ADAPTIVE RE-USE WITH NEW WORKS

1999-2001

Redleaf is one of the few surviving mid-nineteenth century grand mansions which once dominated the prominent harbour foreshore sites in Sydney. It comprises the 1860s Redleaf villa designed by George Allen Mansfield (now the Woollahra Municipal Council Chambers), the former stables (now known as the Annexe), St Brigid’s (now the Woollahra Municipal Library), the Redleaf Pool and its associated building and facilities, and its landscaped grounds, including the Blackburn Gardens.

Since the 1950s, substantial and unsympathetic additions were made which effectively disfigured the original villa and obscured it from its harbour setting.

In 1999-2001, substantial conservation and new works were carried out which removed these additions and restored the context and setting of the villa overlooking the harbour. A new section of the Council offices was constructed beneath the forecourt to the Redleaf villa, designed and directed by Allen Jack + Cottier Architects. As part of this redevelopment, Design 5 – Architects carried out the conservation of Redleaf and its adaptation for use as the Council Chambers and offices.

AWARDS

2002 RAIA (NSW) Energy Efficiency Award

2001 National Trust of Australia (NSW) Heritage Award (Adaptive Re-use category)