Gymnasium, Darwin High School
Darwin, Northern Territory
A 75-year-old water tank on the site of Darwin High School underwent a major transformation and entered a new life as a Gymnasium, Amphitheatre, Dance and Drama facility, and Community Hall.
The tank was originally part of Lord Vesty's meat works, which opened in 1917 and closed after incurring heavy losses in 1919.
The original gymnasium proposal called for the demolition of the water tank, which stands as a reminder of our pioneering past. Woodhead showed that, by retaining this structure, a facility 50% larger than originally planned and an additional external amphitheatre could be built for the same expenditure.
The design philosophy included the retention of the original tank structure, complete with old signs and posts, and the design of roof structure utilising modern colourful materials to express modern construction techniques.
The tank was originally part of Lord Vesty's meat works, which opened in 1917 and closed after incurring heavy losses in 1919.
The original gymnasium proposal called for the demolition of the water tank, which stands as a reminder of our pioneering past. Woodhead showed that, by retaining this structure, a facility 50% larger than originally planned and an additional external amphitheatre could be built for the same expenditure.
The design philosophy included the retention of the original tank structure, complete with old signs and posts, and the design of roof structure utilising modern colourful materials to express modern construction techniques.