A groundbreaking piece of community architecture
Opened in 2012 by Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore and Federal Minister for Health Tania Plibersek, the Waterloo Youth Centre exemplifies Collins and Turner’s approach to adaptive, socially engaged architecture. The project transformed a former public amenities block overlooking Waterloo Oval and Fernside Skatepark into a high-quality community space for WEAVE, a grassroots organisation supporting disadvantaged young people in inner Sydney.
The design retains significant elements of the existing masonry shell while introducing a central pinwheel-configured courtyard that organises staff workspaces, counselling suites, chill zones and amenities. By removing corridors and maximising natural light, the plan fosters connection and spatial efficiency.
A star-shaped steel trellis supports native climbing plants, creating a sculptural canopy that integrates architecture and landscape. Passive design strategies including cross ventilation, exposed thermal mass, and shading from the trellis enhance internal comfort while minimising reliance on mechanical systems and artificial lighting. Environmental impact is further reduced by using reclaimed timber, recycled stone and robust, low-maintenance hardwood. Security is also thoughtfully addressed as the steel mesh that wraps the trellis prevents climbing while supporting plant growth.
The existing structure is revitalised by new internal planning focused around a small central courtyard, bringing daylight, tranquility and nature into the heart of the workspace.
Whilst being robust, low maintenance and long-lasting, the building has minimal environmental impact, and has maintained elements of the existing structure as part of the new works.
As the plants have matured, the geometric form of the building has softened – transforming the structure and fully converging it with its landscape and urban setting. A symbolic act of connection between people and place.
The Waterloo Youth Centre demonstrates a synthesis of robust functionality, environmental responsibility and social purpose. Its adaptive reuse, site integration and attention to detail earned the project the 2013 Sir John Sulman Medal for Outstanding Public Architecture, alongside national awards for sustainability and public architecture. The jury recognised it as “an exemplary convergence of public leadership, community initiative, and design talent,” affirming the Centre as a model for inclusive, resilient, and context-responsive community architecture.
“This small project shows the power of architecture as an agent of transformation. Formerly an abused toilet block, it is now a warm and secure community centre and an energetic hub for local youth. The design is very clever and elegant in the multiple uses it gets out of every element.
The wrapped skin is a graffiti-proof cladding, a sunshade, a green wall, a pergola and an exuberant sculptural place maker. The courtyard is a lightwell, a ventilation device, a secure meeting room and a garden. The retaining elements extend the design language into the ground plane, borrowing scale and impact from the sloping site to enhance its civic stature.
The roof is a large space for meetings, for community gardening and art activities, or for a safe and private retreat. The design effortlessly solves difficult problems in a tough and challenging urban environment. An excellent adaption and re-use, it is utterly delightful and inspiring”
AIA National Award for Public Architecture citation
Elizabeth Farelly, Sydney Morning Herald, July 2013
Details
- Client
- City of Sydney
- Operator
- Weave Youth and Community Services
- Country
- Gadigal
- Structure
- Arup
- Services
- Steensen Varmimg
- ESD
- Team Catalyst
- Landscape
- Terragram
- Photography
- Richard Glover, Clinton Weaver, Linda Tegg
- QS
- Wilde and Woollard
- Certifier
- Grant Harrington
- BCA
- Environet
- Builder
- Projectcorp
- Model
- Make Models
Awards
AIA – NSW- John Sulman Medal for Outstanding Public Architecture
AIA – NSW- Sustainability Award
AIA – National Award for Public Architecture
AIA – National Award for Sustainability
AIA – Colourbond National Award for Steel Architecture
Architizer Awards (USA) Special Mention
