A loo with a view, one that demonstrates how designing public amenities takes more than just bricks and mortar

After the successful refurbishment of these amenity blocks for Rockdale City Council, the team at Fox Johnston have been engaged to complete more facilities of this nature throughout the local government area.

Fox Johnston’s design seeks to address the existing problems of structural decay, the deterring of antisocial behaviour as well as the consideration of ongoing maintenance and cleaning, given the exposed oceanside location.

Electing to reinvest in as many of the materials already at hand, the architects have reused as much of the existing 1950’s and 1960’s fabric as possible.

In a step away from the practice of traditionally enclosing buildings of this nature, Fox Johnston have fashioned a series of structures that breathe; the slatted use of reclaimed timbers and louvered concrete panels allowing for natural light and natural ventilation – the undulating form of the structures then becoming assets of privacy and demarcating entry and exit points.

Receiving a commendation at the recent 2013 NSW Architecture Awards, the project’s performance has been well matched in its visual appeal. Responsive to each of the unique sites as well as addressing the social and financial limitations that come with designing for public conveniences, Fox Johnston believe they have “successfully challenged the archetype of a sleazy seaside amenities block”.

Fox Johnston

foxjohnston.com.au