Asylum turned arts precinct scoops top architecture award

Asylum turned arts precinct scoops top architecture award

On June 19, 2026, under dark rain clouds and a brisk wind sweeping over Jacksons Hill on Melbourne's outskirts, a historic transformation received recognition. The former Female Refractory Ward at the Sunbury Lunatic Asylum, once a place of confinement for up to 50 women, has been reborn as a thriving community arts precinct. This revitalization earned the prestigious John George Knight Award for Heritage at the Australian Institute of Architects' 2026 Victorian Architecture Awards. The winning design, created by Architecture Associates in collaboration with Openwork, showcases how historical spaces can be repurposed to serve modern communities while preserving their complex legacies.

The Sunbury Community Arts and Cultural Precinct stands as a testament to both architectural ingenuity and social awareness. Project manager Carina Doolan highlighted the asylum’s grim history, noting that from 1890, women suffering from conditions such as postnatal depression and menopause, those who were neurodivergent, "irrational, outspoken women," or those seeking independence from traditional gender roles were confined within its walls. Many of these individuals resisted their placement, leading to further isolation and harsh treatment. Conditions inside were deplorable—cells lacked basic amenities like electricity, heating, or even proper sanitation. Women were subjected to icy cold baths in a shared bathroom, with minimal natural light and extreme cold.

Transforming such a facility required more than just structural changes—it demanded sensitivity to its past. According to Doolan, the architects faced a daunting task: converting a structure designed to isolate and restrict into a vibrant, inclusive space. The original building was described as cold, restrictive, and socially disconnected, making the conversion a significant challenge. However, the team succeeded in creating a dynamic environment that fosters creativity and community engagement.

Architects Samuel Hunter and Danielle Peck played pivotal roles in this transformation. They preserved essential elements of the original structure, including the heavy metal cell doors and the wrought-iron fencing surrounding the "airing yard." These features now serve as reminders of the past while coexisting with new facilities such as a theatre, art gallery, pottery studio, and woodwork room. Hunter emphasized the importance of maintaining the building’s historical integrity while ensuring it became a welcoming space for the local community. He noted that the project highlights the rarity of supporting the arts beyond major urban centers.

Design choices reflected both reverence for the past and a desire to inject warmth and creativity into the space. Oversized planters in the courtyard mimic the chimneys surrounding the site, while the woodwork studio incorporates playful tool motifs inspired by retail stores like Bunnings. Hunter acknowledged the need to balance the site's somber history with moments of levity, ensuring the space remains accessible and inviting. Community involvement was integral to the process, with groups contributing handmade tiles and constructing columns for the new building.

The project’s success lies in its openness about the site’s difficult history. Peck remarked that the client's decision not to sanitize the past contributed significantly to the site's healing and ongoing success. By keeping certain aspects visible and unaltered, the architects ensured that visitors remain conscious of the building's origins while embracing its new purpose. This approach has fostered a deeper connection between the community and the space, allowing for a shared understanding of its journey from a place of confinement to a hub of artistic expression.

The Sunbury Community Arts and Cultural Precinct is among 64 recipients of awards and commendations at the 2026 Victorian Architecture Awards, which recognize excellence across residential, community, and commercial projects. Jury chair Simon Knott praised the winners for their contributions to shaping beloved landmarks and fostering innovation in architectural practice. The recognition underscores the growing emphasis on adaptive reuse and the integration of historical narratives into contemporary design. As the community continues to engage with this transformed space, it serves as a powerful example of how architecture can honor the past while nurturing the future.