Nestled within Brisbane’s historic suburb of Spring Hill, 525 Boundary Street has undergone an exciting transformation. Adjacent to St Andrews War Memorial Hospital and moments away from the CBD, this site sits at the heart of a burgeoning medical hub that serves the greater Brisbane community. Despite its central location, the area’s natural topography previously limited direct connectivity, creating challenges for people traveling to nearby medical centres. In response, the completed design for 525 Boundary Street enhances accessibility, increases parking availability, and delivers additional commercial space to support the growing demand for medical services.
Spring Hill itself has a unique character, shaped by layers of history dating back to the mid-1800s. Once characterised by an eclectic mix of buildings, Boundary Street remains a vibrant example of Brisbane’s architectural evolution. The design for 525 Boundary Street reflects this rich context, preserving the heritage façade of the original commercial building while integrating a modern structure that respects the local aesthetic and human scale of the streetscape.
This project has revitalized Spring Hill’s streetscape through cascading greenery, communal gathering spots, and street-level activation. By blending historic preservation with contemporary design, the development strikes a balance between honouring the suburb’s past and paving the way for its future.
We spoke with PDT’s Architect and Project Lead, Jordan Halliday, to learn more about the vision behind 525 Boundary Street and the approach taken to create a sustainable, community-oriented design that integrates seamlessly with Spring Hill’s evolving identity.
Q: Spring Hill has a unique architectural history. How did your design respond to the existing streetscape and local character?
A: Spring Hill’s transformation since the 1800s has resulted in a fragmented architectural language along Boundary Street. To honour this history, we retained the original commercial façade of the site. By integrating these historic elements into the new structure, we created a visual dialogue between the past and present, respecting the original façade’s human-scale relationship with the streetscape while framing it within a modern design.
Q: What design features were used to activate the street and create a sense of community?
A: A primary goal was to create a lively pedestrian experience at the street level. The building features human-scale entry points and cascading massing that draw people into the space. Materiality played a vital role as well; we chose materials that reflect both the modern and historic aspects of Spring Hill. We also integrated a café at the Boundary Street entrance, inviting both building users and pedestrians to share a communal space, revitalising this section of the street.
Q: How did the design address the complex topography of the site?
A: The site’s topography presented unique challenges, particularly as Torrington Street slopes away from Boundary Street. To mitigate this, we positioned access to parking and loading along Torrington Street, which reduced pedestrian and vehicle congestion on the main road. This approach allowed us to maintain a consistent human scale and street articulation despite the elevation changes.
Q: Sustainability is a big focus in modern architecture. How did 525 Boundary Street incorporate green design principles?
A: Sustainability was central to our design approach. Extensive planting surrounds the building, with hanging planters cascading down the podium levels to create a connection between the podium and the ground. This ‘earthing’ effect introduced a natural element to the streetscape, adding vibrancy to the urban environment and providing a refreshing contrast to the built forms.
Q: Finally, how would you describe the overall architectural vision for 525 Boundary Street?
A: Our vision for this project was rooted in authenticity to the local context. By visually dividing the building’s program, we highlighted the segmented fabric of Spring Hill’s built environment. Using contrasting materials and a mix of raw and polished finishes, we created a façade that sits seamlessly within the neighbourhood while reflecting its layered history. This structure is modern, yet it channels both the past and future of this historic suburb.
You can see more here on our website, or if you want to know more please get in touch with Jordan Halliday or Oliver Thessman
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