, there were voices calling for a more moderate approach. There were those who knew and respected the grand heritage of old Melbourne and did what they could to protect it. Of these David Yencken was one of the most foremost and most effective. [ 1,815 more word ] https://balancearchitecture.wordpress.com//professor-davi/

19.01.2022 The State of Victoria was firmly established with the introduction of the Railways. Small, private companies running individual rail lines and routes were combined to form the Victorian Railways. And the epicentre of all rail activity up until the 1970s and 80s was the Newport Railway Workshops. Ultimately, the Railway Workshops built the rolling stock, the Steam Engines, and serviced all locomotives. [ 1,448 more word ] https://balancearchitecture.wordpress.com//steamrail-and-/

19.01.2022 Last weeks article provoked considerable discussion as to the financial viability of some of the stately old homes that to some extent have been permitted to become somewhat derelict and rundown. Abandoned as habitable homes, the effect of the elements and time take an exacting revenge on such buildings. In comments last week we suggested that such buildings need big ideas and well devised business plans and strategies. [ 1,391 more word ] https://balancearchitecture.wordpress.com//mansions-in-tr/

19.01.2022 Heritage protection of Melbournes fabulous older buildings remains a challenge in 2020. In January, the State Government acknowledged that the Corkman Cowboys have thumbed their nose at the agreements and requirements those developers had entered into. The State Government has now initiated new legal actions against them. This consists of an enforcement order brought jointly by the State Government and the City of Melbourne at VCAT to ensure the developers deliver on their promises. As yet, they have not. https://balancearchitecture.wordpress.com//heritage-prote/

18.01.2022 Work on the Ballarat Botanical Gardens Heritage Fernery is now well underway. This time we feature some of the more up to date and finalised drawings for your interest. Yes, this will be in fact the entrance to the overall Fernery precinct in the gardens. When complete with Stage 2, the curators of the Ballarat Botanical Gardens will be furnishing the growing space and habitat with exotic ferns from around the world as well as the more familiar native species and epiphytes such as Birdsnest, Staghorn and Elkhorn ferns. https://balancearchitecture.wordpress.com//update-of-the-/

18.01.2022 Unfortunately, this is getting to be a recurring theme. The current legislation permits builders and developers holding an existing building permit to demolish properties with interim Heritage orders. The legislation being utilised is a State Government amendment to its planning scheme specific to Booroondara Amendment C299. Booroondara provides the setting for the perfect storm. Large blocks, older homes and developers with deep pockets. [ 1,341 more word ] https://balancearchitecture.wordpress.com//heritage-liste/

17.01.2022 Heritage protection of Melbourne’s fabulous older buildings remains a challenge in 2020. In January, the State Government acknowledged that the ‘Corkman Cowboys’ have thumbed their nose at the agreements and requirements those developers had entered into. The State Government has now initiated new legal actions against them. This consists of an enforcement order brought jointly by the State Government and the City of Melbourne at VCAT to ensure the developers deliver on their promises. As yet, they have not. https://balancearchitecture.wordpress.com//heritage-prote/

16.01.2022 The City of Melbourne for the main has a vision that looks to protect heritage architecture and buildings. In December, the City approved the new Central Melbourne Design Guide. Specifically it looks to prevent some of the largesse and profiteering of developers only looking to create rentable space in the sky at any cost. Investors from Asia and the Middle East combining with local developers built tower after tower in the 1990s, much to the chagrin of opponents. Many stand today with low occupancy. https://balancearchitecture.wordpress.com//melbournes-arc/

16.01.2022 The ongoing battle to protect heritage architecture and our historic buildings from unscrupulous developers has seen two major issues come to a head this January. One is the removal of the planning loophole (Amendment 299) that enabled Heritage destruction in Booroondara. This amendment by the Victorian Government Planning Ministry permitted the destruction of buildings subject to interim Heritage Overlays in Booroondara, and was rescinded by the planning Minister on or about January 2nd 2020. https://balancearchitecture.wordpress.com//the-battle-to-/

15.01.2022 Back in the 1960s and 70s, if it was old then it had little or no value. There was very little appreciation or understanding of heritage whether it was architectural, historical, social or community based. The mantra was knock it down and build a nice new facility. Today we look at both ends of this spectrum, the ignorance of the past and the appreciation of present heritage values. [ 1,449 more word ] https://balancearchitecture.wordpress.com//heritage-a-tru/

15.01.2022 The intricate Nareeb Gates might have caught your eye while strolling through Melbourne Gardens D Gate entrance highly decorated, they stand out amongst the more modest entrances to the gardens, and this speaks to their colourful history spanning decades and oceans! https://balancearchitecture.wordpress.com//from-england-t/

14.01.2022 For many people living in designated Heritage Overlay areas or in a Heritage listed building, the cost of restoration can be somewhat daunting. However it can be entirely less problematic if your property and its buildings qualify for a nil-interest or low interest Heritage Loan. The criteria for eligibility is restoration, not maintenance. Essentially your proposed works must be restorative, and your property publicly visible in most cases. [ 494 more words ] https://balancearchitecture.wordpress.com//is-your-proper/

14.01.2022 Nothing illustrates the risky nature of property development more than the recent failure of the Steller Group. The Steller Group was founded and operated by Simon Pitard and Nicholas Smedley, both second generation property developers and members of two of Melbournes wealthiest families. This was a group that played large. It often paid way overs (up to 50% more than the valuation) on targeted properties. Its funding came from dubious hedge funds and mezzanine lenders. Our interest is in some of the heritage properties Steller controlled or ended up controlling. https://balancearchitecture.wordpress.com//developers-vs-/

13.01.2022 At this time of year Melbourne is now heavily into the Auction Season. Homes in inner Melbourne are being offered for sale with the gardens in full bloom, the interiors freshly painted, new flooring or freshly sanded, as well as refreshed and renovated kitchens and bathrooms. Should you be lucky enough to purchase one of the many heritage properties for sale right now, it is a clever move to contact a [ 702 more words ] https://balancearchitecture.wordpress.com//spring-time-re/

13.01.2022 The developers who demolished the Corkman Irish Pub in Carlton have now had their Magistrates Court fines for both the demolition (brought by the City of Melbourne and State Government in Melbourne Magistrates Court), and the dumping of asbestos in a paddock in Cairnlea (brought by the EPA in Sunshine Magistrates Court) halved. Lets not gloss over the gravity of these actions. [ 1,689 more word ] https://balancearchitecture.wordpress.com//legal-process-/

12.01.2022 In Melbourne nothing stimulates discussion on the relative merit of the architecture of new landmark sites as does the mention of Federation Square or Southern Cross Station. People either love them or hate them. In the case of Federation Square we are definitely admirers Let me give you our reasons. https://balancearchitecture.wordpress.com//federation-squ/

11.01.2022 Martindale Hall is a unique Georgian style mansion located near Mintaro in South Australia. Comprising of some 32 rooms, it was built for a wealthy pastoralist, Mr Edmund Bowman Jnr and was completed in 1880. Edmund Bowman Jnr was a bachelor. The building was designed by London Architect Ebenezer Gregg. Supervising Architect was Mr John Woods of Adelaide and the builder was a Mr R Huckson. https://balancearchitecture.wordpress.com//heritage-how-p/

10.01.2022 Not everyone has the opportunity to create a unique business destination in a century old bank. In recent articles we have admired the extraordinary banking chambers created from the mid 1880s until as late as 1926 by the ES&A Banking Group (now merged into the ANZ Banking Group). Some time ago, the banking group sold off the then Moonee Ponds branch which was located on Bank St Ascot Vale, cnr of Mt Alexander Rd. [ 459 more words ] https://balancearchitecture.wordpress.com//the-esa-bank-b/

10.01.2022 Adelaide is a unique city. Often referred to as the city of churches, right now it is busy tearing down many of its heritage buildings in rampant destruction (including Churches!) The Marshall Government has little regard for history, extraordinary buildings and early settlement. At loggerheads with the Adelaide City Council, it would appear that this episode will not end well. This is a real pity Adelaide features some exceptional architecture and as Australias first free settler city it certainly deserves a far more comprehensive Heritage protection plan. [ 2,269 more words ] https://balancearchitecture.wordpress.com//heritage-archi/

08.01.2022 In Tasmania, arguably some of Australias oldest historic and heritage protected buildings have long enjoyed quite rightful protection from Developers and repurposing. This would appear to be not the case anymore. The Tasmanian Government is currently undertaking an Expressions of Interest on the historic Treasury Buildings complex. The complex was earmarked for sale in the 2018 State Budget. https://balancearchitecture.wordpress.com//the-repurposin/

07.01.2022 Plan for the Future with Balance Architecture. With the lockdown restrictions now spreading to rural Victoria, many more people will be spending a lot more time at home. Out of adversity comes opportunity. Why not use the time wisely and prepare a plan to re-develop your home, to create the space you desire and need, and to reshape the basics in your living areas to meet the demands of modern living. https://balancearchitecture.wordpress.com//stay-the-at-ho/

05.01.2022 Heritage and development are the two qualities mutually exclusive? perhaps by revisiting a significant battle in Sydney, its rather intriguing to follow the process. For in many cases the battle continues. In this case the area is Millers Point, one of Sydneys earliest settled areas. The exposed promontory proved to be the best place to situate Windmills in early Sydney Town. [ 2,818 more words ] https://balancearchitecture.wordpress.com//how-to-develop/

04.01.2022 Heritage overlays are curious creations. In the most part the Heritage Councils approvals for many inner Melbourne locations occurred in the 1980s to 1990s. At the time, many of the areas protected featured buildings aged 100 years or over, constructed in the 1870s and 1880s onwards. Now properties outside of these Heritage overlays are at risk, in that unless holding an individual Heritage protection, demolition permits can be issued, readily. [ 1,331 more word ] https://balancearchitecture.wordpress.com//demolition-der/

03.01.2022 In the last few years, the Victorian State Government blocked a favourite pathway to demolition by unscrupulous property owners. The method was to leave a property unoccupied, with no security. Vandals would arrive and pretty well wreck the place. The owners would then be at a loss What to do? too expensive to repair. The only solution was to apply for a demolition permit which, up until early 2019, was often granted. https://balancearchitecture.wordpress.com//the-crunch-tim/

01.01.2022 There is an old saying many of you will have heard The law is an ass. Its an interesting statement. The ass or donkey is not renowned for its intellect but it is in fact a sturdy beast of burden that will carry heavy loads without complaint. Heritage law for some Councils is in fact a heavy load. With competing agendas creating and angling for different outcomes, the current situation in Boroondara Council is an excellent example of legislative failure, at least at a local level, and an inability at a State level to ensure compliance with heritage values enshrined in legislation. [ 1,244 more word ] https://balancearchitecture.wordpress.com//heritage-knock/

01.01.2022 This will always be the conundrum. Bayside housing with views of Port Phillip Bay to the City and the Mornington Peninsula are prized and sought after. A property currently listed at 407 Beach Rd is priced at $6 million. The current building is rundown and not worthy of preservation. But that means that properties with strong ties to the mid-century modernist movement will also come under immense financial pressure. Bayside City Council has already permitted demolition of a number of such properties over the last few years. https://balancearchitecture.wordpress.com//bayside-the-mo/