About Peter Woolman RAIA

My passion is to create a functional harmony that makes buildings and spaces a joy to inhabit.

I have built an architectural practice in Adelaide focusing primarily on the needs of clients and how they relate to their buildings. I enjoy taking the time to understand my clients - what they need now and what they want in the future.

My experience as a sole practitioner, combined with time spent at some of Adelaide’s larger design firms, creates a depth of industry knowledge across all types of projects. My range of experience extends from residential renovation to large-scale public works. Additional examples of my work as Project Architect with Brown Falconer are available below as downloadable pdfs.

Mount Gambier Library (pdf) Australian Technical College (pdf)

Through my practice, Peter Woolman Architect, I offer highly personalised, inspiring and practical architectural and design services for:

• Residential - new homes and renovation
• Heritage listed buildings
• Commercial/industrial - small to medium size.

I create design solutions that work together with the surrounding environment. I create buildings that reduce energy costs by using natural energy efficiently. I deliver detailed design, leaving no room for confusion between the design and building phase.

Peter Woolman Architect is committed to creating the design solution that you need.

HOUSE ON THE CLIFF
KINGSTON PARK 2020

An opportunity arose for my partner and I to purchase this unique steeply sloped block at Kingston Park. With rare, uninterrupted views looking north along Adelaide’s metro coast, we couldn’t resist.

Purchase of the land came with approved drawings for 2 apartment-style joined dwellings. Working with pre-approved plans, the biggest challenges involved managing the terrain and working my own creativity into the existing shell. The result was a wonderful collaborative process with Design Architect David Bagshaw and Sofiaa Interior Design.

With free reign on everything inside, it became important to differentiate our home from the adjoining dwelling. With just a few well-placed changes to wall and window layouts, as well as stair design, we were able to maximise the flow and feel of the whole home which is split across 6 levels.

Attention to joinery design and material selections, with a sleek high-quality minimalist feel took the project to the next level. Layered with a carefully considered lighting plan which works in balance with the extraordinary amount of natural light that pours into our stylish and comfortable home.

If I had to describe this building in 3 words they would be: functional elegant simplicity.

Lead Architect – David Bagshaw
Interior Designer – Sofiaa Interior Design
Images – Jody Allen Photography

Creating Simplicity from Clutter

PARKSIDE, 2020

The problem was not a new one – to create a space of simplicity in amongst the historical medley of existing structures. Over the years, the original two-storey 1860 bluestone heritage residence has had a number of additions and renovations, including a dominant and immediately adjacent Pavilion, housing the Kitchen and Meals functions.

Contriving a link between the 90s Pavilion and a stone lean-to from the original homestead, this addition joins the two precincts with a separate independent living space with Bedroom/Ensuite, Living area, Laundry and Bathroom. The simplicity of this juncture belies the adept, almost receding, design which facilitates a clean and stylish link. Not to go completely unnoticed, the verandah angles upwards to avoid conflict at the Pavilion and add a hint of drama at the Entry. After all, simple doesn’t have to mean invisible.

Client Testimonial

Images - Sam Roberts Photography

A HOUSE IN THE GARDEN

ALDGATE, 2016

The way her garden makes her feel is at the heart of this Client’s new Pavillion addition. The grounding and lightness of her garden inspired a design that sits comfortably and unassumingly in its surroundings.

The challenge was to connect old and new with nature without disrupting the harmony that the garden affords the Client. The Pavillion addition is slightly elevated above the adjacent Californian Bungalow home. Its stone base connects solidly and comfortably with the hill, while the materiality lightens as it ascends. The roof is almost floating, its curves reflecting the hill-scape as it reaches up to the sky. Glazing to both the northern and southern ends creates a transparent connection with the garden which can be seen from any point within.

The Pavilion pays due respect to the old Bungalow, which houses bedrooms, laundries and bathrooms. It reflects the needs of modern living by creating open living and eating spaces while retaining the warmth of the older dwelling. The Bungalow has been opened up with the removal of the old Kitchen allowing the fireplace to be showcased in a new spacious and grand Reading Room.

A new garage along with external utility storage areas for firewood and gardening implements attend to the practical needs of living in the Adelaide Hills.

Client Testimonial

Images - Sam Noonan Photographer

GLENELG VISITOR INFORMATION CENTRE

Old Glenelg Town Hall, 2015

Breathing life and light back into an historic Glenelg building.

With the relocation of the Glenelg Visitor Information Centre to the Old Glenelg Town Hall, came an opportunity to redesign a heritage space for modern use. The ornate detailing and the historic nature of this grand lobby space, along with the War Veterans Honour Roll have been paid due respect. All additions touch the space lightly using complimentary materials and colour palette handled in a modern way. Opening the underside of the staircase emphasises the volume and majestic nature of the space and floods the room with natural light.

In close proximity to the Glenelg Tram line, this heritage-listed building can now manage a steady flow of people with ease, as well as providing a charming workplace for employees and volunteers.

Images - Sam Noonan Photographer

Lobby in King William Street

Adelaide CBD, 2012

A tired and out-dated lobby space was transformed into a sophisticated, masculine entry to 5 levels of offices above. This very narrow space has been handled in a way to gently guide the occupants and users past business directories to the lift waiting area.

The myriad of marble, granite, glass, plasterboard and ceramic tiles of its past have been stripped away and pared back to use a simple palette of curved textured metallic board, beautiful veneered panelling and stainless steel. The use of lighting pervades a sense of theatre ensuring passers-by cannot resist a look into this space.

Images - Sam Noonan Photographer

The Pool Deck

Unley, 2012

This project involved a re-work of a rear yard space that wasn't working. The space was small – the brief was large – a pool, undercover parking and a large entertaining space. It all just fits!! The intent here was to make the most of the slope by introducing stepped but flat platforms. This gave the space a deeper feel than there actually is and an elevated outlook from the family/meals areas through to the pool.

An interplay of polished concrete and a reconstituted decking material provide sophistication softened with the tones of the decking.

The large entertaining area has connections with the inside through the use of stone (borrowed from the fireplace) and the family/meals area opens almost entirely to this new outdoor patio.

A stylish, modern verandah hides some of the sins of an 80's back of house renovation and provides shade in the heat of summer and weather protection through winter. A space that is now enjoyed and used fully all year around.

Images - Sam Noonan Photographer

Services

Peter Woolman Architect can manage the entire design and construction process or tailor the service to suit your needs.

Concept Design

The most important stage where taking the time to listen to and understand the client, ferments ideas and solutions. One or several concepts may emerge with one that will respond best to its location, its surroundings and truly speak to the client.

Construction Drawings

Although this service can be tailored to suit your needs and budget, the drawings produced here are intended to go beyond the minimum requirement of getting building approval. The documents and drawings communicate to the builder how all the detail comes together – small details should always reflect the same design intent as the bigger picture concept design. I like to help the builder achieve this.

I therefore provide:

• Detailed contract documents
• Internal fit-out drawings
• Coordination of the work of structural, civil and other required consultants
• Lighting and electrical design
• Advice on interior and exterior styling, decoration and landscaping
• Coordination of all statutory approvals and builder tendering and contracts

Construction Coordination

For peace of mind I can partner with you to ensure the quality of construction and adherence to the drawings are followed through with your builder.

These services include:

• On-site inspections and meetings with you and your builder
• Workmanship assessment
• Provision of additional drawings, if required, to assist the builder
• Assessment of your builder’s invoicing to ensure you are not overpaying for the level of work undertaken at any time through the building process
• Final inspections and follow up to ensure the builder completes any unfinished or defective work in a timely manner.

As well as these services, Peter Woolman Architect offers the following:

• Feasibility plans and advice
• Pre-purchase home inspections.