Designers of the building and Cox Architecture founders Philip Cox and Ian McKay received the Australian Institute of Architects’ Award for Enduring Architecture at the NSW Architecture Awards last week.

The award comes 50 years after the architecture duo and the college received the state’s top award for public architecture, the Sulman Medal.

Tocal College was built in 1964 and has survived in its entirety.

Accepting the award, Mr Cox said he was extremely proud of the achievement.

“It’s a rarity today to find an architectural structure surviving a half century without being significantly altered, and vandalised in the process,” he said.

“We’re delighted Tocal has stood the test of time and continues to show the value of respecting our built heritage and the ­architectural history of this country.”

The jury described the college as a “remarkable work of environmentally responsive architecture”, with the buildings, design concept and construction techniques appreciated and carefully maintained. 

It was also described by architectural ­historian JM Freeland as “epitomising the Sydney School of Architecture”, which was an informal group of architects who sought to create direct responses to Sydney’s unique topography and climate.