Revitalizing Heritage: Breathing New Life into Morven House
The Morven project at St. Patrick's College stands as a testament to the delicate balance between preserving historical integrity and incorporating modern design. As part of the Masterplan project that has been going since 2017, this ambitious renovation has focused on restoring the ground level of the Morven building, a heritage site with a rich history dating back to the 1860s.
Standing proudly on the shores of Moreton Bay, the Morven Building has been the architectural heart of St Patrick's College Shorncliffe since 1951. However, its story begins much earlier, in 1864, when it was established as the grand residence of John McConnel. The building's gothic grandeur, shaped by notable colonial architects FDG Stanley and GHM Addison through alterations in 1886 and 1891, tells a rich story of Queensland's colonial history.
Originally the seaside home of Brisbane's social elite and later a sought-after guesthouse during Sandgate's heyday, Morven has witnessed the transformation of the area from its earliest European settlement. Today, while serving as a central educational facility, the building stands as an eloquent testament to the changing face of Brisbane's bayside, its gothic features a reminder of the aspirations and aesthetics of Queensland's nineteenth-century architecture.
Preserving History with Modern Solutions
The primary goal of the Morven building renovation was to restore the building while integrating contemporary design elements. This involved reinstating white set lime plaster and original features such as fireplaces and horsehair plasterboard ceiling, alongside modern additions like glass partitions to maintain privacy while showcasing the building's historical design.
One of the significant challenges faced during the renovation was addressing rising damp, a common issue in older buildings. The solution involved excavating 600mm and replacing a concrete slab with suspended concrete slab with mechanical ventilation, and constructing an air drain around the perimeter, ensuring the building's longevity without compromising its historical features.
IMAGE: Morven_1904 JOL SLQ Neg No_141772
Uncovering Hidden Treasures
One of the most remarkable discoveries during the Morven Building's renovation came when the project team uncovered an intact 1860s beehive well beneath what would become the deputy principal's office. Rather than concealing this piece of colonial history, the team carefully transformed it into a fascinating architectural feature.
Special lighting and a glass lid were ingeniously installed over the well, creating a striking conversation piece that allows occupants to peer into the building's past. The well, which helped explain historical dampness issues in the building, was meticulously documented through point cloud surveys while exposed.
This careful preservation and creative integration of the beehive well exemplifies the project's broader approach to heritage renovation - finding innovative ways to celebrate historical elements while adapting spaces for modern use.
The well now serves as both a functional design feature and a tangible connection to the building's 1864 origins, offering unique educational opportunities and historical insights for staff and visitors alike.
Collaboration and Expertise
The success of the Morven project can be attributed to the close collaboration between a dedicated team of professionals, including a heritage architect, structural engineer, mechanical, electrical and hydraulic engineers. Their expertise was vital in navigating the complexities of renovating a heritage building, from handling exposed cabling to managing termite damage with exact material replicas.
The project also benefited from a strong relationship between the team, the builder, and the client which included high level of involvement during Contract Administration, weekly site visits ensured transparent and effective management, even as the project faced delays and unexpected challenges.
Reflecting on the project, lead Architect Patricia Abel advises future heritage renovators to consider separating demolition work from the main contract to avoid complications.
Understanding the building's original structure and collaborating closely with clients are also crucial for managing unexpected challenges.
The Morven project at St. Patrick's College not only restored a piece of history but also set a precedent for future heritage renovations at the college.
By balancing historical preservation with modern functionality, the project serves as an inspiring example of how to honour the past while building for the future.
Photographer: Angus Martin