Joynton Avenue Creative Precinct

The primary building, which is an addition of the Esme Cahill Building, elegantly and creatively responds to the original structure its builds upon. The seven flat arches that were an important gesture of the original facade have been dramatically extruded to form a large 25 metre verandah, covered by the seven timber vaulted archways. The original facade was inspired by Italian architect Filippo Brunelleschi and has been included in a local heritage register. The transformation of the archways form a 2D to a 3D feature is a sensitive response to a historic renovation. Timber has been a major force in the material palette of the project, used as both a utilitarian material in the plywood joinery, and as a grander gesture in the archways. The diversity of the material is celebrated by it’s use in detailing to exterior cladding. The pared back palette also features corrugated copper over the archways, exquisitely detailed and pulled tight with hardwood battens. Copper detailing is a recurring motif through the addition, also forming protective ledges at the east and western ends of the canopy. Glass gutters nestle in between the arches, allowing light fractures to enter, and directing water away. Blackbutt timber was chosen for exterior and interior lining, both for it’s aesthetic and performance. As a class 1 timber, blackbutt has the longevity required for a public building. The timber’s warmth is enhanced by the fragments of light peaking through the glass gutters. The timber also acts as a material connection between the primary building and the community shed.