MEMORY& LIVING
1 RESEARCH
Thesis statement
Thesis context
Thesis research
THESIS STATEMENT
Located at the Waller House, this project develops a dynamic model that integrates maintenance, preservation, and conservation, treating heritage as a living entity.
By leveraging the architectural fabric to uncover hidden narratives and balancing historical preservation with contemporary interventions, the project transforms Waller House into an active, adaptable cultural site.
This approach challenges traditional static preservation methods, proposing a living archive that not only evolves with its community but actively reshapes its cultural landscape, ensuring the site’s enduring impact and significance for future generations.
"..., the greatest glory of a building is not in its stones, nor in its gold. Its glory is in its Age, and in that deep sense of voicefulness, of stern watching, of mysterious sympathy, nay, even of approval or condemnation, which we feel in walls that have long been washed by the passing waves of humanity."
John Ruskin
HERITAGE MANAGEMENT CONTEXT
MAINTENANCE
Maintenance involves the continuous care and routine actions needed to keep a heritage property in good condition and functional use. This includes tasks such as cleaning, repairing, and monitoring the building to prevent deterioration. Maintenance is an essential, ongoing process that ensures the property remains viable without altering its original features
PRESERVATION
Preservation is the process of safeguarding a heritage property to maintain its historical integrity and existing condition. This approach focuses on protecting the building as it currently stands, with minimal intervention, to ensure that its historical significance is retained for future generations
Working restorer restores the old wall of the building. Texture of old brick wall. Image © Peter Milto/Shutterstock
Como House and Garden
HERITAGE MANAGEMENT
CONSERVATION
Conservation encompasses both preservation and restoration, aiming to protect and manage heritage properties while allowing for thoughtful updates and adaptations. Conservation balances the need to maintain a property's historical and cultural significance with the need for it to evolve and remain relevant in a contemporary context
In the context of heritage conservation, defining the terms maintenance, preservation, and conservation is crucial because they represent the foundational strategies that guide how heritage sites are managed, protected, and sustained over time. Each term embodies a distinct aspect of the broader conservation process—maintenance focuses on the ongoing care and prevention of deterioration, preservation emphasizes the protection of a site's historical integrity with minimal intervention, and conservation integrates both maintenance and preservation with adaptive strategies that allow for necessary updates while respecting the site's cultural significance. By clearly defining these terms, we establish a comprehensive framework that informs how heritage sites can be treated as living entities, evolving with their communities while safeguarding their historical essence. This framework is essential for addressing the complex challenges of heritage management in a way that balances the need to protect the past with the realities of the present and future.
How can maintenance, preservation, and conservation practices be integrated into a cohesive strategy that treats heritage properties as living entities, ensuring their continuous relevance and adaptation over time?
Neues Museum / David Chipperfield Architects
HERITAGE MANAGEMENT THEORY
Hilary Sample’s Maintenance Architecture further informs this approach by emphasizing the importance of ongoing care in architecture. Maintenance is not merely a technical necessity but an integral part of the building's lifecycle, ensuring its continued relevance and functionality. This concept aligns with the project’s emphasis on treating heritage as a living entity that requires continuous engagement and adaptation.
THE WALLER HOUSE CONTEXT
Waller House, located in Ivanhoe, Melbourne, is a heritage-listed property that holds significant cultural and artistic value in Australian history. Built in 192223, the house was the residence and studio of Christian Waller and Napier Waller, two prominent figures in the Australian Arts and Crafts movement. The house is celebrated for its unique architectural design, which reflects the Wallers' artistic sensibilities and commitment to craftsmanship. The property is particularly noted for its stained glass windows, mosaics, and murals, many of which were designed and created by the Wallers themselves, making the house a living testament to their artistic legacy.
The heritage significance of Waller House extends beyond its physical attributes. It encapsulates the spirit of early 20th-century Australian art, serving as both a home and a creative space where the Wallers produced some of their most important works. The interior of the house remains largely intact, providing a rare glimpse into the life and work of these influential artists. The preservation of Waller House is critical not only for its architectural features but also for its role in Australia's cultural heritage, offering insights into the intersection of art, architecture, and daily life during this period.
Waller House's inclusion in the Victorian Heritage Register underscores its importance as a cultural asset. The property is recognized for its architectural and historical significance, with its conservation presenting both opportunities and challenges. The ongoing preservation efforts highlight the need to balance the protection of its historical integrity with the demands of contemporary use, making it a vital case study in the broader field of heritage conservation.
House on the hil Napier Waller
The Wlaller House Shot on Site
THE WALLER HOUSE CONTEXT
Waller House is unique not only for its artistic and architectural features but also for the fact that it was designed and constructed without the involvement of a professional architect. The Wallers, both accomplished artists, took the lead in designing their home, working closely with a builder friend to bring their vision to life. There are no original architectural drawings for the house; instead, the design evolved organically through the collaborative efforts of the Wallers and their builder. This hands-on approach is reflected in the house’s intricate details and the personal touches that make it a true reflection of the Wallers' artistic sensibilities. The absence of formal architectural plans adds to the house’s historical significance, highlighting the Wallers’ innovative spirit and deep commitment to craftsmanship.
THE WALLER HOUSE CONTEXT
EAST ELEVATION
THE WALLER HOUSE CONTEXT
WEST
THE WALLER HOUSE CONTEXT
The Pink Studio at Waller House was a product of the collaborative efforts between Napier Waller and Percy Meldrum, a distinguished architect associated with the firm Stephenson and Turner. Known for their modernist influence in Australia and New Zealand, Stephenson and Turner brought a sophisticated architectural approach to various projects, with Meldrum applying this expertise to the design of the Pink Studio. This space was specifically tailored to meet Waller’s artistic needs, particularly his work in stained glass and murals. Meldrum's architectural insights, combined with Waller’s creative direction, resulted in a studio that not only served as a functional workspace but also embodied the artistic and architectural synergy between the two, making it a distinctive and integral part of Waller House.
THE WALLER HOUSE CONTEXT
In what ways can the architectural fabric of heritage buildings be used to uncover and interpret the hidden narratives of past occupants, particularly when historical records are sparse or incomplete?
How can contemporary interventions, such as digital heritage tools and the inclusion of modern art and crafts, be balanced with the need to preserve the historical integrity of heritage sites?
Area Arieal Plan
THE WALLER HOUSE THEORY
Jorge Otero-Pailos’ Experimental Preservation introduces the idea that preservation can be an active, creative process. Instead of merely protecting a site from change, this approach encourages innovative interventions that reinterpret and reimagine the site’s historical significance. The project adopts this philosophy, proposing that Waller House should not only be preserved but also adapted and enhanced through contemporary art, crafts, and digital tools.
THE WALLER HOUSE PRECEDENTS
The Sir John Soane Museum in London is a prime example of how a heritage site can be maintained as a living collection. The museum's approach to preserving Soane's home and collection in a way that reflects his original intent serves as a model for how Waller House can be treated as an active participant in the storytelling process, rather than a static exhibit.
Similarly, the Heide Museum of Modern Art in Melbourne demonstrates how modern art can be integrated into a heritage site, creating a space that is both historically significant and culturally relevant today. This precedent supports the project’s goal of incorporating contemporary art and crafts into Waller House, ensuring that it remains a vibrant part of the community.
Sir John Soane's Museum / London
Heide Museum of Modern Ar / Melbourne
MEMORY, LIVING, ARTIST CONTEXT
Christian and Napier Waller were prominent figures in the Australian Arts and Crafts movement, each making significant contributions to the country's artistic heritage. Christian Waller, born in 1894, was an accomplished artist known for her work in printmaking, painting, and stained glass. Her art often drew on themes of mysticism, mythology, and spirituality, reflecting her deep engagement with esoteric traditions. Christian's creative output was not only significant for its aesthetic quality but also for its exploration of complex symbolic and narrative content.
Napier Waller, born in 1893, was a highly influential artist and muralist whose work can be seen in some of Australia’s most iconic public spaces, including the Melbourne Town Hall and the University of Melbourne. His career was marked by his versatility, with expertise in stained glass, mosaics, and murals. Despite losing his right arm during World War I, Waller adapted by teaching himself to work with his left hand, continuing to produce remarkable works of art that contributed to the cultural landscape of Australia.
Together, the Wallers created a rich artistic legacy, with their home, Waller House, serving as both their residence and a creative hub. The house, filled with their works and designs, is a testament to their shared vision and commitment to their craft. Their contributions to the arts were not only significant in their own right but also reflective of the broader cultural movements of their time, making them central figures in Australia's art history.
Christian Waller with Baldur, Undine and Siren at Fairy Hills Napier Waller
Napier Waller in studio
W B McInnes
MEMORY, LIVING, ARTIST THEORY
Aldo Rossi, particularly his concept of the city as a repository of collective memory. Rossi argues that architecture is more than just physical structures; it embodies the memories and lives of those who have inhabited it. In this project, Waller House is seen as a vessel of memory, where every element of its architectural fabric contributes to the ongoing narrative of its history.
MEMORY, LIVING, ARTIST
ARCHIVE "LIVING" CONCEPTS
ARTIST "LIVING"
HOUSE MUSEUM
Programmes on Site Plan
What role can a living archive approach play in ensuring that heritage sites like Waller House remain active, adaptable, and relevant to their communities, rather than becoming static historical artifacts?
MEMORY, LIVING, ARTIST CONCEPTS
- Maintenance, Preservation, and Conservation as an Integrated Strategy:
The project proposes a model where these three practices are not separate but interconnected. Maintenance ensures that the building remains functional, preservation protects its historical elements, and conservation allows for necessary updates that keep the site relevant. This integrated approach treats Waller House as a living entity that evolves over time, much like the community it serves.
- Leveraging Architectural Fabric to Uncover Hidden Narratives:
Waller House’s architectural fabric—its materials, structure, and interior features—are seen as critical tools in uncovering and preserving the hidden stories of its past occupants. By interpreting these elements, the project aims to create a narrative that is both rich in historical context and accessible to contemporary audiences.
Exhibition in Pink Studio
Artists' Living Space
MEMORY, LIVING, ARTIST CONCEPTS
- Balancing Historical Integrity with Contemporary Interventions:
The project seeks to balance the need for historical preservation with the inclusion of contemporary art, crafts, and digital tools. This balance ensures that Waller House remains a culturally significant site that continues to engage and resonate with modern audiences.
- Implementing a Living Archive:
The concept of a living archive is central to the project’s approach. Instead of treating Waller House as a static historical artifact, the project envisions it as a space that is continuously used, adapted, and engaged with by the community. This approach ensures that the site remains relevant and vital, contributing to the community’s ongoing cultural narrative.
Box Protecting the House as an Object
The Hill House Box Museum / Carmody Groarke
ADDITIONAL CONTEXT
ART PRIZE
The Napier Waller Art Prize is a prestigious award established to honor the legacy of Napier Waller and his enduring influence on Australian art. The prize is specifically dedicated to recognizing and supporting the artistic achievements of current and former service personnel in the Australian Defence Force, reflecting Waller’s own experience as a World War I veteran who overcame the loss of his right arm to continue his career as a muralist and stained-glass artist. The prize serves as a bridge between Waller’s historical contributions and contemporary Australian art, providing a platform for artists who, like Waller, have used art as a means of personal expression and healing. Through this prize, Waller's legacy continues to inspire and connect with the artistic community in Australia, reinforcing the strong link between his work, the country’s cultural heritage, and the ongoing contributions of Australian artists.
NATURE
Waller House is not only a significant cultural and artistic landmark but also deeply connected to the natural environment of Melbourne, particularly through its proximity to Darebin Creek and the Yarra River. These natural waterways, which flow near the property, have historically played a vital role in shaping the landscape and providing inspiration to the artists who lived there. The house’s connection to these natural elements reflects the Wallers’ appreciation for the beauty of the Australian landscape, a theme that is evident in much of their work. The surrounding environment, with its rich biodiversity and tranquil settings, enhances the house’s ambiance, making it a place where art and nature harmoniously coexist. This connection to nature is integral to understanding the Wallers' artistic vision, as it underscores their belief in the importance of integrating the natural world into their creative practice, further cementing Waller House’s place as a cultural treasure intertwined with the natural heritage of the region.
A quiet day on Darebin Creek
Tom Roberts
Moonlight on the Yarra River E. Phillips Fox
Napier Waller Art Prize Exhibition in Parliament House, Canberra
Stained Glass Artworks in War Memorial, Canberra
ADDITIONAL CONTEXT
MORE MESSY,MORE LIVING
The idea that a messy or dynamic environment can enhance creativity is highlighted in the article "The Messy Studio May Actually Help an Artist" on Artsy. The article explores how disorder in an artist’s living and working space often reflects an active and vibrant creative process. This messiness is not just clutter; it represents the flow of ideas, experimentation, and the ongoing journey of artistic creation. For artists, living in such an environment can foster spontaneity and innovation, as it allows for a more organic and flexible approach to their work.
Applying this to the concept of a "living archive" or a dynamic heritage site, the mess and liveliness within an artist’s studio or home suggest that the space is not just a static container for memories and objects but a living, breathing environment that continues to inspire and evolve. This idea supports the notion that heritage sites should be spaces of ongoing activity and interaction, where the traces of life and creativity—however messy—are preserved as part of the site's cultural and historical narrative.
Keep Going: 10 Ways to Stay Creative in Good Times and Bad. Courtesy of the author and Workman
Yinka Shonibare. Co-commissioned by HOUSE 2014 and Brighton Festival. Courtesy the artist and Stephen Friedman Gallery, London
2 PRELIMINARY
Static Monument
Public+ Community
Living Archive
Living Artists
LIVING HERITAGE
Conceptual
This project reimagines the Waller House through experimental preservation, transforming it from a static monument into an evolving cultural entity. By integrating strategies of maintenance, preservation, and conservation, the architectural fabric is used to uncover hidden narratives, bridging past and present. Positioned as a living archive, the Waller House is envisioned as a space where history continues to unfold through new cultural interventions. Contemporary programs—such as artist residencies and workshops—are introduced to ensure that the house remains relevant, adaptable, and actively engaged with the community, fostering the creation of new artistic and cultural narratives while respecting its historical integrity.
Waller house, Mirror
LIVING HERITAGE
Design Response
Re-imagining
Napier Waller Reserve as a Living Entity
The transformation of the Napier Waller Reserve moves beyond mere preservation, seeking to reinterpret the existing site through four interconnected parts: the house museum itself, a public and community area, a living archive, and spaces for artists to live and create. These components form a dynamic ecosystem, turning the reserve into a living entity that continually evolves with its community while honoring its artistic heritage. Each part of the reserve is carefully designed to respond to the concepts of Maintenance , Preservation , and Conservation , offering a space where past and present meet, allowing for continued interaction and engagement:
The landscape, much like the architectural elements, will reflect these principles. Paths and installations in the public areas will echo the shapes of the natural surroundings, guiding visitors through an evershifting dialogue between the past and the present. Lighting and street lamps will be transformed into symbolic beacons that honor the Wallers' artistic legacy, merging functionality with cultural meaning.
By connecting Maintenance , Preservation , and Conservation to these four key parts of the Napier Waller Reserve, this design response offers a holistic approach that not only honors the heritage of the site but actively reimagines it as a living, evolving space. The project turns the Waller House into a place where art, history, and community continually intersect, ensuring its enduring relevance for future generations.
Napier Waller Reserve
STATIC MONUMENT SITE
IVANHOE& ALPHINGTON
Ivanhoe and Alphington are historic suburbs in Melbourne’s northeast, recognized for their rich cultural heritage and deep ties to the Arts and Crafts movement. Another prime example of this is MacGeorge House (1911), an Arts and Crafts style residence designed for the artist and academic Norman MacGeorge. The house, with its emphasis on craftsmanship, use of local materials, and integration with the surrounding landscape along the Yarra River, exemplifies the movement's principles. MacGeorge House also became a hub for artistic and cultural gatherings in the early 20th century, further establishing Ivanhoe’s role as a center for creativity.
Neighboring Alphington, historically more industrial, has seen recent revitalization with residential and creative developments, adding to the region’s evolving cultural landscape. Together, these suburbs provide a rich setting for exploring heritage preservation and community engagement, with the Waller House as a focal point for experimental preservation that balances historical integrity with contemporary cultural contributions.
macgeorge house ivanhoe south side
IVANHOE
ALPHINGTON
NAPIER WALLER RESERVE
DAREBIN CREEK
SITUATION PLAN
The Napier Waller Reserve is situated in the tranquil suburban landscape of Ivanhoe, adjacent to the Yarra River and surrounded by lush natural vegetation. The site features the historic Waller House, which sits at the heart of the reserve, and is characterized by its seamless integration of architecture with the surrounding environment.
STATIC
HURSTBRIDGELINE
YARRARIVER
1/4,000.
YARRARIVER
DAREBINCREEKTRAIL
NAPIER WALLER RESERVE.
1/10,000.
INITIAL IDEAS DIFFERENT ZONING
Creating axis on site to connect
The Napier Waller Reserve will be fully integrated into the natural landscape, with the design embracing the site’s existing contours and vegetation to create a seamless connection between architecture and nature. Three new functional areas will be established: the archive, the public and community space, and the artist living and creation area These spaces will be carefully positioned within the reserve to merge with the landscape.
INITIAL IDEAS OBJECTS LIVED ONCE
Seeks to turn static objects into living, dynamic elements by treating them as if they were contained in living boxes—interactive spaces where objects evolve over time, much like human beings. Inspired by Aldo Rossi’s San Cataldo Cemetery and Dogma’s A Field of Walls, the design reimagines objects as part of a living archive, where they are continuously engaged with rather than frozen in time. This concept is further enhanced by the use of corridors linking the different axes of the site, drawing from the Mezquita of Cordoba, where space between walls is crafted to create fluid, engaging transitions. This approach transforms the experience of moving through the site, making the act of preservation an active, ongoing process.
San Cataldo Cemetery- Aldo Rossi
Mezquita Cordoba, 8th- converted 13th Century
A Field of Walls- Dogma
Axis+ Corridor Idea Test
PRELIMINARY PROGRAMS
MAINTENANCE
CONSERVATION
PRESERVATION
Proportions of different heritage strategies
The Darebin Creek Trail runs through the heart of the Napier Waller Reserve, serving as a natural divide that delineates the application of different heritage strategies across the site. To the west of the trail, the Artist Living area is primarily guided by conservation, focusing on adapting the space for contemporary creative use while respecting its historical context. On the eastern side, the Living Archive emphasizes preservation, ensuring that the site’s historical narratives are maintained and integrated into the present. Meanwhile, the Public Workshop area, positioned centrally, represents the concept of maintenance, engaging the community in the ongoing care of the space through interactive activities and workshops.
HOUSE MUSEUM
ARTIST "LIVING"
ARCHIVE "LIVING" PUBLIC+ WORKSHOP
PRELIMINARY FABRIC LANGUAGE
The design aims to "Echo" the original fabric of the Waller House, creating a dialogue between the past and the present. Inspired by Peter Eisenman's Cidade da Cultura de Galicia, which merges contemporary architecture with the natural contours of the landscape, and Lacaton & Vassal's FRAC Nord-Pas de Calais, which reinterprets the existing fabric through minimal intervention, this project uses subtle transformations of material, form, and space to honor the site's history while introducing new functions.
FRAC Dunkerque / Lacaton & Vassal
Cidade da Cultura de Galicia / Peter Eisenman
STUDIO UNIT
MIXED UNIT
Extracting structurefrom the Waller House
LIVING UNIT
PUBLIC+ COMMUNITY MAINTENANCE
Public & Community Area – A key part of the design involves establishing a public and community area that invites workshops, performances, and communal activities. This area links to the concept of Maintenance, acting as a space where the public can actively participate in caring for the site. Regular public workshops will focus on maintaining the house’s physical elements and its cultural significance, ensuring that the local community remains engaged in preserving its legacy.
The Mix Restaurant / The Bloom
Outdoor Workshop
PInk Studio
Outdoor Workshop
Visitor Centre
LIVING ARCHIVE PRESERVATION
Living Archive – At the core of the project’s Preservation strategy is the creation of a living archive. Unlike traditional archives, this space will continuously evolve, allowing for the integration of new narratives, artistic interventions, and digital tools. It will engage visitors in the ongoing story of the Waller House, where past artworks and histories are kept alive through modern reinterpretations. Interactive displays, multimedia installations, and curated exhibitions will connect the house’s rich history to the present and future.
Old parts in landscape Colonial Square, Melbourne Museum
Archive Corridor
PRESERVATION
LIVING ARTIST CONSERVATION
Artist Living and Creation Area – Tied to Conservation, this part of the reserve will be designed as an artist living and creation space, where artists can reside, work, and draw inspiration from the environment. The concept takes cues from the Le Fresnoy Art Center, where a contemporary creative space is housed under a large structure that preserves and protects the heritage of artistic production. Similarly, the artist living area will provide a framework that shelters ongoing artistic expression while ensuring that the historical context of the Waller House is maintained. By offering this living space, the project promotes continuous artistic production, ensuring that the Waller House remains a place of active creativity rather than a frozen monument.
Le Fresnoy Art Center / Bernard Tschumi
CONSERVATION
Echo Wlaller House in
LIVING ARTIST CONSERVATION
Bespoke Living Spaces for Artists – To foster a deeply personal and creative environment, the Artist Living and Creation Area will feature small, bespoke living booths for each artist, inspired by the unique nature of an artist's workstation. These living spaces will be tailored to meet the individual needs of the residents, offering both functional and inspirational environments that encourage artistic exploration. Drawing from the concept of "echoing" the Waller House, these booths will also be designed to reflect the essence of the original structure, while allowing for flexibility in how they are used. The Echo Waller House will not only serve as a reference for the design but as an active space for various artistic and cultural activities, encouraging interactions between the past and present. These living booths will form a network of creative hubs, where artists can live, work, and connect, all while contributing to the evolving cultural legacy of the site.
Corten Steel
Salvaged
Artist's creating life &workstations
Material Exploration
Living booths insert into the frame
ADDITIONAL CONTEXT
STRING THROUGH THE MESS
Find a clear, cohesive thread throughout the project. Currently, there are several elements at play—such as the house museum, artist living spaces, public workshops, and the living archive— all of which contribute to the overall vision but risk overwhelming the core concept. The challenge now is to identify a unifying theme or "string" that ties these components together, ensuring that each part supports a coherent narrative rather than feeling disconnected.
MIES’ FABRIC HOUSE
Mies’s approach, which harmoniously integrates the functional and symbolic aspects of modern architecture, encourages me to rethink how the artist living spaces and other interventions can simultaneously reflect historical integrity and contemporary innovation. His work serves as a reminder that modern interventions should not overshadow the original fabric but should instead coexist with it, subtly elevating the heritage elements. Applying this concept, the new interventions at the Waller House will embrace modern materials and forms, but in a way that respects and echoes the essence of the original structure
GUIDING CONCEPT
Experimental preservation as the core idea that drives the project forward. By positioning the Waller House as a living entity, the project moves beyond traditional static preservation, instead embracing change, adaptation, and reinterpretation. The different strategies—whether it's maintenance through public workshops, preservation in the living archive, or conservation in the artist living spaces— must all link back to this concept. Each space should serve as an active participant in the ongoing evolution of the Waller House.
Riehl House / Mies van der Rohe
CONTENTS
3 Resolved Design
Refined Thesis statement
The Waller’s Collection Mirror/ Echoing Living Heritage
MEMORY &LIVING
This project reimagines the Waller House through experimental preservation, transforming it from a static monument into a dynamic cultural entity. By integrating approaches of maintenance, preservation, and conservation, the architectural fabric is leveraged to reveal hidden narratives, bridging past and present. Structured around three core themes— The Waller’s Collection, Mirror/Echoing, and Living Heritage—the house is envisioned as a living archive where history continues to unfold through contemporary cultural interventions. The Waller’s Collection celebrates the building fabric and legacy through measured drawings and personal stories, capturing the essence of the house’s heritage. The Mirror/Echoing theme introduces the archive structure, a light, modular form that respects both the house and landscape, embodying a dialogue between old and new. Living Heritage fosters an active, community-centered space where artist residencies and workshops keep the heritage alive, promoting cultural relevance and adaptability while maintaining historical integrity. Together, these themes ensure the Waller House remains an evolving space that invites new artistic and cultural narratives while honoring its past.
DEEP MAPPING WALLERS SITE
HISTORY LAYERS
The approach of deep mapping was employed to gain a comprehensive understanding of the Waller House’s historical and cultural context, particularly valuable in heritage studies. This method layers diverse sources—historical aerial photos, current maps, heritage overlays, and heritage registrations— into a multidimensional view of the site. By examining these layers together, deep mapping reveals the complex evolution of the landscape, showing how the Waller House fits into the broader historical narrative and environmental changes over time. This layered approach not only uncovers hidden connections and shifts but also enriches our understanding of the site’s significance, providing insights that are essential for informed preservation and adaptive reuse. Deep mapping, therefore, serves as a critical tool in heritage work, allowing for a nuanced interpretation that respects both past and present.
IVANHOE
MEASURED DRAWING &PHOTOGRAMMETRY BUILDING FABRIC
Photogrammetry was utilized to gain a deeper understanding of the building fabric of the Waller House. This method reveals subtle details in the construction and craftsmanship that might otherwise go unnoticed, providing insights into the building’s historical layers and structural integrity.
Hall
Glass Studio
Blue Room
Sleepout
MEASURED DRAWING _PINK STUDIO BUILDING FABRIC
MEASURED DRAWING &POINT CLOUD
BUILDING FABRIC
Conceptual Parti
In the Waller House, this idea is embodied by the artworks and architectural elements that seem to "mirror" the stories of earlier times, bringing them into a conversation with today. Napier Waller's stained glass pieces, for instance, don’t just capture light; they reflect layers of history, embodying memories and values from their time and projecting them forward. This echoing effect is heightened by Waller’s own drawing of the house—a mirrored version of the building itself, almost as if it’s a reflection reaching back in time and simultaneously forward. Here, Mirror becomes both literal and symbolic, while Echo represents the resonance of these stories in the present. The stained glass amplifies this dual role, casting light in ways that transform and renew with each encounter, inviting viewers to experience heritage as an ongoing story that connects past to present in an endless cycle of reflection and reverberation.
PAST&EXISITING
THEMIRROE&LINKAGE
ECHO&FUTURE
MIRROR-ECHOING Site Plan
MIRROR-ECHOING Section
MIRROR-ECHOING Structure
The archive structure is thoughtfully designed as a light, modular form that respects both the heritage of the Waller House and the surrounding landscape so cherished by the Wallers. Inspired by the distinctive sloped roof of the house, the archive’s form mirrors this architectural feature, creating a continuity between the old and new structures. This gentle slope, paired with reused materials like Tyvek, Dark Castle Oak, and Tobacco Gladstone Oak, allows the archive to blend into the landscape naturally, preserving the Wallers’ beloved view down to the creek. The lightweight structure complements the environment rather than dominating it, ensuring that the visual connection to the landscape remains uninterrupted. In this way, the archive not only echoes the form of the Waller House but also embodies the Wallers’ appreciation for the surrounding scenery, enhancing the sense of harmony between heritage, architecture, and nature.
Dark Castle Oak
Tobacco Gladstone Oak Tyvek
MIRROR-ECHOING
LIVING HERITAGE Landscape
The landscape design around the Waller House respects both the natural character of the site and the Wallers’ deep appreciation for their surroundings. Central to this approach is the careful preservation of the view down to the creek, a defining feature that shaped the Wallers' relationship with the place. By introducing native plantings and subtly winding pathways, the landscape is designed to feel like an organic extension of the house, blending naturally with the existing environment. This design approach doesn’t impose but rather reveals, allowing the site’s inherent qualities to emerge and remain central. It fosters a sense of living heritage, where the landscape itself is an active part of the Waller House’s story, continually evolving with the community that engages with it.
LANDSCAPE&TERRAIN
RIVER&CREEK
LIVINGWITHNATURE
LIVING HERITAGE
LIVING HERITAGE ART &Craft
MEMORY &LIVING
Reimagining the Waller House has been more than just a project—it’s been a deeply personal journey into understanding how heritage can be a living, breathing presence in our lives. Rather than viewing it as a relic of the past, I’ve come to see the Waller House as a dynamic space layered with stories, connections, and possibilities. By working with the architectural fabric to uncover hidden narratives, designing the archive to mirror both history and innovation, and creating a landscape that respects the Wallers’ beloved views, this project brings heritage into a continuous conversation with the present. Through these layers, I’ve found that heritage is not something to be preserved in stasis, but something to be actively reimagined—a space where history can be interpreted, reshaped, and even challenged. For me, the Waller House now stands as more than a monument; it’s a place that invites community, creativity, and growth, where each person who enters brings something new to its unfolding story. This approach to heritage reflects my belief that places like the Waller House are at their most powerful when they remain adaptable and alive, carrying forward their legacy while inviting future generations to leave their own marks.
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