Brett Whiteley Studio

Preserving an iconic artist’s heritage studio in Sydney.

The Brett Whiteley Studio is the former home and workplace of renowned Australian artist Brett Whiteley, located in Surry Hills, Sydney. Whiteley purchased the former warehouse in 1985 and transformed it into his studio and exhibition space, where he lived and worked until 1992. Since 1995, the building has been managed by the Art Gallery of New South Wales as a museum dedicated to preserving Whiteley’s work and creative legacy.
WSce provided hydraulic, fire and civil engineering services as part of the extensive refurbishment and conservation of the existing heritage building.

The project involved significant upgrades to address the ageing building infrastructure, improve accessibility and provide the environmental conditions required for the long-term conservation of the Studio and its collection. Works included new hydraulic and fire services, upgrades to amenities, specialist fire protection systems and a new purpose-designed roof accommodating building services and mechanical equipment.

A key engineering challenge was the Studio’s unique new roof design. The architectural form incorporates a large roof catchment draining to a distinctive wave-shaped gutter, requiring WSce to develop a bespoke roof drainage solution. Due to the geometry of the roof and drainage system, the design was supported by a performance solution to demonstrate that the required level of performance could be achieved.

Working within an existing heritage building also required careful coordination of new services to minimise their visual impact and preserve the character of the Studio. WSce worked closely with the wider consultant team to conceal hydraulic and fire services wherever practicable while maintaining accessibility, functionality and compliance.

The hydraulic design also supports the building’s specialist conservation requirements, including water services supplying mechanical humidification systems. These systems assist in maintaining controlled internal humidity conditions within the gallery and artwork storage areas, helping protect and preserve the collection.
Fire services were sensitively integrated into the existing building, including specialist gaseous fire suppression to areas requiring enhanced protection, while responding to the architectural and heritage constraints of the Studio.

Through close multidisciplinary coordination across our Hydraulic, Fire and Civil teams, WSce helped deliver modern building services within a highly sensitive heritage environment while preserving the unique character and cultural significance of the Brett Whiteley Studio.