Malabar Ocean Pool Change & Amenities
ONGOING / Malabar, NSW
An embedded building with universal access.
The Malabar Ocean Pool will have its very own toilets and change rooms for the first time.
Designing for Views, Access and Belonging
Architecture connects cultural sites, natural beauty and community use.
The dedicated amenities building will also serve the millions of users of the Eastern Beaches Coastal Walkway with its spectacular views and experiences – from whale watching to Indigenous sites. The pool, a much valued and popular community asset, is located on the iconic walk and is one of the only ocean pools with step free access and a ramp from the pool concourse to the pool itself.
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“Careful siting minimises the impact in this highly valued natural landscape setting.”
Conceived as a sculptural element, the amenities have been carefully sited to reduce impact from the public domain, and yet still be located close to the pool. The facilities include an accessible toilet, two all-gender cubicles, services room, and two change rooms. A circular oculus lets light in, connects to the sky, casting playful circular shadows on the building façade.
Circular skylights amongst the roof planting provide natural light to the toilets below. Materiality was informed by public use and the coastal environment, with aluminium battens providing durability and colour, contrasting with robust off-form corrugated concrete roof edge and walls.
The pool is located on Bidjigal and Gadigal land, with Boora (Malabar Headland) a place for initiations and ceremony. Originally a natural pool, in 1909 an ocean pool opened but by 1957 it was deemed unfit for swimming due to sewage. After four decades of disuse local schools lobbied for upgrades and the pool reopened in 1997.
The amenities enhance the Malabar Ocean Pool experience by providing essential facilities that respect both the site’s cultural significance and natural beauty.
Malabar Ocean Pool Change & Amenities Gallery
| Project info | Details |
|---|---|
| Team | Sam Crawford, Benjamin Chan, Justin Pak |
| Consultants | Engineer (Multi-disciplinary): JN Geotech: JK Geotechnics Hydraulic Engineer: InLine Hydraulic Services Landscape Architect: Sue Barnsley Design Town Planner: Planning Ingenuity Access Consultant: Group DLA BCA Consultant: Group DLA QS: Mitchell Brandtman Water Services: Opal Water Management |
| Council | Randwick City Council |
| Completion | Ongoing |
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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