Description

This project is restoration and rebuilding of heritage naval training buildings.

Cerberus and Geelong Houses were built in 1915, some of the first buildings of the Royal Australian Naval College located at HMAS Creswell, Jervis Bay.

The Houses were originally built as trainee common rooms and dormitory style accommodation.

As part of the $86million HMAS Creswell redevelopment project, Cerberus House underwent total renewal, and a new Geelong House was built on the site of the original 1915 building, which was demolished in 1980.

The new design for the buildings is sensitive to the significant heritage considerations of HMAS Creswell.

The ground floor of Cerberus House is back to its original configuration, with the Gun Room (naval common room) and Bar. This involved a complete rebuilding of the original structural frame; boards were counted and marked, and replaced on completion of the new frame. The first floor is repurposed as a new office environment for instructors.

The new Geelong House is influenced by the formal and stylistic elements of the elegant weatherboard clad Cerberus House. It provides multi-function training rooms and an auditorium. Flexible design allows conversion of the space from classroom to lecture theatre to auditorium delivering cost and space efficiency.

The buildings restore the symmetrical, formal backdrop to the Quarterdeck parade ground.