Making The Switch

The Switch student accommodation in Kensington required the expertise of two of Artefact’s service areas - Built Environment and Heritage Interpretation.

The four level, 259 bed project had the unique challenge of integrating dual heritage-listed Victorian terrace houses (constructed in 1896) into a modern design and build. With the project being classified as a State Significant Development additional care was required to meet heritage conservation standards and regulatory requirements.

OUR
SOLUTIONS

Built Environment Recommendations

  • Detailed schedule of conservation works for the preservation of internal and external heritage elements such as leadlight glazing, cast iron balustrades, tessellated tile paving, decorative ceiling, cast iron fireplace, French doors and chimney pots.

  • Statement of Heritage Impact report showing how to minimise the impacts of installing intrusive, but essential, fire upgrade works to the heritage elements of the original terrace houses.

Heritage Interpretation Recommendations

  • Student brochure at the front desk telling the unique story of flint from the River Thames being used by the Aboriginal community for stone tool production; and how the late 1900s dwellings were used by staff from the nearby Randwick Racecourse.

  • Acknowledgement of Country feature at the foyer and Indigenous artwork “Walk in Good Spirit” by Murrawarri artist Joe Hurst embedded into the concrete pathway at the entrance.
“The design respects the local heritage character of the area while the landscaping celebrates, and respectfully acknowledges, a range of Aboriginal artefacts found on the site.”

Hayball Architects



SUCCESS

With a strong background in heritage architecture our team was able to propose solutions that facilitated a respectful adaptation of the site for contemporary use without compromising its heritage integrity.

Additionally, our heritage interpretation experts suggested options that allowed the students to appreciate the colonial and Aboriginal histories of the site.

Download project sheet



CONTACT

HOLIDAY CLOSE
Our offices will be closed from Monday 23 Dec 2024 and will re-open on Monday 6 Jan 2025.
For unexpected finds and urgent project enquiries, please contact our Heritage Manager Stephanie Moore at stephanie.moore@artefact.net.au or call 0420 403 581.
For all other enquires please contact our General Manager Martin Edmunds at martin.edmunds@artefact.net.au or call 0404 877 490.
We wish you a peaceful holiday break and look forward to working with you in 2025.

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