Ken Woolley-designed townhouse granted state heritage listing

31 Oct 2025 By architectureau

An award-winning Paddington townhouse, designed by late Sydney architect Ken Woolley as a home for him and his wife, has been added to the New South Wales State Heritage Register.

Known as the Woolley Townhouse or Paddington House, the residence at 8A Cooper Street was completed in 1980 and served as the home of Woolley and his wife, Virginia Braden Woolley, for seven years. It is the third and final residence that Woolley designed for personal use.

From the street, the house appears as a walled compound, but from the rear garden, a dramatic round tower soars the full height of the three-storey structure. The house is regarded as a love letter to Woolley's wife, its sinuous form inspired by her love of the grand piano and her dream of becoming a concert pianist.

In August 2025, the Heritage Council of NSW announced the house was under consideration for state heritage listing, describing it as "an early demonstration of his [Woolley's] capacity to combine postmodern characteristics with Sydney School design." As a result of this process, the council has granted the listing, recognising the project as "an outstanding example of postmodern domestic design" and "a testament to Woolley's enduring legacy."

Sally Barnes, chair of the Heritage Council of NSW, said the heritage listing ensures the conservation and proper recognition of the townhouse's beauty and distinct character.

"From office towers to civic squares, churches to townhouses, Ken Woolley's range was extraordinary. His talent is on full display in the home he created for Virginia," said Barnes.

"Beyond its eye-catching design lies a story of love and creativity. I hope this listing inspires architects - both emerging and established - to look beyond the drafting table and think outside the box when imagining their project."

In a 2020 Revisited article for Houses, Peter Salhani spoke with Ken Woolley's eldest daughter, Anna Woolley, who shared fond memories of the home. "The bedrooms had a cosy cubby-house feel to them. They weren't big, but you felt incredibly safe. There was nothing at all showy about the house but it was very interesting. That's a reflection of Dad's quiet nature and his brilliant attention to detail," Anna said.