Project: Swedish Church, Toorak House, Toorak

Toorak House was constructed in 1850-51 for merchant James Jackson, most probably to a design by noted architect James Blackburn. From 1854 until 1876 it served as Government House to the Colony of Victoria before returning to private ownership. In 1956 the property was purchased by the Church of Sweden Abroad and has functioned as both church and community centre to the Swedish community in Victoria since then. Toorak House and grounds are included on the Victorian Heritage Register.

In 2012 Coleman Architects undertook a Condition Report and prepared contract documentation for external conservation works to Toorak House. This included extensive repairs to cracked brickwork and render, waterproofing and painting.

We were subsequently commissioned to undertake a review of the administration and associated service areas in the building and designed and documented refurbishment works to the administration area and an extension to an existing multi-purpose room to improve the functionality of the facility.