SCEGGS Darlinghurst

  • Description Wilkinson House redevelopment
  • Location Darlinghurst
  • Sector Learning
  • Sub-Sector Education
  • Specialties Adaptive Reuse, Façades, Heritage, Live Environment, Refurbishment
  • Contract Type Fixed Lump Sum
  • Delivery Method Design and Construct
  • Client SCEGGS Darlinghurst
  • Architect Smart Design Studio
  • Photographer Tyrone Branigan Photography
  • Videographer Paramount Studios,
    Tyrone Branigan Photography
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Wilkinson House has long been a central building on the SCEGGS Darlinghurst campus, but its original 1928 layout as residential flats meant it no longer supported the needs of a modern school. Small, dark rooms, poor acoustics and awkward circulation made teaching challenging, prompting the need for a full adaptive‑reuse redevelopment. The project restores the building’s significant façades while completely reworking the interior into flexible, light‑filled learning spaces. A bespoke artwork along the main stairway celebrates the school’s 100‑year‑old campus tree, symbolising the connection between SCEGGS’ rich history and its new chapter for Wilkinson House.

The full project scope included the full internal demolition, construction of a new concrete structure over five levels, full retention and restoration of the external façade, reconstruction of the roof, new services, new circulation paths and the installation of temporary learning facilities.

Delivering this transformation on a tight inner‑city campus presented considerable construction challenges. The works were carried out in the middle of a live school environment with steep level changes, limited access and constant pedestrian movement. Grindley maintained all essential services, including the existing fire hydrant and sprinkler boosters in the basement, while installing 10 temporary classrooms to keep teaching uninterrupted. The heritage façade required full retention, supported by façade‑retention steel and extensive underpinning to stabilise the structure during demolition. Working within the existing envelope demanded careful sequencing, strict safety controls and close coordination with school operations, loading zones and shared access points.

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The new internal layout and design introduce a series of standout features that balance heritage and contemporary learning needs. The copper‑clad mansard roof, rebuilt with angled blades and clerestory windows, restores the building’s original form while creating an additional level of learning spaces. A new glazed southern extension accommodates a lift core, improving accessibility and circulation. Internally, new floor plates, stairs and enclosed balconies create generous, adaptable learning and breakout areas. Sustainability measures include natural ventilation, water re-use, solar power and the reuse of architectural elements. Precast and wet‑pour terrazzo were installed across stairs, floors and amenities to create a unified material language consistent with the main school building.

The completed Wilkinson House delivers long‑term value for SCEGGS: a safe, accessible and inspiring learning environment that strengthens the campus, preserves a cherished heritage asset and supports the development of confident, capable young women for generations to come.

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Timelapse

A fast‑paced look at the adaptive‑reuse process, revealing how the heritage façades were preserved while an entirely new educational facility was built within.

Façade Retention

The footage reveals the precision of the façade retention system, documenting how the heritage envelope was held in place as Wilkinson House was rebuilt from the inside out.

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Hear from our Industry Partners…

Warwick Smith
Superintendent, Sandrick

The Wilkinson House project involved the demolition and rebuild of a 98 year old building (1928), whilst retaining and protecting the existing masonry façade and heritage foyer. The Grindley team ultimately achieved a very high quality finish throughout this complex project which included the construction of a full basement under the original building and an additional level built within the new copper roof structure. Demolition works required the design of complex façade retention structure and detailed staging to coordinate underpinning, façade stabilisation and reconstruction elements. The working relationship and communication between the Grindley and Client teams was both proactive and professional throughout the project despite many challenges and latent conditions requiring resolution throughout the project.

Adrian Craig
Business Manager, SCEGGS Darlinghurst

Building Works were of the highest quality. When people enter Wilkinson House, they are struck by the quality of workmanship in all areas. Excavation and underpinning works were key to the success of this build. Once the building was demolished, Grindley was required to excavate large quantities of sandstone and then underpin the entire building while further excavation took place to join the building to the rest of the school. The work required meticulous planning and execution to achieve the desired result. Wilkinson House is a heritage listed building. As mentioned above, Grindley’s method of preserving the heritage façade worked very well. Even when it was discovered the existing walls were quite fragile, Grindley devised a system using heli-coil ties to strengthen the structure of the walls and allow the heritage component to be preserved. On completion, the heritage components are an absolute standout including the facade, original foyer and external lamps.