i2C Architects has been appointed to design a two-level community hub in the Western Sydney suburb of Vineyard.
Located on the corner of McGrath and Windsor roads, the hub will include a childcare centre, a community playground, a gym, a car park, two food and beverage outlets with an oversized alfresco area, and a range of open spaces.
The firm describes its design for the hub as “vibrant and fantastical,” drawing inspiration from its semi-rural surroundings and other Sydney projects such as the Grounds of Alexandria.
“Sydney’s CBD is bustling with family and youth-centric spaces for communities to congregate, but Vineyard and surrounding areas have not yet seen a space that keeps up with the residential developments in the area,” said i2C project designer Maryanne Daher.
“The design had to respond to fire and flooding requirements, however, we didn’t want to compromise on bringing a whimsical feel to the centre. We envisage the space to have a character of its own; a true destination for locals and visitors.”
“We’ve chosen large man-made tree-like canopies, and working hand in hand with landscaping experts Lark Collective, these will be adorned with seasonal florals,” said project architect Dino Delotavo. “Rustic and artistic walkways will nod to the site’s past with cascading vines and shapes within the outdoor walkways that are reminiscent of the nursery, like birds and butterflies.”
From street view, passers-by will see barn-like structures, with planted green walls providing pops of colour and natural materials such as charred timber and cobblestone used throughout.
The proponents are aiming to receive development approval by the end of the year, with construction to commence shortly afterwards.
Source: Architecture - architectureau
