The Sustainability was a Strong Component of Marrickville Library

The project team’s approach was about community and placemaking, and sustainability was a strong component of that vision from the start. The building successfully expresses that vision - an inviting, beautiful piece of architecture which offers benefits to a large and varied community.

The jury commends the role of the architect/ architecture in building a relationship of trust and partnership with the client to serve a greater objective. The client and community knew what they wanted as an experience but couldn’t imagine how it would manifest in built form. The architect responded to those needs, creating the space which shelters, supports, and celebrates them. 

The building is a clever adaptive reuse, which honours the heritage and history of what came before by effectively incorporating it into the new. Retaining the old hospital building respects the memory of that use, as well as providing embodied energy benefits. 

The design uses an abundance of natural light and incorporates natural/mixed-mode ventilation and sustainable timber and recycled bricks.

Project Information

Architect: BVN

Photography: Tom Roe