John Cunningham Student Centre | JCA Architects

John Cunningham Student Centre | JCA Architects | Photographer: Alex Donnini Photography

2025 National Architecture Awards Program

John Cunningham Student Centre | JCA Architects

Traditional Land Owners

Cadigal land of the Dharug clan

Year
2025
Chapter

NSW

Category
Educational Architecture
EmAGN Project Award
Builder
Taylor Construction Group
Photographer
Alex Donnini Photography
Melina Bilotta
Media summary

The John Cunningham Student Centre is a central hub for the College—a space uniting students, staff and visitors, combining the functions of a library, a teaching and learning resource, and a space for counselling staff to come together, creating a dedicated Student Support Centre.

The Scottish Baronial Style is an embodiment of the College’s tradition, cultural identity and Scottish heritage. Placed within a heritage precicint, between two heritage-listed building; Aspinall House (Italianate Style) and the Main School Building (Georgian Revival periods), the architecture creates a sensitive link with a historical neat fit.

Sustainability and life cycle assessment is at the forefront of the design process. The design sought to double the typical lifespan of educational buildings, targeting a minimum of 100 years, through highly durable, long-term performance materials such as lime render, slate roofing, lead sheeting and solid bronze-framed windows – materials renowned for lasting well over a century.

The JCSC gives the campus a new lease of life as a central, vibrant hub at the heart of The College. It is the embodiment of a tradition, underscoring a cultural identity & a rich Scottish heritage. Unambiguously Scottish in origin & identity, it resonates with the values embodied in ‘Bolds Hearts & Brave Minds’ and is the tangible manifestation of that significant link to place, experienced by many generations of Scots students, staff & parents. The flexible, dynamic space supports both academic and personal growth through pastoral and emotional care, which foster a strong sense of community and well-being.

Project Practice Team

John Cockings, Design Architect
Zefanya Wijayanto, Project Architect

Project Consultant and Construction Team

Bekker Engineers Design Buro, Engineer

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