An award-winning townhouse in Paddington, designed by the late Sydney architect Ken Woolley as a personal residence for himself and his wife, has been officially added to the New South Wales State Heritage Register. The distinctive residence, known as both the Woolley Townhouse and Paddington House, represents a significant milestone in Australian postmodern domestic architecture.
The three-story residence at 8A Cooper Street was completed in 1980 and served as the home of Ken Woolley and his wife, Virginia Braden Woolley, for seven years. This unique property holds special significance as the third and final residence that the acclaimed architect designed for his personal use. The house's design reflects Woolley's innovative approach to residential architecture during the postmodern period.
From street level, the house presents itself as a mysterious walled compound, offering little hint of the architectural drama that lies beyond. However, from the rear garden, visitors are greeted by a stunning round tower that soars the full height of the three-story structure, creating a dramatic focal point. The residence is widely regarded as a love letter from Woolley to his wife, with its flowing, sinuous form directly inspired by Virginia's passion for the grand piano and her dreams of becoming a concert pianist.
In August 2025, the Heritage Council of NSW announced that 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." Following a comprehensive review process, the council has now granted the official listing, recognizing the project as an outstanding example of postmodern domestic design and a lasting testament to Woolley's enduring architectural legacy.
Sally Barnes, chair of the Heritage Council of NSW, emphasized the importance of the heritage listing in ensuring the conservation and proper recognition of the townhouse's distinctive beauty and unique 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," Barnes stated. She added, "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 projects."
The personal significance of the home was further illuminated in a 2020 article for Houses magazine, where Peter Salhani interviewed Ken Woolley's eldest daughter, Anna Woolley, who shared cherished memories of growing up in the unique residence. "The bedrooms had a cozy 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 recalled, providing intimate insights into how the architectural masterpiece functioned as a family home.
