Why a modern building?

Modern building structures may be considered out of character with The Rocks area, however this has been done to avoid confusion of the old and the new. Metal-mesh façade screening (indicative of the original buildings on the site) is placed over the modern building to clearly show visitors that this is a modern development with heritage significance.

The new buildings, while substantially different in form, bulk and scale from the former historic neighborhood, will provide a new chapter in The Rocks history.

How are the remains interpreted?

YHA has worked with heritage consultants, Godden Mackay Logan, Sydney Learning Adventures and the Historic Houses Trust to interpret the archaeology of this site and the best means for reconstructing the site’s look and feel to create a meaningful and engaging historical experience for visitors.

The Big Dig Archaeology Education Centre

The Big Dig Archaeology Education Centre is used by education groups interested in learning about the archaeological and historical significance of the site. The centre facilitates experiential learning through hands-on activities and learning through historical interpretation.

Educational programs concentrate on the history of the Cumberland/Gloucester Street neighbourhood in the wider context of The Rocks as well as the 1994 Big Dig and archaeological excavation methods.

Innovative site presentation, audio tour and observation area

Some artefacts have been placed in the interpretive screens that adjoin the streets and lanes. Signs and photos provide historical interpretation of findings discovered on the site and direct visitors’ eyes to significant and interesting site remains.

It is envisaged an audio tour will be available for download onto personal MP3 players and audio devices will be available for hire from the YHA reception. The audio tour will be downloadable from yha.com.au, which will be accessible through the YHA’s Internet terminals.

The Sydney Harbour YHA

Interpretive elements have been incorporated into the interior design of the YHA to ensure guests are aware of the history and significance of where they are staying. Bedrooms have been named after people who lived on the site and there are information panels in the bedrooms, common areas and reception of the YHA. The building was designed so that all bedrooms lead out to an open corridor that allows guests to see down onto the archaeological remains.

Is the development sustainable?

YHA and The Sydney Harbour Foreshore Authority are committed to best practice management and dedicated to playing an active role in environmental conservation.

Sustainability has been a primary prerogative in the finalising of this building’s design and considerable attention has been paid to reducing the potential energy use of the building. The building has the following implemented:

• Air-conditioning for each bedroom is only be available upon guests’ request at reception. Even then, the system is only be available for heating or cooling until 10am the next day as the air-conditioning will be controlled by timing units that will cut-off at 10am daily.
• Rooms have been designed to be naturally ventilated for the most part of the year. There are large external shades on all bedroom windows which guests are able to move. Reed systems (installed on all windows) automatically cut-off the air-conditioning to that particular room when a window is opened.
• Energy-efficient lighting (fluorescent lamps, tubelights and incandescent lights) are supported by a key card cut-off system for access to private rooms.
• A solar-panelled DHW hot water system supported by a natural gas water heater.
• During peak demand periods the hostel uses a gas-powered generator, which has the capability of producing 25% of the hostel’s power requirements.
• Water usage is reduced by the use of 3A or greater WELS rated products for taps, showerheads and WCs.
• Water meters are specified to monitor major water use end-users. Guest rooms water use, laundry water use and the common area water usage are monitored separately.
• The roof areas are used to collect rainwater and an 80,000 litre rainwater collection tank harvests water for flushing toilets.

Guests are provided with recycling facilities and made aware (through signage) of environmental issues affecting Australia, including the need to conserve water due to drought.

What accessibility is included?

The foyer provides disabled access to adjacent lane-ways and The Big Dig. From the lobby there is disabled access to the lower level of the south wing of the YHA and to all three levels of the north wing as well as access to all common areas, including the reception, kitchen and staff areas.