Sandy Bay loo with a view big winner at Tasmanian design awards
Published on 21 June 2022
An innovative design that replaces a boring old toilet block at a popular Sandy Bay beach in Hobart with fully accessible toilets and an open air sound stage has won two awards at this year’s Tasmanian Architecture Awards.
“The architects have done an incredible job creating facilities that blend naturally into the landscape and are so much more than just a toilet block,” City of Hobart Lord Mayor Anna Reynolds said.
“Long Beach is a favourite destination for families and is home to a beautiful blend of sports fields, play spaces and the idyllic Little Sandy Bay foreshore.
“We now have an open air sound stage and performance space with views out to the River Derwent built over the top of a re-imagined amenities block that has two ambulant toilets and external showers for beachgoers.
“This is such an innovative addition to Long Beach and creates a space for parents who want to relax while their children have fun in the nearby playground and has already become an important part of the Hobart Twilight Market in summer.”
Preston Lane Architects received the Peter Willmott Award for Small Project Architecture as well as the Colorbond Award for Steel Architecture for their work on the Sandy Bay Long Beach Amenities at this year's Tasmanian Architect Awards.
The jury said the new amenities provide a "delightfully subtle interpretation of the toilet block typology".
"Careful colour selection and delicate articulation of the building envelope allows the building to bleed seamlessly into the landscape. This integration is enhanced by the earth of the playground extending over the building to form the roof, which in turn doubles as a performance stage.
"The introduction of the stage, a wonderful extension to the brief initiated by the architect, affords unexpected opportunities, with moments of delight such as those via a reflective porthole to the level below and regular occupation by local musicians.
"Long Beach Amenities is a wonderful example of how a small building can have a widespread and generous community impact, making it a sustainable typology for the future."
The project was made possible through a $685,000 Australian Government Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Grant.
Images: Adam Gibson