In re-designing the kiosk and public amenities building on Sydney’s iconic Tamarama Beach, Lahznimmo Architects set out to retain the same feel and sense of place as well as minimise the size and impact of buildings and concrete.

The $1.8 million project, commissioned by Waverly Council, also needed to retain green space and views, address the issues of park access and safety, and provide increased functionality.

A statement from the architects explains Tamarama Park is a beach park located between Bondi and Bronte Beaches on the coastline of the Eastern Suburbs of Sydney.

“The area enjoys an iconic reputation and the beach is popular with surfers and sunbathers, families and locals. Surrounded by stunning ocean and beach views, in addition to a dramatic sandstone escarpment which wraps around the beach and park, it is a unique site for a kiosk,” they explain.

They add: “The new design needed to respect the deep feelings of ownership for this space in the community while reflecting the unique character of the surrounding environment. The design uses materials and colours particular to Tamarama Beach, the surrounding headland and sandstone escarpment to retain a sense of place.

“The buildings also sit back quietly against the landscape to become a backdrop to the varied activities of the park and beach. Designed as linear elements, the buildings form an edge to the landscape and reinforce the existing pedestrian pathways and beach promenade.”

Other improvements that the architects say resulted from the updated design in its new location at the south side of the beach are that the new hub away from vehicles making the park much safer (pedestrian safety had been a major issue in the past). This solution preserves view lines across the park and the beach. It is also sunnier in winter so the kiosk can remain open longer in the cooler months.

As well as a kiosk the new facilities include lots of shaded seating and a ‘spill-out’ area, new showers and toilets, shady picnic tables and a much-improved children’s playground.

The kiosk and services building maximise natural ventilation and daylight to reduce their energy requirements. Other initiatives such as solar hot water heating and low energy use lighting also minimise energy consumption.

Photography by: Brett Boardman

Nathan Johnson

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