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The dramatic transformation of this amenities
building into a refined and contemporary
building has been resolved with clarity and
thoughtful detail.
The original brick and concrete block has
been clad with recycled timber post screens
on all four sides, the attention to detail and
consideration of which is skilfully resolved.
The architects have also made sense of
the existing building’s awkward siting with
a reconfiguration of the plan to provide
additional toilets and a wash basin area with
views out to the ocean. This move has inverted
the building and created a special moment for
visitors as they use and experience the site.
The jury were struck by the project’s logical
design and sophisticated resolution - including
retention of the original building - which
provides Waverley Council with a durable
and beautiful amenities building that will age
gracefully and withstand the challenging
coastal conditions.
Photo: Brett Boardman
SMALL PROJECT ARCHITECTURE
ARCHITECTURE AWARD
Marks Park Amenities
Sam Crawford Architects
The Warships Exhibition forms part of a
new permanent exhibition at the Australian
Maritime Museum. It is a complete project in
many ways; a simple gesture resolved in detail
akin to industrial design, the modular design
is adaptable to a constantly evolving range of
exhibition objects.
The exhibition design reflects naval materials
and technology, and its centre piece 10-metre
long tables of curved black steel evoke the
industrial tradition of steel shipbuilding. The
raw aesthetic of these techniques is evidenced
in the roll marks of the table’s hot rolled steel
skin, which is supported on a steel frame
accessible for exhibition installation and
service runs.
Breaking the rules of traditional exhibition
design, here the emphasis is on tactile and
physical engagement. Objects are exhibited
at various levels and depths giving good lines
of sight and access to touch exhibits. Display
fixtures and fittings are finished to reflect
the warship aesthetic, and the resolution of
these kit-of-display-parts shows a thorough
understanding of fabrication and detail.
Photo: Brett Boardman
Warships Exhibition
studioplusthree
Watt Space Art Gallery is located within the
heritage listed Northumberland House in
Newcastle’s CBD. It is an exercise in restraint
that reveals the best elements of the original
building and embraces the opportunities this
reveals, while new elements are added with
precision and respect.
Original features such as exposed off-form
concrete beams, soffits and parquetry floors
are revealed and contrasted with a plane of
new white display walls that tread through
the building. Reused lighting is artfully run
throughout the gallery spaces on a black steel
section. Original Newcastle County planning
maps concealed in cavities are now on display
in the entrance lobby.
The role of the third iteration of Watt Space
Gallery in Newcastle’s student and cultural
life over 25 years is to be admired. The larger
significance of this small project providing
new and experimental artists a student run
venue in which to exhibit is invaluable to the
community.
Photo: Brett Boardman
Watt Space Gallery
Andrew Donaldson Architecture and
Design
Opposite: Marks Park Amenities by Sam Crawford Architects, 2016 Small Project Architecture Award winner.
Photo: Brett Boardman
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