Honouring Heritage, Elevating Function: Updating ‘Waterdale’ for The Royal Children’s Hospital
At Nexus Interiors, we recently had the privilege of stepping inside one of North Melbourne’s most extraordinary historical properties ‘Waterdale’ at 56 Chapman Street.
Originally built in 1895 for footwear merchant William Leeming and designed by architect F.J. Brearley, this Victorian-era residence is a true piece of local history. Over the decades, ‘Waterdale’ transitioned from a grand private villa to supporting the local community as part of The Royal Children’s Hospital network (historically housing the Uncle Bobs Club Child Development and Rehabilitation Centre). Today, the building serves as vital administrative office space for hospital staff.
Balancing Heritage and Modern Workflows
Designing within a National Trust, classified building comes with a unique set of responsibilities. The property’s original stained-glass transoms by Ferguson & Urie, ornate pressed metal ceilings, and classic architectural detailing meant that structural alterations were completely off-limits.
Our mission was clear: bring modern ergonomic performance and functional layouts to the admin team without disturbing a single historic surface.
Key Design Highlights:
Tailored Workstations: We specified sleek, modular desk systems that maximize footprint efficiency without obscuring character features like original skirtings or delicate stained-glass light.
Ergonomic Integration: Equipped staff with high-performance seating and adaptable monitor setups to improve day-to-day comfort.
Respectful Aesthetics: Chosen finishes, fabrics, and frame tones complement the rich heritage timber and historic architectural details, creating a harmonious blend between past and present.
Optimized Layouts: Enhanced room functionality and storage to streamline daily admin operations while preserving the original flow of the grand rooms.
It was an honor to help refresh a space that has served the Melbourne community for over a century, ensuring the team supporting the Royal Children’s Hospital has a modern, comfortable space to do their vital work.