Collins and Turner have fashioned a rather spectacular new centre for the local community in Sydney’s Waterloo
August 14th, 2012
Revitalising an existing services block, the new-look building is designed to house the disadvantaged youth and family counseling service WEAVE, a not for profit organization.
Collins and Turner’s $3.5 million dollar construction was largely funded by a $2 million grant from the Federal Government’s Community Infrastructure Program.
Commissioned by the City of Sydney and this week opened by Lord Mayor Clover Moore MP and Federal Member for Sydney The Hon. Tanya Plibersek MP, the development mirrors the urban environment it services, with the striking canopies and trellises forming a framework for the growth of foliage, embedding the building in it’s immediate environment.
“As the plants mature and grow across the canopy the resulting landscape form will gradually merge with its park setting, becoming an abstract and sculptural green form punctuating the park boundary and visually merging with the adjacent tree canopies.” says architect Penny Collins.
A series of interlocking, but self-supporting elements – the canopy structure has been designed to allow for future demounting and relocating – allowing the retention of the existing slab and wall structures of the site.
Internally, the space is arranged in what Collins and Turner describe as a “pin wheel” plan that radiates from a central courtyard.
Housing over 14 staff, the facility incorporates meeting rooms, workspaces, chillout room, counseling and consulting facilities.
Drawing inspiration from the grass covered iron-age forts of Celtic Wales, as well as the Cedric Price designed aviary at London Zoo, Collins and Turner have cast the net wide in producing a contemporary and engaging safe-space.
Collins and Turner
A searchable and comprehensive guide for specifying leading products and their suppliers
Keep up to date with the latest and greatest from our industry BFF's!
Didier studio celebrates the harmony of democratic design and understated utility with the Gunzel seating and table collection.
Explore the captivating realm of molo, the world-renowned design studio led by Stephanie Forsythe and Todd MacAllen. molo’s acclaimed soft collection celebrates a unique fusion of art, design, and architecture and – crucially – sustainability.
This exciting new carpet design collaboration by GH Commercial with interior architect and product designer, Lorena Gaxiola, blends artistic flair and uncompromising precision.
Viccarbe’s design furniture concepts draw inspiration from the vibrant spirit of Valencia and have revolutionised interiors across the globe. Featuring celebrated designers such as John Pawson and internationally acclaimed collections, Viccarbe offers a contemporary perspective on modern commercial and residential spaces.
ID21 targets dynamism, energy and comfort for the co-working community at Spacemob Ascent.
The internet never sleeps! Here's the stuff you might have missed
Barry Jenkins has created the Venue Tables range based on principles of modularity, simplicity and sustainability – and they’re available exclusively through TCW in Australia.
Graduates’ portfolios embodied their commitment to harnessing design as a force for social improvement at the DIA’s Graduate of the Year Awards 2023.