Boilerhouse wins architectural prize

The remarkable heritage restoration of the Boilerhouse on the Parramatta campus, designed by Tanner Kibble Denton Architects (opens in a new window) in consultation with UWS Capital Works and Facilities, has been recognised, winning the NSW Premier's Prize at the 2014 NSW Architecture Awards. 

What was once a collection of derelict industrial buildings has been transformed into a bustling social hub with an elegant restaurant and outdoor noodle bar. The works included restoring and retaining the historic brickwork and iconic chimney stack, installing new timber floors and an industrial kitchen, and the incorporation of a lantern roof. With a nod to its industrial past, the boilers were taken out, refashioned and returned to the front of the building where they now stand on plinths. 

The NSW Premier's Prize is a prestigious award that recognises an architectural project that has contributed to the advancement of architecture in New South Wales.

The NSW Government Architect creates a shortlist of projects that are of benefit to the NSW community – whether they are educational, cultural, transport or accommodation facilities. The NSW Premier's Prize is selected from this pool of projects. 

Another UWS Capital Works and Facilities project, the restoration of The Female Orphan School was also recognised in these awards, receiving a Heritage (Conservation) Commendation.

Built in 1813, the Female Orphan School was recently restored with new education spaces, galleries and exhibition areas. It's also the permanent home of the Whitlam Institute (opens in a new window) and the Whitlam Prime Ministerial Library.