By Katz Architecture
Site Response inspires Awarded Design
The view of Mt Dandenong to the east provides the spiritual basis for the architectural response.
The building Form responds to the mountain range beyond providing an undulating architectural response. An exploration of forms resulted in simple triangulated roof planes that are pitched, creating dynamic angled edges that contrast with the flat site and create a dialogue with the mountain range beyond.
The site is indeed part of a natural environment with the mountain range beyond. With the sports fields to the south, a clear focus emerges in the north center of the site, overlooking the fields and promoting connection with functions in the site.
The building is positioned to be close to the action, with each sports field considered in terms of proximity, access, and views. Inserting itself into the prime position, the multipurpose social space is centered on the main soccer field, from where views are possible to each of the other sports fields.
It is shaped expressively in response to its context and sensitive surrounding trees, with thin ends enabling easy circulation around the form and providing excellent response to CPTED. In this way it is an integrated part of the entire park.
The building is sited safely out of the main flood zone to be elevated over the sports fields. Support spaces are aligned on either side of the multipurpose space, with the possibility of future expansion to the north envisaged and encouraged with a second entry point from the north, thereby proving a strong activation and welcoming connection to the community side of the reserve.
The building is shaped expressively, with thin ends enabling easy circulation around the form and providing an excellent response to CPTED. Inserting itself into the prime position, the multipurpose social space is centered on the main soccer field, from where views are possible to each of the other sports fields. Inserting itself into the prime position, the multipurpose social space is centered on the main soccer field, from where views are possible to each of the other sports fields.
All facades are important and activated with glass, dynamic cladding, and clear reference points of arrival. Each approach to the building is considered: the main approach from the west sees a dramatic cantilevered form that opens up and directs the way clearly to the main arrival point. To the east, the facade folds down to meet the ground and encourage movement on either side.
Location Vermont South, Victoria
Client Whitehorse City Council
Project Cost $7.0m
Area: 774 sqm
Status: Completed, 2022
Photographer: John Best, Paul Katz
Katz Architecture is a people focused practice, motivated by the needs of our client and seeing these resolved in a functional and poetic response to each specific site. Our simple desire is:
Enriching Spaces – Enriching lives
Founded on strong community experience, we desire to give back to communities through design and delivery. Under this mandate, Katz Architecture has grown to complete projects in a broad range of sectors including:
Katz Architecture embraces cutting edge technology and is running state of the art BIM (Building Information Modelling) systems on all projects. Such systems help us to design, illustrate, coordinate and deliver the highest level of professional service.
Our Approach
We start by looking forward.
We listen, collaborate, question and explore.
We examine detail, investigate opportunities and firm up solutions.
Our goal is to design spaces with value and purpose.
Create
Balancing budget with brief, we leverage our knowledge and understanding of our client’s objectives to design enriched buildings that deliver real value.
Experience
We’re there for our clients throughout the project journey, ensuring details are followed through from inception to delivery.