CONSERVATORIUM OF MUSIC
Sydney, NSW
This Sydney icon was originally constructed as the stables for Government House by renowned colonial architect Sir Francis Greenway and conceived as a picturesque element within an extensive landscape setting.
CLOUSTON’s redevelopment of the Conservatorium, Conservatorium of Music High School and garden terraces was a technical challenge, involving rooftop slab planting and botanic garden themes and planting requirements. Specially developed lightweight soil mixes were produced in collaboration with the Royal Botanic Gardens Sydney, soil scientists and the topsoil manufacturer.
The result was described by then NSW Government Architect Chris Johnson as creating “a seamless connection with the Royal Botanic Gardens … a statement that the future is in fact about integrating the built and natural systems”. This connection has significantly restored the intended relationship between the Greenway stables and the Government House gardens.
| Client: | DPWS and NSW Department of Education |
| Services: | Concept design, detailed design, documentation, contract advice |
| Budget: | $1.2 million |
| Date: | 1999 – 2001 |
| Awards: |
Landscape Contractors Association of NSW 2002 – Best Institutional Landscape UNESCO Asia Pacific 2002 – Heritage Conservation Merit Award Planning Institute of Australia 2000 – Merit Award for Urban Design Excellence Royal Australian Institute of Architects 2002 – Conservation Award Architecture |