Embracing the past, building the future

At Cedar Woods, we believe heritage buildings are more than just remnants of the past; they lend character to our communities and serve a practical future purpose.

By bypassing the wasteful process of demolition and reconstruction, we not only preserve the environmental benefits of these structures but also their embodied energy. This makes our projects much more environmentally sustainable than entirely new construction. 

Benefits of Adaptive Use Construction  

The adaptive reuse of heritage buildings has long-term benefits for the communities that value them. By carefully restoring and repurposing these structures, they can continue to serve as important community assets. This approach not only preserves historical character but also provides the community with new housing and opportunities for commercial and community-based uses. 

Reusing heritage buildings significantly reduces environmental impact. By conserving the embodied energy within these structures, we can avoid the waste associated with demolition and new construction, making adaptive reuse a sustainable choice. Additionally, this process contributes to preserving the cultural heritage of an area, allowing these buildings to tell their stories for future generations to appreciate. 

Our Projects 

Many of Cedar Woods’ projects have respected and retained heritage buildings, adding a contemporary layer that provides value for the future.  

• Greville, Queensland: 

Our Greville project involved the conversion of a heritage laundry building into a sales office. The name Greville reflects the history of the site, with the heritage-listed Holy Cross Laundry designed by prominent architect Francis Drummond Greville Stanley. Cedar Woods plans to adapt this historic structure into a series of unique homes that retain key heritage features while embracing contemporary design. 

• Banbury Village, Victoria 

Another exemplary project is Banbury Village, with the redevelopment of the former Olympic Tyre Factory site. We restored the buildings that were once owned and operated by Sir Frank Beaurepaire, offering a mix of product types that celebrates the significance of the heritage buildings on site. The project has been recognised by both Maribyrnong Council and the Heritage Council Victoria as an exemplary case of heritage retention. 

• Glenside, South Australia

Our Glenside project features several heritage-listed buildings from the former Glenside Hospital. By blending the original 19th-century bluestone architecture with modern design, these historic buildings are being transformed into luxury homes, preserving both their heritage and embodied energy. This approach aligns with our sustainable development goals, enhances community life, and adds long-term value to the project.

The adaptation of heritage buildings presents unique challenges, requiring architects and designers to craft innovative solutions that respect historical integrity while meeting contemporary needs.   

At Cedar Woods, we are focused on addressing this challenge with a forward-thinking approach to sustainable development, highlighting how thoughtful design can respect the past while contributing to a more sustainable future. 

To find out more about our adaptive reuse of heritage buildings, download the case study.