The project is the culmination of 6 years of work from the initial design competition to handover. From the outset we sought to draw inspiration from the cultural richness of Windale and biodiversity of the surrounding area, to breath new life into the commercial centre and provide Windalians with much needed community infrastructure.

Part civic building, part community living room, the building is split into four main areas linked by an internal ‘street’; Community Hall, Public Library, Community Offices and Meeting Rooms, and a Youth Maker Space. This required a large floor plate on a sloping site. We utilised a sloping walkway to link the levels as well as for the library collection. Vaulted ceilings and internal courtyards draw in natural light and ventilation.

Externally the building undulates along Lake St, reaching its highest point towards the adjacent shopping strip. The rhythm of the facade, roof forms and awnings respond to the surrounding residential and commercial context and signal points of entry and the different functions within.

A folded screen made of perforated metal serves to shade the facade and enliven the streetscape, the vivid colours of local wildflowers revealing themselves as people move around the building, creating surprise and delight in the everyday passing of the building.

The double gable forms are also a nod to the post-war community hall that previously occupied the site.

The internal programme is mixed and designed to cater for a wide range of purposes and also include co-working spaces, a recording studio, maker space and kiosk.

Outdoors a tiered grass area provides an impromptu performance space, and native planting creates shade and informal places for people to mill.

The overarching intent behind the project is more than a built outcome, it is about creating a welcoming space for the community to gather, access essential services, celebrate the cultural diversity and richness of Windale, experiment, play, learn and be proud.