The Gamaragal
New South Wales
The transformation of Simsmetal House into Reddam House North Shore is a blend of adaptive-reuse and contemporary educational design. Originally designed by the renowned Harry Seidler in 1971, the building’s distinct horizontality and integration of greenery posed challenges and opportunities. AJC embraced the existing structure, leveraging its stepping mass to create expansive outdoor terraces and maximise natural light, crucial for a vertically constrained educational environment.
The design integrates biophilia, vibrant colour palettes and strategic circulation to enhance learning for students. Addressing ceiling height constraints, sports hall placement and reworking the basement for traffic flow, AJC’s approach reflects a deep respect for Seidler’s legacy while adapting the building to meet modern educational needs. The project incorporates sustainability, functional versatility and operational efficiency, setting a benchmark for adaptive-reuse in educational architecture.
AJC acknowledge the contribution made by Harry Seidler & Associates in consultation on significant design, architectural and heritage aspects of the transformation.
It is a genuine pleasure to teach in such a wonderfully designed school. The environment is not only unique, but it also reshapes the narrative of what modern schooling can look like. This space inspires both staff and students every day, and I’m proud to be part of a community that leads the way in reimagining education.
Michael Heenan, Design Architect
Dua Green, Project Director
James Cunnew, Design Architect
Ivana Pejic, Senior Project Lead
Yasaman Akhlaghirad, Graduate of Architecture
Innes Wilson, Interior Designer
Scott Norton, Interior Designer
Ahmad Farhat, Graduate of Architecture
Harry Seidler & Associates, Consulting Architect (Heritage/Original Fabric Design Direction)
Curio Projects, Heritage Consultant
Taylor Brammer, Landscape Architecture
Ethos Urban, Town Planner
Midson, Project Manager
Robert Bird Group, Structural Engineer, Civil Consultant
TTW, Structural Engineer, Civil Consultant for Feasibility Stage
NDY, Mechanical, Electrical, Hydraulic and Fire Services Consultant
E-Lab, ESD Consultant, Fire Safety Engineering, Acoustic Consultant
ZPZ Partners, Client Design Guildelines Specialist – Interior Finishes/Furniture
Core Engineering, Façade Engineering
Habitat, Façade Engineering for Feasibility Stage
Group DLA, Primary Certifying Authority
Blackett Maguire Goldsmith, BCA Consultant
Vallabh Bailey, Accessibility Consultant
Arup, Traffic Consultant
WT Partnership, Quantity Surveyor
Elecon, Vertical Transport Consultant
Waste Audit and Consultancy Sevices, Waste Consultant