Depena Reserve Amenities
2018 Kamey Country / Dolls Point, NSW
Light and airy, and secure.
The design of a new amenities building for Bayside Council strikes the balance between a light and airy space with ample natural ventilation and daylight, with the requirement for passive security.
An Amenities Building Renewed
An existing structure is rearticulated through proportion, light, and form.
The new building, built partially within the shell of an older structure, significantly increases capacity, whilst providing an accessible entry path, and a lunch room for council maintenance staff.
Discover more
“Legend has it that Dolls Point was named for a young escaped convict who took shelter in the dunes to evade authorities. Dolls Point forms part of the promontory north of where the Georges River flows into Botany Bay. Aboriginal people have camped, fished and hunted in the area for thousands of years. Evidence of their occupation of the area in the form of shell middens and spear heads is still being uncovered.”
We carefully designed the building to allow north light to penetrate deep into the space via a large, north-facing skillion roof. This light is amplified by strips of translucent roofing above a communal, open wash trough.
The decorative brick herringbone pattern discourages graffiti and references other amenities commissioned by Bayside Council along the shores of Botany Bay. Rainwater is captured and delivered to underground soaker pits and water use is minimised via the use of efficient fixtures. The new design incorporated four large well-loved mosaics by artist Steven Vella previously located on each side of the former building.
Situated on the shores of Botany Bay in the south of Sydney, Depena Reserve is a very popular weekend destination for family picnics, fishing and kite surfing. The tired existing amenities were not equipped to cope with peak demand.
Depena Reserve Amenities Gallery
| Project info | Details |
|---|---|
| Team | Sam Crawford, Ben Chan, Anna Paton, Ken Warr |
| Builder | 2020 Projects |
| Consultants | Structural Engineer – Partridge Hydraylic Engineer – ITM Design Electrical Engineer – Lighting Art + Science QS – Bylett and Associates |
| Client | Bayside Council |
| Photographer | Brett Boardman |
| Completion | 2018 |
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.
Discover moreMore Urban & Public Projects
Marks Park Amenities
At the Bondi end of Sydney’s Coastal Walk, as the narrow track bends into the curving headlands, the…
Wicks Park Amenities
A lantern in the park. Our concept for new amenities in Wicks Park was a lantern in the…