The winning consortium for the design of the new Suttons Beach Public Space on Queensland’s Redcliffe Peninsula has been announced, following a national two-stage competition.
After its launch in October 2023, the competition – commissioned by City of Moreton Bay and overseen by Citylab – received more than 116 expressions of interest. Twenty five of those nominations progressed to stage one, with three shortlisted.
A proposal by Lahznimmo Architects with Plummer and Smith was unanimously selected by a jury comprising Amy Degenhart (the Australian Institute of Architects Queensland chapter president), Graham Burrows (director of Jackson Clements Burrows), Leah Lang (Queensland Government Architect), Nathalie Ward (director of Lat Studios), and Paul Cunningham (client project director at Moreton Bay City Council).
Lahznimmo Architects director Annabel Lahz said they wanted to create a contemporary pavilion that was not only responsive to its context but acknowledged the history of Suttons Beach, as well as the social and cultural significance of the site for the community.
A key design driver was to create a diverse range of spaces for the public to gather in.
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Lahznimmo Architects with Plummer and Smith
“Our response has been to use the new pavilion to stitch together a legible pedestrian network with enhanced accessible paths around the site and up to Marine Parade. The architecture of the pavilion through the use of a two storey colonnade, reinforces these new pathway connections, drawing park users through and around the building,” Lahz said.
“Another key design driver was to create a diverse range of spaces for the public to gather in: from the upper rooftop deck with views over the park and bay to covered seating in the colonnade and landscape as well as in the new rotunda.
“Whilst we appreciated the significance that the original art deco pavilion had for the community, we didn’t want to just replicate what was already there. Instead our design takes some clues from the original pavilion’s expression such as its curved corners, strong horizontal lines and concrete roof deck and integrates these into a contemporary beach pavilion.”
The winning proposal is designed to be versatile with options for sheltered seating, seating open to the elements and public areas that could accommodate events or temporary art installations. Plans show the heritage stairs located on the site have been transformed into a prominent feature, with the introduction of a vibrant flower bed and connections to a new public deck on the upper level of the pavilion that offers views of the bay and surrounding parklands.
Queensland Government Architect Leah Lang said the winning design features “a joyful interpretation of the much-loved existing rotunda.”
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Lahznimmo Architects with Plummer and Smith
Queensland Government Architect Leah Lang said the winning design demonstrated an in-depth understanding of the historical and cultural significance of the site, which was integrated in both the architectural and landscape design. “They sought to revitalise the space by bolstering commercial viability, accessibility, social connections, and a versatile landscape design for everyday activities and events,” she said.
“The reverse rotunda concept was inspiring and is a joyful interpretation of the much-loved existing rotunda providing a valuable space within the landscape that is welcoming and increases accessibility,” Lang said.
Source: Architecture - architectureau
