New Suttons Beach 'pavilion' revealed

Artistic impressions © lahznimmo architects with Plummer & Smith.

The winning design in a competition to replace the iconic Suttons Beach pavilion has been unveiled today by Moreton Bay City Council.

lahznimmo architects' proposal with Plummer & Smith, was selected by a jury of architectural design experts and it has been endorsed by Council.

Suttons Beach Public Space project will now move into the next phase of design development which will refine the initial concept.

Run by professional advisors CityLab, the two-stage competition launched in November with architects invited to help redevelop the famous Redcliffe site.

The Australian Institute of Architects-endorsed competition attracted 116 registrations of interest with 25 stage one competitors vying to be shortlisted.

Video of design winner below

After a rigorous review process, including a presentation from the three shortlisted teams, the winning design was unanimously selected by the jury of architectural design experts, which included Queensland Government architect Leah Lang.

City of Moreton Bay Mayor Peter Flannery congratulated lahznimmo architects with Plummer & Smith on their design proposal.

“I was impressed when I saw the winning design and what the future holds for this iconic site,” Mayor Flannery said.

“I can see much thought and understanding of this unique place has influenced the design, from the history of the site through to the surrounding landscape and Council is proud to endorse the jury’s selection.

“This project will ensure City of Moreton Bay residents, and visitors alike, have access to a thoughtfully designed multi-purpose building, and refreshed park area, they can enjoy for generations to come.”

Picture gallery - click through

Queensland Government Architect Leah Lang congratulated City of Moreton Bay for the competition and CityLab for the manner in which it was run.

“Designing a public building is complex and ensures rigorous thinking to create spaces that are not only fit for the local environment but are also designed well for the people who will use it," she said.

“lahznimmo architects with Plummer & Smith’s design proposal demonstrated an in-depth understanding of the historical and cultural significance of the site, integrating this into their design and landscaping elements.

“They sought to revitalise the space by bolstering commercial viability, accessibility, social connections, and a versatile landscape design for everyday activities and events.

“The reverse rotunda concept was inspiring and is a joyful interpretation of the much-loved existing rotunda providing a valuable space within the landscape that is welcoming and increases accessibility.”

lahznimmo architects Director Annabel Lahz said her team was honoured that their design was selected for such a significant project and unique site.

“We wanted to create a contemporary pavilion that was responsive to its context in addition to acknowledging the history of Suttons Beach and the significant social and cultural memories it holds for the community,” she said.

“Our response has been to use the new pavilion to stitch together a legible pedestrian network with enhanced accessible paths around the site and up to Marine Parade. The architecture of the pavilion through the use of a two storey colonnade, reinforces these new pathway connections, drawing park users through and around the building.

“Another key design driver was to create a diverse range of spaces for the public to gather in: from the upper rooftop deck with views over the park and bay to covered seating in the colonnade and landscape as well as in the new rotunda.

“Whilst we appreciated the significance that the original art deco pavilion had for the community, we didn’t want to just replicate what was already there. Instead our design takes some clues from the original pavilion’s expression such as its curved corners, strong horizontal lines and concrete roof deck and integrates these into a contemporary beach pavilion.

New design explained video

“The new design also includes opportunities for indoor dining and outdoor seating, enhanced public amenities, and areas that could be used for events or temporary art installations within the pavilion and its surrounds.

“The heritage stairs are celebrated and highlighted with a vibrant flower bed and connect to a new generous public deck, on the upper level of the pavilion, which provides beautiful views over the park and bay."

Cr Karl Winchester (Div 6) said the new design gives the Redcliffe community a new space and unique design aesthetic.

“It’s a striking design that befits our coastal location as a seaside community and destination," he said.

“I am impressed with how the designers have catered to the local climate with a range of comfortable shelters, open spaces, wind and rain protection, and ample airflow to enjoy summer breezes."