Elizabeth Bay Marina in Australia by lahznimmo architects

Article source: lahznimmo architects

lahznimmo architects were engaged by RMS in 2016 to provide lead consultancy services for the redevelopment of the Elizabeth Bay Marina. The existing facility was is in a deteriorated condition and in need of replacement. In order to meet continued operational requirements, the new facility was to be designed and constructed on a tight project time line.

Set at the edge of Beare Park, the existing building footprint and height set up the immediate expectation for the scale for the new development, particularly from the neighbouring residential community. Any increase in the building form, in particular width and height, would affect views from Beare Park and the residential developments to the south. The modest approach to form is then in keeping with the scale and setting of Beare Park, with the residential buildings the dominant backdrop; overlooking the park and marina, to the harbour beyond.

Image Courtesy © Ben Guthrie

• Architects: lahznimmo architects
• Project: Elizabeth Bay Marina
• Location: Elizabeth Bay, Australia
• Photography: Steve Back, Ben Guthrie

Image Courtesy © Ben Guthrie

Set directly off the promenade the marina platform is conceived as an extension of the walkway, allowing public access and views through the building to the water’s edge. As the new buildings had to be raised by 800mm to accommodate high tide flooding, equitable ramp access was required at the buildings address to the promenade. By splitting the deck levels into two levels of 400mm the impact of the ramping was mitigated. The ramp was then located off to the side of the main stairway and entry axis, with the mid level of the ramp linking to the kayak storage.

Image Courtesy © Ben Guthrie

Image Courtesy © Ben Guthrie

Maintaining views through the building to the water were also a fundamental design consideration. Splitting the building forms with a generous central gangway, and situating the open the kayak storage area at the front of the building, maximises views from Beare Park and the approach down Ithaca Rd to the harbour.

Our design approach was to work with the palette of materials and forms associated with the site and traditional working maritime facilities. The recycled ironbark timber cladding is oil finished with the intention that it will grey in time – aging alongside the neighbouring sandstone block seawall.

Image Courtesy © Ben Guthrie

Image Courtesy © Ben Guthrie

Image Courtesy © Ben Guthrie

Image Courtesy © Ben Guthrie

Image Courtesy © Steve Back

Tags: Australia, Elizabeth Bay

Categories: public spaces, Renovation, Restaurant

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