Two of Launceston's most distinctive buildings share an unlikely connection through their shared architect and unusual nicknames. What began as ambitious banking projects in the 1960s has evolved into quirky local landmarks that continue to capture attention more than six decades later.

In the early 1960s, architect Lawrence 'Bill' Howroyd received a commission to design a new Launceston Bank for Savings (LBS) branch on Wellington Street. His modernist Parthenon-style structure earned the playful nickname 'Stonehenge for Savings' from his contemporaries. The eye-catching building remains just as striking today, 62 years after its completion, testament to Howroyd's bold architectural vision.

The success of his Wellington Street design quickly led to another opportunity. LBS was so impressed with Howroyd's work that they immediately commissioned him to design a second branch in Kings Meadows. Drawing inspiration from Canberra's Shine Dome, built in 1959 and now listed on the National Heritage List, Howroyd created something truly futuristic for its time.

The Kings Meadows building featured a copper octagonal design that locals dubbed the 'concrete pumpkin.' The innovative structure consisted of a remarkably thin concrete shell measuring just eight centimeters thick, supported by what Howroyd called 'monolithic supports' that cleverly doubled as drainage systems. The entire project cost £58,615, a significant investment that reflected the bank's confidence in the architect's vision.

Lionel Morrell, who worked for Howroyd for four years starting at age 19, recalls the building's original grandeur before renovations stripped away many of its distinctive features. 'It was painted in a gold metallic paint as well - it was very smart,' Morrell remembered. 'There was space around it with a row of shops on two sides, they've all been modified and joined up and whatever else... they took all the bronze windows out of it. [But] it was very much the latest.'

The Launceston Bank for Savings served the community for 150 years before falling victim to a series of mergers in the late 1980s. Evidence of its banking heritage can still be seen today, with 'Trust Bank' signage visible underneath the green paint of the Wellington Street building, which has operated as The Cheesecake Shop for several decades. The former Kings Meadows bank building found new life as a Chickenfeed store before becoming a Shiploads in 2013.

Howroyd's architectural legacy extends far beyond these two unusual buildings, stretching across Tasmania and mainland Australia. Born in 1929 as the son and grandson of Labor politicians Eric and Charles, he became known for designing numerous suburban shopping centers and retail buildings throughout Northern Tasmania. His local portfolio includes Crown Court in Mowbray and several notable residential properties, including 20 Longwood Road and 120A Elphin Road in Newstead.

Morrell fondly remembers his former employer's distinctive style and personality. 'Bill had the silk neckerchief and the skivvy - the architect's dress of the day, always have a cream-colored skivvy - and smoked a pipe,' he recalled. 'He had a Citroen car in all the major capital cities waiting for him, it was terribly grand. Bill was a fun guy to work for.'

Howroyd's career took him to some of Australia's most challenging projects. He worked with the Darwin Reconstruction Commission following the devastating Cyclone Tracy in 1974, helping to rebuild the destroyed city. He also specialized in remote area housing, including designing the Renison Bell village on Tasmania's West Coast, demonstrating his versatility in addressing unique geographical and logistical challenges.

Perhaps his most ambitious project was Shay Gap, a futuristic mining town he designed in Western Australia in 1970. Located two and a half hours' drive from Port Hedland, this innovative community housed more than 800 people at its peak. The town represented Howroyd's vision of modern living in remote locations, incorporating cutting-edge design principles for the harsh Australian outback environment.

Howroyd's innovative approach to architecture earned him significant recognition, including an award of merit from the prestigious Prince Philip Prize for Australian Design in 1974. However, changing economic conditions meant that Shay Gap was abandoned by early 1994, and by the end of that year, all the buildings had been demolished, leaving only memories of his futuristic vision.

When Howroyd died in 2017, he left behind a legacy of innovation and creativity that continues to influence Australian architecture. Morrell summarized his former boss's impact: 'Bill was a real character... he was so inventive. He designed assembly line factories to build these pre-fab houses... no architect in Australia was doing anything like that in those days, [he was] way ahead of his time.' Today, visitors to Launceston can still admire his unconventional contributions to the city's architectural landscape, from the 'Stonehenge for Savings' to the 'concrete pumpkin' that continue to spark curiosity and conversation.