Project: Alexandra Gardens Pavilion, Ararat

In 2014 we were approached to design new public amenities in the Alexandra Gardens in Ararat. The gardens are included in the Heritage Overlay of the Ararat Planning Scheme. The brief was subsequently extended to include new change rooms and associated facilities for the refurbished Ararat Olympic Swimming Pool and a small café/kiosk to serve both precincts.

The new building was conceived as a simple rectilinear form screened by hardwood battens to reflect the shadehouse that once dominated the northern slopes of the gardens. The pool elevation was designed with a more open character and with a vibrant colour scheme reflecting the more active character of the swimming pool precinct. The building is sited at the interface between the gardens and the swimming pool precinct and the café/kiosk seating takes advantage of views across Alexander Lake. Water harvesting measures have been incorporated into the building and the construction of the kiosk and café structure are designed to allow for potential expansion.