Paddington Reservoir Gardens

The Paddington Reservoir, that has been acknowledged as a site of state heritage significance, was built in 2 stages, in 1866 and 1878. The water chambers were built below street level with a grassed park above and opened to the public in the 1930s. The reservoir’s operational life ceased in 1899 which was then used as a workshop and garage until its forced closure due to a roof collapse in 1990.

The lighting brief for the reservoir was two-fold: Highlight the historic walls and vaults white focusing on the dramatic spaces and materials, old and new; thus requiring a dramatic and sympathetic design approach. Given that of the project’s public nature, the lighting solution needed to be energy efficient and low maintenance.

Due to the fact that much of the development is sunken below street level, the play of light was critical to this project. The elements that are visible from the street are two lightweight roofs that float above the reservoir, indicating the main entry points to the park. The lightness of the roofs contrasts with the earthiness of the masonry faults, and the staggered pattern of the metal grid is a playful nod to the older masonry mortar joints. The lighting aims to highlight texture, add drama with its presence, and calm with absence.

Recognition and Awards

In 2009, the Haron Robson team received a Certificate of Commendation for Paddington Reservoir’s lighting design. Additionally, this project has received several other major awards in Australia and internationally, as listed below:

• 2010 The WAN Urban Design Award
• 2010 International Architecture Award, The Chicago Athenaeum and The European Centre for Architecture, Art, Design and Urban Studies.
• 2010 National Australian Institute of Architecture Award for Urban Design.
• 2010 National Australian Institute of Architecture Award for Heritage Architecture.
• 2010 Shortlisted Entry, World Architecture Festival Old & New Category.
• 2010 Lloyd Rees Award for Urban Design, Australian Institute of Architecture (NSW) Awards.
• 2010 Greenway Award for Heritage, Australian Institute of Architecture (NSW) Awards.
• 2010 Australian Institute of Landscape Architects Landscape Architecture Medal, 2010.
• 2010 Energy Australia/National Trust Heritage Award – Adaptive Reuse (Corporate/Government)
• 2009 Planning Institute of Australia, Australia Award for Urban Design
• 2009 Australian Property Institute, Officer of the Valuer General Heritage Award
• 2009 Landscape Architecture Medal, Australian Institute of Landscape Architects.
• 2009 Design Excellence Award, Australian Institute of Landscape Architects.

More photos below.