The Matraville Youth and Cultural Hall replaces a rudimentary 1950s structure with a vibrant community hub designed with an 80+ year lifespan and benchmark sustainability. Located on the traditional lands of the Dharawal people, the building respectfully preserves a grove of native trees, seamlessly integrating with its surroundings.

Humble materials of Zincalume cladding, painted brick, and Australian timbers are celebrated. Exposed timber beams, columns and connections reveal the logic of the structure.

Sustainability drives the design through simple techniques of orientation, stack ventilation, shading and insulation, allowing the building to be passively cooled and naturally lit. The hall operates without air conditioning – operable wall panels and ceiling fans cool the building in summer. In winter, underfloor hydronic heating warms the building gently.

A welcoming entrance features a mural by an Indigenous artist and local Aboriginal high school students, emphasising community connection. This multi-functional space serves diverse activities—dance, yoga, sports, cultural events—to create a lasting community asset.

Photography by Brett Boardman