Beyond the Brief: Theatre Works and the Lasting Value of Small Project Architecture

Small projects often carry the greatest responsibility.

When Nelson + Koo was commissioned to create new rehearsal spaces for Theatre Works within the heritage-listed Christ Church Complex in St Kilda, the brief appeared straightforward. The completed project demonstrates how thoughtful design can extend beyond a building to strengthen cultural institutions, enrich public life and create lasting civic value.

For more than 45 years, Theatre Works has been one of Australia’s leading independent theatres, supporting generations of artists and audiences through an ambitious program of contemporary performance. The challenge was not simply to accommodate new rehearsal and backstage facilities, but to reinforce the long-term future of an institution that plays an important role in Melbourne’s cultural life.

The architectural response carefully negotiates heritage continuity and contemporary expression. Rather than replicating the language of the existing buildings, the intervention establishes its own identity while contributing to the character of the Church grounds. Informed by the dramatic roof forms of the surrounding heritage buildings and neighbouring houses, the modest civic form is anchored by a robust brick façade and a restrained architectural language that gives Theatre Works a distinctive presence without competing with its historic setting.

Equally important is the building’s relationship with the public realm. A generous picture window into the rehearsal space makes creative practice visible from the street, dissolving the traditional boundary between performer and community. Rather than concealing the creative process, the building celebrates it, inviting passers-by into the life of the theatre and reinforcing Theatre Works as both a cultural institution and a neighbourhood destination.

For Theatre Works CEO Dianne Toulson, the project succeeds because it responds to far more than the physical brief:

“Nelson + Koo embraced the challenge of a modest budget, heritage constraints and the complexity of an active community theatre to create a remarkable new extension. The building responds beautifully to its context while supporting a new generation of theatre-makers. It brings visibility to rehearsal and backstage life, making creativity part of the public experience and reflecting everything that makes independent theatre such a powerful force for community and culture.” Dianne Toulson, CEO, Theatre Works

Delivered amid significant construction challenges, including COVID-related cost escalation and the restoration of the heritage Hall’s slate roof, the project required close collaboration between Nelson + Koo, builder Turn Group, and Theatre Works. Together, the team developed a construction approach that balanced heritage conservation with contemporary performance requirements, delivering a carefully resolved civic building within the approved project budget.

The project was recently recognised with the Kevin Borland Award for Small Project Architecture at the Australian Institute of Architects (AIA) Victorian Architecture Awards. 

Named in honour of Australian architect Kevin Borland (1926–2000), the award celebrates an approach to architecture that values social connection, thoughtful responses to context and the ability of buildings to support the lives of those who inhabit them. Borland’s influential works, including the Melbourne Olympic Swimming Pool (1956) and Domain Park Flats (1962), demonstrate his belief that architecture should create meaningful places rather than simply objects.

The AIA jury described Theatre Works as “an exemplar of a small project”, observing that Nelson + Koo had “created something larger than the brief required”. The result is “a small gem of a building, which achieves what it was commissioned to do, and then some.” A recognition that speaks to architecture’s capacity to generate cultural value well beyond its physical footprint.

Reflecting on the award, founders Tom Nelson and Sabrine Koo said the jury’s words captured the project’s original ambition:

“Reading the jury’s citation was especially meaningful because it articulated something we’d been striving for from the beginning. The brief was to create rehearsal spaces, but our ambition was always broader. We wanted to strengthen an institution that has contributed so much to Melbourne’s cultural life and create architecture that will continue to support artists, audiences and the community for decades to come. The project reminds us that the significance of architecture is never defined by its size, but by the role it plays in people’s lives.”

Since founding Nelson + Koo in 2022, Tom Nelson and Sabrine Koo have built a practice around the belief that architecture should do more than solve immediate needs. It should strengthen communities, adapt over time and create lasting public value. Theatre Works reflects that philosophy, providing a resilient home for independent theatre while creating the conditions for more ambitious programming, greater accessibility and a stronger platform for artists and creative practice.

In recognising Theatre Works with the Kevin Borland Award, the Australian Institute of Architects Victorian Chapter acknowledged more than a successful building. It recognised an architectural approach that understands buildings as catalysts for cultural life by showing how carefully considered interventions can extend beyond the brief to create lasting civic, social and cultural value.

Project budget: AU$750,000
Architecture, design and project management: Nelson & Koo
Builder: Turn Group Commissioning partner: Theatre Works
Government partner: Creative Victoria

About: Nelson + Koo realise extraordinary projects across all scales, shaping cities and enriching public life. Founded by Tom Nelson and Sabrine Koo in 2022, the practice has established a reputation for leadership in mixed use development, partnering with visionary leaders to create enduring architecture and characterful, healthy places that amplify daily life and contribute to the legacy of our cities.

For more information click Australian Institute of Architects (AIA) Victorian Architecture Awards.