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St Thomas’ Kindergarten

Allen Jack+Cottier’s sensitive restoration of this heritage-listed kindergarten hall drew together conservation efforts and modern design.

A piece of the nineteenth century North Sydney’s St Thomas’ Kindergarten dates from 1848 and was originally built as a schoolhouse. This old stone building is heritage-listed by the National Trust of Australia and is also on the NSW State Heritage Inventory. It adjoins the Church of St Thomas and the Rectory.

Remedial requirements By mid-1999, the building was suffering from extreme damp and extensive termite activity. In addition, the kindergarten’s childcare facilities were non-compliant and in need of updating. AJ+C redesigned the interior to satisfy current building codes and standards. The team worked to conserve various elements of original fabric, such as sandstone walls, and remove accretions that affected the interpretation of the interior.

Conservation meets modernisation AJ+C’s design for St Thomas’ Kindergarten integrates exemplary contemporary design with a high standard of conservation.

• Date
  2001
• Client
  St Thomas’ Anglican Church
• Cost
  A$250 000
• Original building
  1848
• Former use
  Schoolhouse
• Heritage Listing
  NSW State Heritage Inventory

  National Trust of Australia

• Awards
• 2001
  Energy Australia National Trust Heritage Awards, Conservation, Corporate/Government – Commendation