NSW Master Builders Association honours ACU’s North Sydney chapel.

Our Lady Seat of Wisdom Chapel at Australian Catholic University’s North Sydney campus has won a NSW Master Builders Association award for its construction that was described as “attractive, impressive and well finished”. ACU’s chapel was announced the winner for Best Tertiary Education Project Under $3m at the Excellence in Construction Awards ceremony in Sydney on Saturday night.

Patterson Building Group built Our Lady Seat of Wisdom Chapel in a project that involved the demolition of three existing buildings, refurbishment within the existing Rockleigh Grange building to the toilets and kitchenette, a new sacristy room, permanent support of heritage brick wall, and all associated services and landscaping works. These works were constructed in three stages to allow normal operation of the University.

When contemplating the ideal aesthetic for the new chapel the architects took inspiration from the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Greg Craven, who asked for a simple country church in an urban setting.

The form is heavily influenced by the Romanesque with a red brick facade to match the adjacent Rockleigh Grange building. The entrance sequence, via a simple walled courtyard baptistery, prepares the visitor for the experience of the ecclesial space. This space is designed, through the internal proportions, materials, furnishings, decoration, and art, to lift one’s mind to the ethereal and the heavenly realm.

Professor Craven said he was delighted with the result and congratulated the builders for their work.

“It is a credit to Patterson Building Group that the works were completed within the timeframe and budget, without compromising the integrity of the project or the operations of the University. The result is a beautiful place for worship and contemplation.”

The Chapel was completed in December 2012 and is used daily for services for staff and students and is open to the public.

Established in 1873 the NSW MBA has more than 8000 members and represents all sectors within the building and construction industry.