Location: Canberra, Australia.

Architect: nettletontribe.

Bruce Hall, the oldest residential college at Australia National University, has been revitalized with the help of a generous philanthropic donation from ANU alumnus Graham Tuckwell and his wife Louise. The redesign of the original hall and the construction of a sister building named Wright Hall were carried out by Nettletontribe in collaboration with ANU and the Tuckwells.

The two new Halls of residence are mirrored in form, allowing each college to develop a unique identity while maintaining a direct relationship between the buildings. The communal spaces provided are exemplary in scale and proportion, with major common spaces being double height zones connected by internal stairs to promote student interaction and support the communal and social aspects of college life. The 800 rooms have been designed to accommodate flexibility and personalization of living zones, allowing students to place beds and desks in alternative arrangements to suit their needs. All rooms are provided with external balconies and large sliding doors, which permit an abundance of natural light and ventilation and elevate the living experience of the student. The courtyard building typology ensures that all students have access to green space and landscaped views, as well as views over the campus and to Black Mountain. Both Halls were officially opened in 2019 by Sir Peter Cosgrove for Semester one, at 100% occupancy. The revitalization of Bruce Hall has preserved its rich history, culture, and tradition while creating a vibrant and integrated accommodation precinct that forms an integral part of ANU’s social infrastructure and architectural identity.

Photo credit: Brett Boardman.