The Gerry Gauntlett Awards

An outstanding winner in the Conservation or adaptive reuse of a state registered place category may receive the prestigious Gerry Gauntlett Award which recognises excellence in the area of conservation or adaptation of a place.

Opened in 1966, the Aquinas College Chapel is a significant landmark within the campus, it is a visual reference point and is integral to the vibrant life of the school; be it in its capacity as a place of worship and reflection and providing multiple uses by the community as a music and events space. With significantly increased student numbers over time, it had become necessary to seek to enlarge the capacity of the chapel to ensure its ongoing usage. After a significant planning period, adaptive-use development and conservation works were undertaken from 2018-2019.

The developed design maintained the aesthetic values of the place, and the historic and social values of the place were enhanced. A seamless gallery addition, retention of rear columns with interpretation of removed columns in the parquet floor finish, and relocation of the north wall to a new location whilst matching the original wall design, ensured that the original design intent was respected. Consistent with enlargement of historic places of worship over time, the new design has augmented the established heritage values of the place.

The highly considered design response to the aims of the project has achieved a celebrated result.

Design architect and project manager: Dr John Taylor, Principal, John Taylor Architect