Matraville Youth & Cultural Hall

The brief was to replace the existing hall with a contemporary community building that will last 80+ years. Accommodating a variety of activities and cultural events, the hall is supported with naturally lit amenities, a kitchen, and ample storage. Working within a heavily wooded site presented significant constraints. Judicious planning and creative structural solutions ensured that the design retained all but two of the seventeen native trees on site. Remediation of contaminated soil from previous site uses demanded a comprehensive environmental strategy while protecting existing vegetation. This tree-sensitive remediation approach added an additional layer of complexity to the construction sequence.

The building is designed to connect to its site and community. Positioned on a corner and adjoining a grassy reserve, the design features multiple connections to the public domain; creating a welcoming presence and drawing people from various access points. The double height volume of the hall is modulated via a wraparound verandah, providing a seating edge that acknowledges its residential neighbourhood. A wide stair wrapping around an established Blackbutt tree leads visitors into a vestibule illuminated by a playful roof lantern, featuring a mural by an Indigenous artist. A large covered terrace connects the hall to the adjacent reserve.

Sustainability was a priority for this project. The design achieves benchmark performance through integrated passive design. The building operates without conventional air conditioning—a rare achievement for a public facility. Stack ventilation, facilitated by operable wall panels and ceiling fans, provides summer cooling. In winter, efficient underfloor hydronic heating powered by a heat pump warms the building gently. Thoughtful material selections ensured a minimal carbon footprint. Structural timber replaces steel wherever possible, sequestering carbon rather than generating emissions. Low carbon concrete was employed. Interior surfaces feature Australian-grown timbers, while exterior materials were chosen for their durability and minimal maintenance requirements.

A key highlight of this project’s sustainability credentials is the retention of 15 out of 17 native trees, which support the native bird and animal life. In doing so, the users of the hall benefit from natural cooling, shading, and biophilic benefits of being surrounded by mature trees. Rooftop solar panels with battery storage support the all-electric building's energy needs, including EV charging stations. Rainwater harvesting for toilet flushing and irrigation reduces potable water demand. On-site detention manages stormwater to prevent overloading Council’s stormwater system. This holistic approach delivers a highly sustainable built outcome that will serve the local community well into the future, with minimal environmental impact.