ST IGNATIUS LIBRARY

RIVERVIEW, NSW

SECTOR

Educational

STATUS

Completed

COMPLETION YEAR

2008

ARCHITECT

Mayoh Architects

Overview

The space vacated by the original library was repurposed into 11 classrooms and an English Department Staff Room, significantly enhancing the school’s learning facilities. The Vaughan Building—originally built in the early 1970s—was of a different architectural language than the heritage structures nearby. This project brings the new works into architectural alignment with previous renovations completed as part of the adjacent O’Neill Science Wing and Middle School. A lightweight pedestrian bridge was constructed to connect the new Library Level to the Wallace Wing, replacing two existing older bridges and improving accessibility and circulation across the campus.

Construction Features

Heritage-Neutral Library Addition

Added a discreet third level with matching façade textures to complement the 1970s Vaughan Building and adjacent heritage-listed precinct

Inter-wing Lightweight Link

Constructed a glazed bridge from the new library level to the Wallace Wing, facilitating movement and visual connection across the quadrangle

Western Extension Over Pathway

Engineered an 8 m cantilever extension above a student walkway, creating functional floor area while preserving ground-level openness

Adaptive Reuse of Spaces

Converted the former library footprint into 11 teaching spaces and a staff room, maximising value from completed works without extending the building footprint