History’s update by clever design

THE modern meets the historic at 105 Macquarie Street, where an 1849 build has been converted into two apartments with award-winning architectural design.

Owners Paul and Jo Cook, who rent out the apartments as short-stay accommodation, are opening their property to the public as part of architecture and design event Open House Hobart.

The event features access to 70 buildings, activities and walking tours across Hobart and beyond from November 13-14.

The Cooks have tried to pay homage to the building’s fascinating history through exposing and preserving many original features in the 2017 renovations.

“The building was originally the office space of the comptroller general of convicts, which actually means an accountant, and this was quite an important job where they managed and kept records of the convicts and the ticket of leave people,” Mr Cook said.

“When we did the renovations we opened up the building to its original state so you could see the original convict bricks and wooden beams.

“The actual site itself has history, too, it was the 1804 site that the officer’s tents were on at the founding of Hobart Town.”

The two-bedroom apartments and basement were designed by Preston Lane Architects.

Each has its style and their names are a reference to family history from the mid-1800s.

“The Polly was named after my wife’s family who had a convict [ancestor] called Polly Goldsmith. This apartment is more festive, open and light, it overlooks Franklin Square and has a mural within the building made by my daughter, artist Eloise Lark,” Mr Cook said.

“The Henry was named after my ancestor Henry Cook, who was the mayor of Hobart around 1861. This apartment is at the back and has been made more salubrious and darker in theme, which is more cosy in winter.

“We even put a whisky lounge in there of Tasmanian whiskies to enhance that.

“The basement ... features an office and meeting room and it has a bar.”

Preston Lane Architects received the Alexander North Award for Interior Architecture in the 2018 Tasmanian Architecture Awards for the two apartments.

Open House Hobart is run by the Tasmanian chapter of the Australian Institute of Architects.

“We hope people enjoy seeing what we have done here, preserving the history of Hobart and also putting a modern slant on it,” Mr Cook said.

“It’s about experiencing Hobart in all its glory.”

For information, visit openhousehobart.org/hobart/