A new Boarding House has been intricately designed as part of our Ascham School Masterplan, and is the next building project to take place at Ascham in 2027.
The project reflects our commitment to creating yet another nurturing, sustainable and inspiring home for generations of Ascham boarders.
19 Darling Point Road, on the edge of the Ascham campus, will be completely transformed from a collection of six 1920s residential units into a warm, functional and sustainable home for boarders and staff. Sydney’s award-winning Tribe Studio Architects have brought their signature blend of skill and style to the project.
Principal of Tribe Studio, Hannah Tribe, described the building as a gift: ‘It’s got such character and charm. The direction from the School was a sense of home—relaxed, familiar, not at all institutional. With 100 years’ history of being a home already, this building’s idiosyncrasies are part of what makes it lovely.’
The layout will cater to students across Year levels, with shared rooms for Years 8 to 10, a mix of singles and doubles for Year 11, and quiet single bedrooms/studies for Year 12 on their own top floor. Communal kitchens, living and dining areas, workstations and outdoor spaces—including a first-floor deck and extended gardens—will support both social and quiet time.
Original features will be carefully preserved. ‘We inherited beautiful details and quirks,’ said Hannah. ‘We’re keeping the old bricks, the eggshell-finish lime plaster on the walls and original windows, so that the character of the building remains intact and the girls are living in a space that feels familiar and welcoming.’ Heritage elements like leadlight windows and colour schemes have inspired new design features, including navigation graphics and a new entry space that reuses red terrazzo from the original thresholds.
Sustainability is vital to the project. Tribe’s approach minimises concrete and aluminium use, and prioritises passive design. The boarding house will feature solar panels, energy-sensitive hot water systems, rainwater recycling, hyper insulation and thermal protection. Biophilic design will also play a key role; Indigenous plantings and outlooks to greenery will support wellbeing and connect students to Gadigal Country.
Head of Ascham Boarding Allysia Heness-Pugh is excited for this newest addition to the Ascham Boarding residences. ‘The connection to nature is paramount,’ she said, ‘Having the opportunity for space and breath is so important for our regional boarders. The treatment of this building, in its thoughtful redesign and style, allows for the unique type of curiosity and innovation that only a boarder can bring.’
For more information about Ascham Boarding visit our webpage here.
Watch our video in which architect Hannah Tribe shares her vision and plans for our new Boarding House.
