Female Orphan School, Western Sydney University - Parramatta

By TKD Architects

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Female Orphan School, Western Sydney University - Parramatta banner

Client: Western Sydney University

Western Sydney University occupies the former Female Orphan School, the oldest surviving three-storey brick building in Australia (1813-18). This conservation and adaptation project provides exhibition spaces and meeting rooms for the University and the wider community. Services to suit the new use were challenging and the fragile fabric was repaired and the life of the building was interpreted in the interiors. This project won an award in the Interiors Division of the Parramatta City Council Design Excellence Awards 2003 and an honourable mention in UNESCO Asia-Pacific’s Heritage Conservation Awards in 2004. The four-stage project was completed in 2013.

Awards:

  • Design Excellence Awards, Parramatta for Interior Design Fitout
  • Parramatta Council Heritage Award
  • UNESCO Asia-Pacific Heritage Conservation Award, Honourable Mention
  • National Trust Heritage Awards
  • NSW Architecture Awards, Commendation in Heritage Conservation

Photography: Michael Nicholson

Photography: Michael Nicholson
Photography: Michael Nicholson
Photography: Michael Nicholson
Photography: Michael Nicholson
Photography: Michael Nicholson
Photography: Michael Nicholson
Photography: Michael Nicholson
Photography: Michael Nicholson
Photography: Michael Nicholson
Photography: Michael Nicholson

Professionals used in
Female Orphan School, Western Sydney University - Parramatta

About the
Professional

TKD Architects is a multi-disciplinary practice that brings together the skills of contemporary architecture, adaptive reuse, interior design, urban design and strategic planning.

TKD Architects is a studio of over 60 people including architects, interior designers and heritage specialists.

The practice is led by 4 Principals with Alex Kibble as Managing Director. The day to day management of the practice is undertaken by the Principals and Practice Directors, ensuring projects achieve design, quality and financial targets and exceed client expectations.

Recognising the importance of strong leadership within the project teams, the practice has 7 Associate Directors and 5 Associates, drawn from across the spectrum of the skills within the office, representing the diversity of technical, design and management skills within the practice.

Capability
We provide a comprehensive range of architectural services, from project inception to completion. We have experience in projects with a wide range of construction values – both large and small. We balance the resource needs of all projects and have the capability to service complex projects with the appropriate resources.

Sustainability
TKD has a long and award-winning track record in delivering environmentally and ecologically sustainable outcomes and we approach every project with the aim of maximising environmental and ecological sustainability. We also understand that the “greenest” building may be one that already exists, and has proven experience in breathing new life into existing buildings in innovative ways to ensure their functionality, appeal and use are maximised

In July 2019, TKD Architects became a founding signatory of Architects Declare, Australia. We acknowledge the twin crises of climate breakdown and biodiversity loss are the most serious issue of our time and that globally, buildings and construction play a major part, accounting for nearly 40% of energy-related carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions whilst also having a significant impact on our natural habitats. TKD Architects will promote and support the Architects Declare agenda through our projects and office practices.

Studio
TKD Architects delivers high-quality contemporary design across a wide range of project sectors.

We believe in architecture that has a respect for history and a clarity of vision for the future.

Our Surry Hills office reflects the vision and profile of an evolving practice while providing a real sense of belonging and creativity for the whole TKD team. The light-filled converted warehouse has open, collaborative spaces as well as smaller, team meeting spaces. The aspirational single level workspace allows views throughout the space and touches of colour give it a warm, vibrant ambience.

NSW Nominated Architects | Robert Denton  5782 | Alex Kibble 6015

At ArchiPro we recognise and acknowledge the existing, original and ancient connection Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have to the lands and waterways across the Australian continent. We pay our respects to the elders past and present. We commit to working together to build a prosperous and inclusive Australia.