Sydney Opera House The Gatehouse

Sculpting a Roofline that Respectfully Converses with the World's Most Identifiable Built Form

The Gatehouse at the Sydney Opera House was a collaboration with Jan Utzon and is an integral component of the Vehicle Access and Pedestrian Safety project that created a new delivery dock beneath the forecourt.

Balancing the pragmatic needs of the Gatehouse with the sensitivity of being located in front of the World Heritage listed Sydney Opera House, the core design challenge was determining what kind of roof to put in front of the world's most identifiable roof form.

The result is a unique 'anti-roof' structure that allows uninterrupted 360° security surveillance, integrates the language of the forecourt and monumentality of the Opera House podium while continuing to provide vital vehicle access and public safety in the world’s busiest performing arts precinct.