Inspired by the idea of a treehouse, the building was designed by architect Frank Gehry as “a growing learning organism with many branches of thought, some robust and some ephemeral and delicate”.
Must-see features
Gehry was determined to not only create a new Sydney landmark but internal spaces that inspire real and relevant research and learning outcomes, interdisciplinary collaboration and the cross-pollination of ideas.
We invite you to take a walk around the building – these are the must-see features available for public access
Level 2, Street Level Entry
Stainless steel staircase
The striking stainless steel staircase lends a sculptural focal point to the main lobby and reflects the movement of both people and ideas. The stair was manufactured by Queensland-based Urban Art Projects, shipped from China to Sydney in parts and assembled on site. It starts from level 2 at the Ultimo Road entry and connects to student spaces on level 3.
Stainless steel staircase, Ultimo Road entrance
Stainless steel staircase, Ultimo Road entrance
Stainless steel staircase, Ultimo Road entrance
Oval Classroom
On levels 2 and 3 are identical oval classrooms constructed from around 150 large laminated timber beams, each weighing up to two tonnes and the longest measuring 12 metres. Sourced from New Zealand, the glue-laminated radiata pine beams create a sculptural form within the ground-floor atrium void. The classrooms feature the world’s longest timber-concrete composite floor construction and the first in Australia. The classrooms are based on an integrative and collaborative teaching and learning environment where the lecturer stands in the centre of the room, encouraging dialogue from all.
Oval classrooms, levels 2 and 3
Oval classrooms, level 2 and 3 - detail of some of the glue-laminated radiata pine beams
Oval classrooms, levels 2 and 3
Level 2 Café, Mary Ann Street entry
At the Mary Ann street entrance of the building is the level 2 café. Offering both indoor and outdoor dining, the café is fitted out with Gehry features including acrylic cloud shaped lighting and a stainless steel counter that reflects the stainless steel staircase.
Level 2 Café, Mary Ann Street entrance
Lighting is a key feature throughout the Dr Chau Chak Wing Building. The acrylic cloud-shaped lights here hang above the level 2 café counter and in the student lounge on level 3. On the upper levels, the cloud lighting takes on a papery texture and creates a striking point of interest in the staff kitchen on level 8 and in the Dean’s boardroom on level 12.
Level 2 Café, Mary Ann Street entrance
The bench top of the level 2 café is made of polished stainless steel, designed to reflect the stainless steel staircase.
Level 2 Café, Mary Ann Street entrance
Mary Ann Street North Canyon
Achieving the fluid appearance of the brickwork proved a technical feat that involved corbelling (stepping) individual bricks to articulate the building’s organic shape. The light-coloured bricks – around 320,000 in total – were custom made for the building and reference Sydney’s sandstone heritage, while the vast glass panelled ‘curtain wall’ reflects the building’s contemporary context.
Mary Anne Street - North Canyon
Mary Anne Street – North Canyon, detail of 'organic' brickwork
Level 3, Goods Line Entry
Goods Line entry, café and student lounge
The café on level 3 is situated at the Good Lines entry and attached to a student lounge. Designed to reflect the look of the oval classroom, the café counter is manufactured out of glue-laminated radiata pine beams.
Level 3 café, situated at the Goods Line entry
Level 3 café, situated at the Goods Line entry
Level 3 café, situated at the Goods Line entry
Goods Line entry to the building. Patrons coming from Central station can make one straight 10 minute walk to the building, where they can enjoy coffee at the level 3 café.
Oval Classroom Stairs
The oval classroom stairs wrap around the oval classroom on level 3 leading to the student lounge above on level 4, and allow a detailed look at the laminated timber beams of the oval classroom itself. The staircase is made of Victorian ash.
Oval classroom stairs wraps around the oval classroom from level 3 to the student lounge level 4
Oval classroom stairs wraps around the oval classroom from level 3 to the student lounge level 4
Oval classroom stairs wraps around the oval classroom from level 3 to the student lounge level 4
Level 4, Graduate lounges and kitchenette
The graduate lounges on level four on the east and west side of the building feature informal student seating to relax, study and connect. There is a well equipped kitchen and many power point plugs available for student convenience.
Level 4, West Graduate Lounge
Level 4, East Graduate Lounge
Level 4, East Graduate Lounge
Level 4, East Graduate Lounge
Level 5, Student commons
A large student commons on level 5 is a practical and inviting place for students to study and relax. It features two glass work pods – one semi-circular and the other oval-shaped – and curvaceous ply joinery that provides plentiful perimeter seating. It’s important to note that the shapes and slopes that you see on the outside of the building are replicated on the inside, so many spaces – including these student commons – have very organic shapes.
Level 5, student commons
Level 5, student commons
Level 5, student commons
Other must see features
Undulating Brickwork and 'K-Bricks'
Achieving the fluid appearance of the brickwork proved a technical feat that involved corbelling (stepping) individual bricks to articulate the building’s organic shape. The light-coloured bricks – around 320,000 in total – were custom made for the building and reference Sydney’s sandstone heritage. The bricks that stick out from the building – ‘K bricks’ were strategically placed by the architect.
Detail photo of 'k-bricks' and undulating brickwork
Detail photo of 'k-bricks' and undulating brickwork
Detail photo of 'k-bricks' and undulating brickwork
Detail photo of the undulating brick of the Dr Chau Chak Wing Building
Detail photo of the undulating brick of the Dr Chau Chak Wing Building
Omnibus Lane and Curtain Wall
Walking through omnibus offers a beautiful view of the building’s undulating brick wall and glass panelled curtain wall. About 320,000 were custom made for the building and reference Sydney’s sandstone heritage, while a vast curtain wall reflects the building’s contemporary context.
Corner of Ultimo Road and Omnibus Lane
Glass ‘curtain wall’
All photos by Andrew Worssam
