We provided full architectural services for the refurbishment of Melbourne’s principal legal library, which is housed in a fine freestanding domed pavilion within the Supreme Court complex in William Street.

To address the accommodation shortage and lack of shelf space for the constantly expanding collection, we inserted an extra floor in the space between the inner and outer domes above second floor level. This new floor, which provides offices, shelving, study areas and toilets, is accessed via a spiral stair. In addition, we installed a new lift and escape stair, and upgraded both disabled access and building services.

The new work is clearly contemporary but care has been taken to ensure its design is sympathetic to its highly significant setting.