Nat Twaits Building interviewed by The Ballarat Times regarding their Dawson Street Baptist Church project
October 26, 2020
Nat discusses the Dawson Street Restoration Project with The Ballarat Times
Great article courtesy of The Ballarat Times, original article can be found here:
They could also share some more recent action.
The old Baptist church has been restored since 2019 by owner, Michael Whitehead, and the construction project will be presented in the ABC’s latest series of Restoration Australia, hosted by architect and historian, Stuart Harrison.
Derelict for more than a decade and a home to vermin, Mr Whitehead relished the chance to show some love to the CBD icon, known for its former church, nightclub and restaurant days, and its column façade.
“Our focus was to honour the architecture of the building while also creating a liveable, modern residence,” he said.
“We not only retained and restored the building’s striking roman columns, but have also incorporated the original Baptism pit as a feature of the main living area,” he said.
Builder Nat Twaits arrived on the scene when it was only “dirt floors with four walls,” following some previous preparation and labouring work.
He said Restoration Australia visited about five times, showing the project at varying stages of completion.
“We rang them before we laid the hydronically heated floor, which is very unique in Australia, and they came up, filming us putting it down,” Mr Twaits said.
“They came back when it was all framed up and watched my crew, then when it was all plastered, when structural steel was going in, when we put the double-glazed glass windows in, and then the final.”
He’s rapt that Ballarat can see what became of the church they feel connected to, with fond memories of its previous lives.
“I have a passionate team and we’re really proud. The response has already been astronomical on Facebook. It’s the best advertising we could get.”
Restoration Australia is airing on Sunday nights, 7.40pm.
Growing construction firm Full time Busy role with variety of carpentry work Nat Twaits Building is a leading and growing domestic custom builder. With a specialisation in high quality new architectural homes, renovations and extensions in Ballarat, our pipeline of work is strong and we look forward to continuing to help our clients realise their dreams and aspirations. To continue to meet the needs of our clients, we are looking to employ carpenters or engage sub-contractors who take pride in their work. Full time work (however will consider flexible working hours for the right candidate) Individuals or crews considered Ongoing work available Dynamic team with a great work environment Immediate start available. Apply by sending your resume through to info@twaits.com.au
After much anticipation, Restoration Australia Season 3 featured Ballarat's iconic Dawson Street Baptist Church on Sunday, November 8. The bluestone landmark, located at 3 Dawson Street Ballarat, was originally designed and built in the 1860s and has since served as a church, and later a nightclub and restaurant, before falling into disrepair. Local Ballarat resident Mike Whitehead bought the property in 2013 and has restored the building to align with the more modern era. To watch the incredible journey documented by Restoration Australia on the ABC, click here . To view our suite of images and to find out more about the history of the property.