Sydney Institute of Marine Science

Location: Mosman, NSW
Completed: 2011
Building type: Adaptive re-use: conversion to offices, conference spaces and student accommodation.

Surrounded by bushland on the edge of Sydney Harbour, the brief was to convert this 1970’s army barracks building to a facility for the Sydney Institute of Marine Science. While heritage requirements called for the general retention of the external fabric of the building, significant design strategies were proposed to introduce abundant natural light and open up views. This was achieved by the use of a generously-sized skylight along the roof length, which also enabled the insertion of a large mezzanine. In addition, a large outdoor deck was proposed to externally link the functions along the length of the building while providing a spectacular outdoor area.

Photography: Rowan Turner