Arts & Culture
18 July, 2026
Frensham's Clubbe Hall honoured with prestigious NSW architecture award
One of the Southern Highlands' most iconic buildings has received one of New South Wales' highest architectural honours, with Clubbe Hall at Frensham School recognised for its enduring design excellence more than 60 years after it was built.
One of the Southern Highlands' most iconic buildings has received one of New South Wales' highest architectural honours, with Clubbe Hall at Frensham School recognised for its enduring design excellence more than 60 years after it was built.
Clubbe Hall has been awarded the Australian Institute of Architects (NSW) Enduring Architecture Award, which recognises buildings at least 25 years old that continue to demonstrate outstanding architectural merit and remain valued by the communities they serve.
Designed by renowned architect Keith Cottier in 1965 to mark Frensham School's 50th anniversary, the hall remains the heart of school life, hosting concerts, performances, and ceremonies.
The building is regarded as an outstanding example of mid-century institutional architecture, with its restrained use of locally sourced brick, timber and exposed concrete creating a strong connection to the surrounding landscape while giving the hall its distinctive identity.
The latest honour comes almost six decades after Clubbe Hall received the prestigious NSW Blacket Award in 1967, shortly after its completion.
Keith Cottier said the award highlighted the importance of creating buildings that stand the test of time.
"We demolish buildings too readily, which makes enduring architecture even more significant," he said.
"Buildings that continue to serve their communities over decades remind us that good architecture is an investment in the future, not just the present."
AJC Architects Chair of the Board and Design Lead Michael Heenan said receiving the Architecture Award was especially meaningful.
"Clubbe Hall reminds us that the best architecture reveals its value over time, through the communities it continues to serve," he said.
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