Smart Design Studio has designed an “imaginative” revamp of a heritage-listed former apartment building for a private girls school in Sydney’s Darlinghurst.
Wilkinson house at 215 Forbes Street was constructed in 1928 and originally designed by Emil Sodersten (who lends his name to the top award for interior architecture at the National Architecture Awards, of which Smart Design Studio has won several times.
The building was acquired by the Sydney Church of England Girls Grammar School (SCEGGS) in 1962 and was used by the school’s boarding students until it was converted into education spaces in 2001.
Smart Design Studio won a voluntary design competition over three other firms for the project. Their winning design calls for “imaginative, light space that draw in the cityscape” for the school’s senior students.
Proposed refurbishment of SCEGGS Wilkinson House by Smart Design Studio.
Image: Smart Design Studio
The redevelopment will also restore and enhance the building’s original facades by removing later additions and balconies. The original mansard roof of the building will be completely reconstructed in copper with angled blades and clerestory windows. The roof will be slightly raised in order to accommodate an additional level beneath, which will house a classroom, year 12 common room, amenities, careers office, private outdoor terrace with a circular oculus to the sky.
An extension to south to accommodate lift core and equitable access, circulation and a meeting room and new sports facility in the building’s basement will link to the existing adjacent sports hall.
A state significant development application has been submitted for the project.
