AIA Architecture Awards Small Project Architecture Commendation 2016
This project establishes a 'hole in the wall' take-away coffee tenancy on the corner of Walcott Street and Raglan Road in Mount Lawley. Within a compact footprint of 11 sqm the tenancy occupies a redundant services recess in an isolated corner of an existing retail complex. The tenancy was conceived as a simple robust box when closed, using client graffiti and vandalism concerns as a design generator rather than a restriction, which opens up to reveal a finely crafted interior when in operation. The exposed joint cladding was selected to compliment the colour scheme of the existing complex whilst at the same time providing the tenancy with its own identity. A large north facing folding window, polished concrete counter, outdoor alfresco area under a tree, canopy consisting of a series of folded linked black aluminum trays and a mural by local artist Daek William invite passers by to engage with the tenancy. We believe the project is a good example of the adaptive re-use of small under-utilised spaces as well as a small additions ability to activate its surrounding area and engage with its local community. Building shell constructed by Capella Constructions and fitout by Medalia Made.