Sydney Grammar Preparatory School Library

Welcoming students at the entrance is a tunnel shaped like the school’s beloved mascot, Wisey the Owl—an engaging and imaginative threshold that sets the tone for the experience within.

The completed fitout enhances sightlines and passive supervision, improves access to natural light and ventilation, and strengthens the connection to the adjoining southern courtyard—ensuring year-round usability and comfort. A key design strategy was the reconfiguration of shelving to create clear zones within the open plan space. Playful, front-facing book displays are introduced to invite discovery, especially for younger learners. Overhead, light-up stretch ceilings and a continuous strip lighting feature introduce a soft, ambient glow that subtly defines different functions within the space and mimics the playful layouts of games, such as snakes and ladders and race car tracks or model train tracks.

Staff work areas, meeting spaces and storage were consolidated for greater functionality, while acoustic upgrades addressed challenges from the hall above and adjoining corridors. Durable, low-maintenance finishes were selected to support long-term performance, paired with warm, tactile materials that foster a sense of joy and belonging. The colour palette was specifically chosen to compliment the school’s beautiful collection of book illustrations which have been reused and displayed throughout the library.

The project was delivered in alignment with Sydney Grammar School’s design guidelines, embedding flexibility, sustainability and whole-of-life value into every detail.