Woods Bagot has been appointed the lead architect on a $100-million masterplan to redevelop a significant art deco mansion and its estate in the Dandenong Ranges.
Originally designed in 1933 by architect Harry Norris, Burnham Beeches is a heritage home, “reminiscent of an ocean liner,” within a sprawling country garden adjacent to Sherbrooke Forest. The site and mansion have been vacant for 39 years and have fallen into disrepair.
Since 1982, Burnham Beeches has had nine different owners, none lasting more than five years “due to a lack of commercial viability as a consequence of the enormous cost of [restoring] the mansion and limitations of the existing permit,” a spokesperson for Woods Bagot said.
The announcement of the redevelopment follows a period of extensive community consultation as well as conference with Heritage Victoria and local council.
The redevelopment will include the restoration of the heritage properties, including the Alfred Nicholas heritage mansion and the surrounding gardens, and the masterplan will be divided into three “experiential zones”: the Mansion and Spa, the Village Green, and the Hilltop Retreat.
Woods Bagot has proposed a “glamping” offering as a “non-intrusive and environmentally friendly” accommodation solution to improving the site’s commercial viability.
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Woods Bagot
The resort, once complete, will be operated by Six Senses, a first for the international hospitality provider
The Village Square will comprise the heart of the site, with hospitality venues to surround the central gathering space. The masterplan also includes plans for the Nicholas Hall and Library, a restaurant, wellness retreat, pool house, and guestrooms.
The project team has also proposed a temporary onsite “glamping” offering as a “non-intrusive and environmentally friendly” accommodation solution to improving the site’s commercial viability. The glamping component would increase the venture to 81 keys, “making it commercially viable without impacting the surrounding natural landscape,” Woods Bagot said.
Woods Bagot chief executive Nik Karalis said the masterplan “expands on the original country and gardens ethos, both restoring and regenerating its relevance to a new audience.” The architect is working closely with Heritage Victoria and local council to determine permanent solutions to secure the future prosperity of Burnham Beeches.
A heritage permit application currently sits with Heritage Victoria for approval of works on the 89-year-old site.
Source: Architecture - architectureau
