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Vision Magazine
THE CHARLES H HOSKINS MEMORIAL INSTITUTE
AT LITHGOW IN THE NSW CENTRAL TABLELANDS
RECENTLY UNDERWENT A MAJOR OVERHAUL,
COURTESY OF TANNER KIBBLE DENTON (TKD)
ARCHITECTS. IN THE PROCESS THE UNIVERSITY OF
WESTERN SYDNEY ACQUIRED THE BEST OF BOTH
WORLDS WITH A BLEND OF HISTORY AND COOL
GLASS MODERNITY.
B
ringing a creaky, worn-out building up to speed,
demands control and imagination. A modern
façade slapped onto a piece of history can be
disfigurement rather than integrated, classy update.
Early 20th century buildings often suffer from
serious daylight deprivation – hardly a stage for
21st century education. The insertion of elegant
glasswork revives the fortunes of a once proud
dame. Crisply delineated steelwork and highperformance Viridian glass are now among the
project’s jeweled highlights.
Project principal Alex Kibble of TKD Architects
discusses the project’s transformation from fading
dowager to sparkling, grand dame:
How do you honor history and make it relevant
for the university and community?
The transformation speaks of today. It reflects a
sustainable approach that should make it last for
Grand Design Revival
at least another 50–70 years. It’s a building with
important cultural connections that go right back
into Australian iron and steel making. There was the
opportunity to rescue it from disrepair and respect
its age, yet make it modern.
Is there a project highlight?
Although this is a quiet and understated renewal,
it’s not a building that stands out as showpiece
architecture. We’ve taken a really run down, unloved
and derelict building and given it a whole new life.
It’s an historic, working-class town that didn’t feel
like it had a lot going on. The university’s arrival
brought some life back into this part of town. The
other more architectural quality is its sustainability.
With some simple tactics such as insulation, new
windows and re-working the interiors, it actually
feels like a really lovely building. It’s bright, open
and new. If there is an architectural highlight it’s
that whole revival and re-connection with the city.