Coogee Beach Café & Amenities
ONGOING / Coogee, NSW
A new cafe and public amenities are inspired by the Coogee coastline, First Nations Songlines, and the seaweed that gives Coogee its name.
They sit sensitively within the surrounding environment, maximise the orientation towards the park and beach, and meet the demands of the marine environment.
Architecture that connects and protects
Form creates continuity while safeguarding daily use.
Connecting with Country principles are embedded in the design - the layout forms a sweeping arc reflecting the shape of the coastline, at a significant ceremonial nexus for local Aboriginal people.
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“Responding to community needs there are additional female and male toilets, a communal washbasin, a large outdoor covered cafe seating area and storage for council operations and Coogee SLSC. Enhanced accessibility and sight lines encourage community usage.”
Three modules house new male and female toilets, bus stop, and a café with outside dining, all connected by a curved concrete roof.
The incisions between the modules support ceremonial connections to Songlines, and together with softened structural edges they reduce bulk and increase visual permeability.
The Local Dharawal lore on rotting crayweed management is referenced in the pavement and facade patterning.
There is activation of the south, east and west frontages, whilst careful planning ensures users are protected from wind. The floor level is raised slightly to avoid flooding and preserve existing trees, and skylights allow in natural light and ventilation.
Durable low maintenance materials include off-form concrete, face brick work, anodised aluminium battens and stainless steel.
A “U” glass facade system acts as a wind screen for the bus shelter.
Replacing a dilapidated building, the design embraces its unique context with high quality fixtures and generous facilities, providing an enhanced experience for the millions of beach visitors.
Coogee Beach Café & Amenities Gallery
| Project info | Details |
|---|---|
| Team | Sam Crawford, Benjamin Chan, Justin Pak |
| Consultants | Structural & Civil Engineer: Bligh Tanner Electrical, Hydraulic, Mechanical Engineer: JN Geotech: GeoFirst Landscape Architect: Oculus Town Planner: ASquare Planning Access Consultant: Morris Goding BCA Consultant: BCA Vision Section J Consultant: Partners Energy Connecting with Country Consultant: Bangawarra Arborist: TreeIQ |
| Council | Randwick City Council |
| Completion | Ongoing |
| Published | Architecture&Design |
What we do
Urban & Public
We design public buildings and civic spaces that foster community connection, cultural expression and a sense of belonging. From libraries to public domain projects, our work is shaped by purpose, context and collaboration. These are places designed for people, built to enrich the cities and neighbourhoods they sit within.
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