Construction of

26 Elizabeth Street, Launceston:

Client: Davern Dixon, Chartered Accountants
Builder: Hawksley Constructions
Designer: Phillip Hawksley
Schedule: 17 weeks

New 3 storey ‘Victorian Regency revival’, office block

Hawksley Constructions Pty Ltd provided the feasibility, budget estimates, design proposal, engineering input in conjunction with Chester Bullock & Associates, specification, schedule, project management and construction. 

Our recommendation to the client during discussions on the initial feasibility, was for authentic period design. This was due mainly to the lack of subsequent initial depreciation prevalent in some contemporary, spurious designs. Preference for amalgamation with existing adjacent period construction, and cost efficiency of symmetrical design. The decision to incorporate the archive and print room in the excavated basement area, provided ready made adequate fire proof storage for important files and data. Clay blocks were used on the exterior, to minimise the risk of shrinkage, inherent in concrete blocks.

 Authenticity of all components to Victorian Regency period. Construction and finishing of the new, authentic staircase and balustrade, four panel doors, reception counter and small paned windows etc, all in aged cedar. 

The new extension was constructed on a small vacant area at the front of the existing building. This required efficiency from all trades and suppliers due to lack of area for storage and preparation. The building was to be as authentic to the Victorian Regency era as possible, while allowing for the use of modern cost effective materials due to a restrictive budget. All embellishments including skirtings, architraves, cornices, ceiling roses, etc were to be copies of original profiles of the era.