Whadjuk people of the Nyoongar nation
Western Australia
20 years after transforming the Rottnest General Store, H+AA return to holiday mode upgrading the shade structures and deck at the Rottnest Bakery.
The structures share an organic dialogue with the heritage listed Moreton Bay Fig trees, our intent was for the branches of the shelters to merge into the tree structure when viewed from a distance; sensitive to heritage aspects of the setting.
Shelters were pre fabricated as steel components on the mainland; transported to the island by barge and erected by hand (no crane). A trunk and branches support the gutter, subframe and canopy – which is screen printed to mitigate the mess between cleans (weekly in summer).
Canopies stagger in height retaining leaves/figs for removal, with a concealed drainage system directing rain water to the tree roots below.
Illumination of the “branches” extend hours of operation, supported by fresh bread and French Rotisserie treats.
The Rottnest Brief was to upgrade the outdoor decking eating area, a drab zone with limited shaded areas, it was impossible to manage the Quokka and bird problems. The outcome has been an extremely successful. The hero of the project is the shade structures which are functional and provide an element of built in lighting, sympathetic to the surroundings and provide the sense of uniqueness which is a conversation piece, providing an amenity which people want to be in and be seen in.
The Australian Institute of Architects acknowledges First Nations peoples as the Traditional Custodians of the lands, waters, and skies of the continent now called Australia.
We express our gratitude to their Elders and Knowledge Holders whose wisdom, actions and knowledge have kept culture alive.
We recognise First Nations peoples as the first architects and builders. We appreciate their continuing work on Country from pre-invasion times to contemporary First Nations architects, and respect their rights to continue to care for Country.
