Awaba House

Following extensive fire damage in 2019, Awaba House has been rebuilt through a conservation-led approach that prioritises the retention of significant heritage fabric while enabling a new public use. The northern and western façades, porch, verandah and chimney—key elements of the building’s inter-war character—have been carefully retained, preserving the house’s familiar presence in the landscape.

New architectural work is deliberately contemporary and clearly distinct from the original structure. A flat concrete roof reinterprets the form of the former roof, protecting and framing the remaining fabric while maintaining the building’s prominence. Materials such as rammed earth, concrete, steel and glazing provide a clear contrast between old and new while respecting the heritage character.

Inside, the layout has been adapted to support café and function use while retaining the sense of the original dwelling. Key spaces, including the foyer, lounge room and inglenook, have been restored or carefully reconstructed using materials and details typical of the late 1920s, with the reinstated fireplace once again forming a central feature.

In places, fire-affected masonry has been conserved and left visible, allowing the building’s recent history to remain part of its story. The result is a careful balance of conservation and renewal, ensuring Awaba House remains both recognisable and relevant for the community.