A new way of living is coming to Sydney’s Moore Theological College thanks to an AUS$33 million student housing scheme from an award-winning regional firm.

Plus Architecture is behind the redevelopment of Moore’s John Chapman House, a pair of two-story buildings from the early 1950s that will soon become an expanded accommodation with a modern suite of amenities and room for about 113 residents. 

In order to create a more affable student experience for its residents, the college asked Plus to design a dorm building that would encourage connectivity and human connection while remaining in conversation with different heritage sites and architecture in the campus area. 

This is accomplished by a network of communal gathering spaces and  “pinch points” which actively engender an almost forced kind of intramural interaction. A glass element unites the two alternatively-facing four- and six-story volumes and serves as both the entrance to the building and as an extension to the garden that surrounds it. Young seminarians will be treated to a gym, cinema, and barbeque areas contained within a sculptural sandstone and silver-battened screen structure that Plus director Rido Pin says will elevate the overall state of being on campus. 

“There's a lot of generosity in this building in terms of creating a great place to live and learn and now more than ever, wellbeing and connection are imperative to hosting positive living and learning environments,” Pin said. “John Chapman House was very much about providing the best living environment for students, and I think we have been able to achieve this through the process. The new architectural and design plans for John Chapman House will have a positive impact on the local community and will create high-quality student accommodation for Moore Theological College.” 

Once complete, the building will have a total of 103 one- and four-bedroom units. Construction is expected to commence early next year with an anticipated end date set for 2023.