Schooled in great architecture: Reddam North Shore
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Imagine going to school in the Harry Seidler designed Simsmetal House in North Sydney. Now imagine the history of that building and the architect’s vision as sympathetically remodelled in line with current pedagogical thinking. That school is the brand new Reddam House North Shore taking admissions for 2025!
The eight storey Harry Seidler building (near Victoria Station) is an exemplar of the architect’s philosophy. Incorporating aesthetics, natural light and vast open spaces while always emphasising functionality, Seidler’s visionary style is evident in the school’s sleek lines and dynamic forms. Indeed, all facilities, while visually striking, are manifestly conducive to an inspiring and effective learning environment.
With a focus on sustainability, the vertical campus features adaptive heritage reuse and ambitious zero-carbon principles. While retaining Seidler’s vision, across 9,000 sqm, spacious balconies and break-out areas surrounded by lush urban greenery, will be redeveloped as a harmonious blend of contemporary and heritage elements.
Leading the project refurbishment is a global team with Allen Jack + Cottier (AJC) Architects from Sydney working with ZPZ Partners in Italy. Delivering the best in heritage conservation, AJC Architects’ redevelopment of the Woollahra City Chambers at Redleaf, for example, is sublime. Compounding this expertise, ZPZ Partners is entirely focused on education projects with their delightful and cutting-edge projects gaining international acclaim.
A sister school to Reddam House Sydney, the North Shore iteration, accommodating up to 1350 co-educational students from kindergarten to year 12, will also be operated by Inspired (the leading global group of premium schools). With Inspired the bar is already set high with Reddam House Sydney ranking as the top-performing independent school in NSW for both the 2023 and 2022 HSC results.
Investing $55 million into the North Shore campus, Inspired’s commitment will protect the heritage of the iconic 1972 Harry Seidler designed Simsmetal building, while ensuring academic excellence. To this end, five state-of-the-art science labs, multiple libraries, music studios with 12 practice rooms, a sports hall and auditorium, dance studios, gym and bespoke arts, design and tech are included.
Reddam North Shore is set to continue the standing of Reddam House Sydney as a leader among Sydney’s independent schools. It will also impart a love of fine architecture along the way and really, who could ask for a more perfect education!
Reddam North Shore
northshore.reddamhouse.com.au
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