The transformation of heritage listed Sydney Baptist Church Tabernacle into a state-of-the-art play theatre has earned The Lachlan Macquarie Award for Heritage at the 2014 Australian Institute of Architects National Architecture Awards.

The Eternity Playhouse project by Tonkin Zulaikha Greer Architects saw the conversion of the 1987-built Sydney church facility into a 200-seat horn-shoe shaped theatre for the Darlinghurst Theatre Company.

The project was awarded ahead of a strong field of finalists which also included the Former Police Station at 127-129 George Street, The Rocks by Welsh + Major Architects with Sydney Harbour Foreshore Authority (NSW).

Jury Citation:

"Eternity Playhouse in Sydney’s Darlinghurst is a project born out of the dual need to find a new use for the listed Burton Street Baptist Tabernacle, which dates back to 1887, and to accommodate the growing Darlinghurst Theatre Company, which needed a new home. The building is rich in local history – most famously, it was where Arthur Stace heard the sermon that inspired him to anonymously chalk ‘Eternity’ on the city’s footpaths for more than 30 years.

"The brief called for a 200-seat theatre and support spaces, all of which had to be shoe-horned into the tight corner site.

"The architects have adroitly transformed the former church, with its decorative ceiling, large ecclesiastical windows and acoustic issues, into a contemporary performance space. By removing the gently sloping former church floor and replacing it with more steeply raked seating, they have made space for a new on-grade entrance, foyer and bar.

"At the rear of the site, behind the nineteenth century structure, great skill has been used to accommodate the necessary backstage area, company offices, lifts, services and a loading dock in a tight but light-filled contemporary four-level addition.

"What is especially impressive is that the memory of the former tabernacle and aspects of its colourful history have been lovingly preserved in unexpected places, sometimes humorously. Old doors and timber panelling from the pulpit and other materials have been recycled so that they may be enjoyed again. Stories of these discoveries flowed during the jury’s visit. The original cast-iron structure is also partially re-used and the former timber floor of the tabernacle forms the new ceiling of the downstairs foyer.

"The jury found this to be a sensitively handled and appropriate restoration. The journey in realising the design has been an obviously enjoyable one for the architects, who have embraced the spirit and adventure called for in a theatre project, and also for the theatre company and its audiences, the numbers of which have dramatically increased since the project was completed."

National Commendation for Heritage

Former Police Station, 127-129 George Street, The Rocks – Welsh + Major Architects with Sydney Harbour Foreshore Authority (NSW)

Click HERE for full list of winners.

Nathan Johnson

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