Union House refurbishment

Rejuvenation of one of the University of Adelaide's most iconic buildings enables it to operate as a unique venue for events, socialising and engaging in campus life.

Union House and the Cloisters from Victoria Drive

The multi-stage refurbishment has transformed almost every corner of the Union House precinct, including the adjacent George Murray and Lady Symon buildings. 

Previously hidden spaces have been reopened and updated to let in the light via new windows. Lost architectural elements have been reinstated, including cross-building pathways via the network of balconies. And unique speciality rooms have been created for students, staff and members of the public. 

The interior fit out celebrates the distinctive identity of the Union House architecture with colours and features that speak to the original building materiality. Rich terracotta hues echo the exposed brickwork, warm stone tones pay homage to the concrete beams and structure, caramel shades reference the straw ceilings, and the chevron patterned carpet reflects the pavers in the Cloisters Courtyard.

The Building Services Infrastructure was almost completely replaced and modernised, including new air conditioning, plumbing, electrical and fire safety systems throughout. This will ensure that Union House can operate reliably and efficiently for many years to come.

Project overview

  • Location: Union House, George Murray and Lady Symon buildings, North Terrace Campus
  • Size: 6,300 sqm
  • Consultant Team:
    • Architect: Swanbury Penglase
    • Services Engineers: System Solutions
    • Structural Engineers: Gama
    • Private Certifier: Trento Fuller
    • Cost Consultant: RLB
    • Signage and Wayfinding: Arketype
    • Restaurant Branding: Studio Band
  • Construction partners:
    • Main Works: SHAPE Australia
    • Early Works: Sarah Constructions
  • University of Adelaide project team: Tony Perrin, Aiden Moon, James Rivett, Sonja Graetz, Lotte Symonds, Vicki Jacobs, Kendra Backstrom, Kon Corolis, Phillipa Schliebs, Ryan Taylor 

Gallery of 2024 works

Photography by Brad Griffith and Mike Smith. 

Project progress

The project began in 2018 and has included:

  • The creation of multi-use student spaces including kitchens, speciality lounges, meeting rooms and storage on level 4 (completed October 2024).
  • The addition of a contemporary bar and restaurant, Taikunthi, bookable function rooms and an executive dining room on level 5 (completed October 2024)
  • An upgraded bookable function space (Rumours) on level 6 (completed November 2024).
  • New and upgraded amenities throughout the building, including all-gender and accessible bathrooms, and a parenting room on the ground floor (completed 2024). 
  • An expanded and upgraded Fitness Hub on level 4 (completed in May 2024).
  • Restoration of the Old Bookshop student lounge in George Murray, with the addition of towering windows and thoroughfares through to the Barr Smith Lawns and Cloisters, and creation of an undercover plaza for events (completed in February 2023).
  • Upgrade to the Lady Symon building, which saw the addition of a beautiful new exercise studio, change facilities and E-Sport room (completed in mid-2021). 
  • Relocation of the UniBar and refresh of the Cloisters (completed in February 2019).