Wesley College The Attic
A considered intervention within a 1917 Edwardian Gothic Revival building by Byera Hadley.
Gadigal Country Camperdown, NSW, Australia
- Adaptive Reuse
- Architecture
- Interior Design
The Attic at Wesley College builds on a long-standing relationship with the residential college within the grounds of the University of Sydney. This complex project is a careful and considered intervention within a 1917 Edwardian Gothic Revival building by Byera Hadley, balancing heritage sensitivity with contemporary needs.
Set within the existing roof structure, the design introduces new accommodation and study spaces that respond to the evolving expectations of student living.
Original timber trusses and spire framing are retained and celebrated as defining architectural elements, shaping both the spatial experience and identity of the project.
Carefully inserted joinery and services work in dialogue with the historic fabric, ensuring the new interventions remain legible while preserving the integrity and character of the original building. These exposed structural features establish a strong visual identity, anchoring the spaces in the building’s heritage while shaping a distinctive spatial experience.
The rhythm and scale of the structure create generous, light-filled interiors, fostering a sense of openness and focus. In doing so, the design offers students a place to work that is both highly functional and deeply inspiring, where the character of the original fabric enriches everyday learning.
The Attic was shortlisted for the National Trust of Australia (NSW) 2026 Heritage Awards in the Architecture category.
