Australian National University, Bruce & Wright Halls

Standing proudly on the Northern Edge of campus Bruce Hall is the oldest residential college at Australia National University, and the first co-ed college in Australia. With 55 years of rich history, culture and tradition the Hall forms an integral part of ANU’s social infrastructure and architectural identity. The revitalisation of Bruce Hall was the vision of ANU alumnus Graham Tuckwell and his wife Louise, whose generous philanthropic donation allowed for the redesign of the original hall and the construction of a mirroring sister building to be named Wright Hall. Nettletontribe worked closely with ANU, along with Graham and Louise Tuckwell to develop a design which respected the history of Bruce Hall while also creating a vibrant and integrated accommodation precinct. The mirrored form of the two new Halls of residence indicate a direct relationship between the buildings while allowing each college to develop a unique identity with time. The residential communal spaces provided are exemplary in scale and proportion. Major common spaces are double height zones and connected by internal stairs to promote incidental student interaction and support the communal and social aspects of college life. The 800 rooms act as a “home away from home” and as such have been designed to accommodate flexibility and personalisation of living zones, allowing options for students to place beds and desks in alternative arrangements to suit. Rather unconventionally, all rooms are provided with external balconies and large sliding doors which permit an abundance of natural light and natural ventilation and elevate the living experience of the student. The courtyard building typology ensures all students have access to green space and landscaped views, as well as views over the campus and to Black Mountain. Both Halls were officially opened in 2019 by Sir Peter Cosgrove for Semester one, at 100% occupancy.