2014 National Architecture Awards: Sustainable

Jury citation

The Wayside Chapel has been a profoundly important place in Sydney since it was founded by Reverend Ted Noffs in 1964. Located in the centre of Kings Cross, it provides a harbour for the destitute, a centre for the community, a place for contemplation and prayer and much more. It does not judge or discriminate. Initially occupying a single apartment, The Wayside Chapel has since grown and now occupies the whole former apartment building and a new four-storey wing. The project has been a labour of love for Environa Studio founder Tone Wheeler over the last fifteen years, and the finished building embodies the very best of holistic sustainability principles.

Social sustainability is at the very core of this project – it gives to the community and helps those who need it most, enriching the lives of those who come into contact with the facility. Sustainable principles extend to every aspect of the building, from embodied energy to a rigorous long-life, loose-fit philosophy. Passive environmental design informs all parts of the project, through natural ventilation, thermal mass, night flushing and natural light. Ceiling fans move the air in meeting places and minimize the need for airconditioning. Rooftop solar heating panels provide hot water and hydronic space heating, while adjacent photovoltaic panels generate electricity. The rooftop community garden is a particular delight, producing organic crops for use in the cafe below.

The generous new forecourt adds to the life of the street and provides an important public space for one of Sydney’s densest communities. The Wayside Chapel is a vibrant place with passionate staff and volunteers. It is also a great example of how architecture can make a change.