The prestigious 2026 National Trust (NSW) Awards shortlisted Wesley College’s 'Attic’ building project in the ‘Architecture’ category recognising the project’s adaptive transformation of the unused heritage roof space into an inspiring, light-filled study retreat for residents.
This major repurposing of the Callaghan Wing roof space was identified by the National Trust as an outstanding project – one that was both sympathetic to the heritage of the exemplary 1917 Edwardian Gothic Revival masterpiece and successful in creating a striking contemporary common area for students to live, study and connect.
The Master of Wesley College and former student, Lisa Sutherland (Fr 1985), said that she was proud of the National Trust’s (NSW) public recognition of Wesley College, PDML Architecture and Gartner Rose’s outstanding ‘Attic’ renovation.
“Since officially opening ‘The Attic’ in August last year, it has been amazing to show our students how we can adapt an unused space that has been sitting here for 108 years and create a vision which converts it into a successful student amenity,” Mrs. Sutherland said.
“Heritage surrounds us at Wesley. It is integral to who we are and helps us to shape and drive success in our community. ‘The Attic’ project has been a resounding success as it immerses our students in the history of the College while providing a functional modern study space as they pursue their tertiary studies at the University of Sydney.”
Unifying heritage and modernity in this project informed many of the design decisions, including the construction of a contemporary study area with tutorial rooms, kitchenette, bathrooms, and relaxation spaces, while carefully preserving ‘The Attic’s’ original beams.
Alongside these communal spaces are four additional bedrooms, set with three copper dormers that were precisely set into the existing slate roof, which is hidden from the Callaghan Wing’s beautiful front facade.
One of the centrepieces of this project is the College spire’s interior beams which have been reinforced with structural framing and painted green to match the iconic copper exterior.
“To stand within the surrounds of the spire structure and know that the spire stands tall above you is to be immersed within history,” Mrs. Sutherland said.
“Following the refurbishment, the exposed spire frames a warm, character-rich study environment beneath the restored timberwork. It has been a joy to see students using this and every part of ‘The Attic’ on a daily basis.
“Being shortlisted for this award was made possible by the generous bequest of Old Collegian Bruce Pryor (Fr 1956) and his wife Jenny, who have made an enduring contribution to enhancing and preserving the built environment of Wesley College.”
The National Trust (NSW) Awards are conducted each year recognising excellence in the conservation, protection, and interpretation of natural, cultural, and built heritage.
The ‘Architecture’ category judges major projects which are ‘sympathetic to the heritage significance of a place or complement and utilise existing heritage, including adaptive reuse or new work in historical’.
For the announcement of the winners and full shortlist, please visit the National Trust’s (NSW) website: https://www.nationaltrust.org.au/nsw/
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