Wan
New South Wales
The soft Y shape of the Hurlstone Memorial Reserve Community Centre welcomes the local community with multiple access points and vistas.
The shape of the building minimises the building mass, allows views through the building from key park entry points whilst framing views to all areas of the park.
The layout also allows spaces around the building to be maximised for public use. Each side forms a sheltered courtyard, and facilitates circulation around the building so that no one side is the back.
The pavilion is lifted off the ground to avoid flooding and to provide seating around the edge. The three curved sides feature large glass doors adding transparency, cross ventilation, and accessibility.
Perforated screens on the roof and undulating facade create a lantern effect offering views out and up, bringing light in, and promoting safety. The materials, colours and forms complement the Federation heritage of the area.
Award for Small Project Architecture
This modest Community Centre, located towards the rear of a park, is a joyous and unexpected discovery at the end of a suburban street.
A red mesh screen confidently announces the pavilion’s presence and physically unifies this outwardly public project. Sitting a couple of metres from the ground, the screen wraps around the timber clad pods of the community centre and public toilet, while a raised platform creates a pleasant outdoor room. It echoes the colours of the suburban vernacular, to create a positive uplift and complement to the local area.
The Y-shape plan invites approach from multiple directions and creates varying activations of the park along its edges. Once inside, it is a double height and beautiful space.
The interior of the community space is also elegant and pleasing. Care has been taken on material specification and detailing to assure it is inviting, yet robust and versatile.
The project demonstrates what can be achieved by an imaginative architect and landscape architect, and a brave client determined to create a project of public and community value.
Award for Small Project Architecture
This modest Community Centre, located towards the rear of a park, is a joyous and unexpected discovery at the end of a suburban street.
A red mesh screen confidently announces the pavilion’s presence and physically unifies this outwardly public project. Sitting a couple of metres from the ground, the screen wraps around the timber clad pods of the community centre and public toilet, while a raised platform creates a pleasant outdoor room. It echoes the colours of the suburban vernacular, to create a positive uplift and complement to the local area.
The Y-shape plan invites approach from multiple directions and creates varying activations of the park along its edges. Once inside, it is a double height and beautiful space.
The interior of the community space is also elegant and pleasing. Care has been taken on material specification and detailing to assure it is inviting, yet robust and versatile.
The project demonstrates what can be achieved by an imaginative architect and landscape architect, and a brave client determined to create a project of public and community value.
Repurposing a former lawn bowl club site, the centre has breathed new life into the area, providing a vital meeting space that was previously lacking. This has fostered greater connectivity, encouraging social interactions and community engagement. The integration of the centre into the existing reserve has revitalized the park, enriching the quality of life for residents.
The community’s response to the design of the centre is overwhelmingly positive, meeting the diverse needs of local residents. It has transformed a neglected space into a vibrant community hub and enriches the daily life of residents, fostering connections and promoting well being for future generations.
AED Consulting, Access & BCA Consultant
Damian O’Toole Town Planning & Heritage Services, Town Planner
Day Design, Acoustic Consultant
Evolved Engineering, Electrical Engineer / Mechanical Engineer / Environmental Engineer
Gallagher Studio, Landscape Consultant
GeoEnviro Consultancy, Environmental Engineer
Group DLA Access Pty Ltd, PCA
Partridge, Hydraulic Consultant
Rose Atkins Rimmer Infrastructure, Water Services Coor.
Rygate Surveyors, Surveyor
Stantec, Structural Engineer / Civil Engineer
Z&L Consulting, Quantity Surveyor