Creating a sense of belonging for the most vulnerable in Surry Hills

WEEC is Wesley Mission’s flagship site, embodying their core value 'to do all good we can because every life matters'.

The refurbishment prioritised the dignity, comfort and wellbeing of its guests, placing these at the forefront of the design, from the upgrade of the heritage chapel and support service rooms within, to the internal refurbishment of guest rooms and new communal amenities.

The 1847 neo classical façade and entry sandstone colonnade is activated by a contemporary landscape design. The spotted gum and steel seating, both compliments yet is clearly distinct from the heritage fabric. Lush natives and drought resistant planting reflect the bustling, green Bourke Street the centre sits among.

The heritage listed chapel plays host to a variety of spaces designed to engage the wider community. The spacious vaulted chapel is broken down by timber, metalwork and glass interventions that create moments of respite, and informal and formal social spaces. These insertions give thanks to the heritage façade, maximise daylight, and improve vision across the space. An incision of glazing opens the ground floor to the laneway behind, bringing in light and air, but providing a sense of enclosure with the overlay of a perforated bronze screen.

The upper guest levels comprise 40 larger reconfigured rooms, with increased light and ventilation. Each room contains an ensuite in order to create a sense of ownership, improve dignity and to promote guest safety, as opposed to the building having a communal bathroom. The textural palette and colour schemes generate a soft, calm space of residential character.

As Wesley Mission CEO and Superintendent, Rev Stu Cameron puts it, Studio.SC was able to capture the essence of the community service entity and translate it into a building designed to help those who need it most.

"I see care and commitment communicated through every detail of our refurbished centre. Scott Carver very quickly understood our ethos and has enhanced each space to communicate the value and worth we see in each person. Can a building change the way you feel about yourself? I like to think this one can.”