Yarra Bay Amenities Upgrade

Melocco & Moore Architects were engaged for the refurbishment of the existing Yarra Bay amenities by Randwick City Council. The existing building located within Yarra Bay Bicentennial Park, was a dark and unwelcoming amenities block, which had become the subject of much anti-social behaviour.

The internal layout was completely re-figured to significantly increase the number of amenities for the popular park, the nearby beach and sports grounds. The new design also accommodated a modern stormwater treatment plant for the surrounding area, an upgraded beach hire facility and a staff room for Council workers.

The original multi-hipped roof was replaced with a simple pitched form, clad in aluminium standing seam roofing profile, which will withstand the harsh marine environment. This new roof embraced a large high-level louvred skylight. Internal ceilings rake up towards this source of light and ventilation, providing a bright and spacious area for all occupants. Site specific strip wall lighting enhanced the high volumes. These design elements solved the particular challenge of providing light and ventilation, without including glazing in the building.

Special attention was given to the choice of materials used throughout the project, in order to promote a greater sense of respect for the amenities and to provide a long-lasting addition to the park. The original external blond brick walls were maintained along with the decorative dark brick banding. Internal finishes were chosen for their robust vandal- resistant qualities. These included polished terrazzo partitioning to toilet and shower cubicles and pre-finished fibre cement sheeting to high level walls and ceilings.