The adaptive reuse of a 145-year-old Brisbane landmark saw the heritage building being restored and transformed into a modern children’s speech therapy centre for the client, Brisbane Therapy Collective (BTC).

Located in Kelvin Grove, the original building, which dates back to the 1880s, has transitioned through several identities from candy store and pub to private residence, music shop, and a series of restaurants. Over the years, many of its original architectural features were buried under layers of unsympathetic renovations, including a 1930s Spanish Mission-style facade that masked the original masonry, detailing, and proportions.

Led by Lockhart-Krause Architects (LKA), the restoration brings together the old and new with care and sensitivity, balancing the building’s historic character and charm with a more contemporary interpretation to deliver modern functionality. The final outcome is a layered, place-specific response that restores a Brisbane landmark and invites new stories to unfold.

“We aimed to honour the building’s original character – sandstone brick walls, ornate windows, timber joists, and brick fireplaces – while clarifying the space and removing unnecessary elements,” says LKA director Jesse Lockhart-Krause. “The result is a place that is grounded in its history but significantly improves function and amenities for the people within.”

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The new additions respond to the heritage characteristics of the building, echoing its scale, material palette, and rhythm, and establishing a respectful architectural dialogue between past and present.

The internal layout has been completely reimagined to meet the needs of a modern therapy centre. A new entrance now opens to a reception and administration area situated along the restored sandstone boundary wall. Natural light floods the generous waiting area, creating a welcoming environment. Twelve consulting suites and a dedicated staff space on the upper level benefit from abundant daylight, ventilation and views to Mount Coot-tha and Mount Nebo.

Even the once-dark basement has been transformed into indoor and outdoor zones for play and music therapy, offering a calming and engaging environment for young clients. Throughout the project, original features have been restored and materials reused – exposed sandstone, previously hidden timber joists, and a revitalised brick fireplace now sit comfortably alongside modern interventions to bring warmth, clarity, and character to the space.

The successful completion of the commercial fitout project is attributed to close collaboration between multiple stakeholders including the client, architect and builder. “Lockhart-Krause Architects supported us from start to finish. They were great collaborators – their vision allowed a project we could have never imagined, adding significant value,” the client reflects.

This project is part of Lockhart-Krause Architects’ expanding body of work across Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, and Tasmania. The firm is currently working on the renovation of their new office, also a heritage space in the heart of the city.

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