Location
935 Mt Dandenong Tourist Rd, Montrose 3765
Client name
Yarra Ranges Council
Value
$1.3 MIL
Timeframe
2012-2017
Contractor
Consultant Team
Structural & Civil Engineer – Adams Consulting Engineers
Services Engineer – BRT Consulting
Acoustic Engineer – Watson Moss Growcott
Access Consultant – HSPC-DAC
Landscape Architect – Landprojects Pty Ltd
Geotechnical Engineer – Hardrock Geotechnical
Traffic Engineer – O’Brien Traffic
Quantity Surveyor – Plancost Australia
Building Surveyor – GE Building Surveyors
Photographer
Montrose Town Centre is a project that demonstrates the cumulative impact of design details, where the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. It collectively delivers a wealth of much needed community services within the one pleasurable environment.
We were engaged by Yarra Ranges Council to develop a new reception, foyer and library building for Montrose Town Centre. We took a holistic approach considering the neighbouring buildings, the adjacent park and the environmental setting at the foot of the Dandenong Ranges. Our masterplanned design refurbished and linked two free-standing 1980’s Peter Elliott-designed buildings – a community hall and a library/meeting building. We also incorporated a new maternal and child health facility and public toilets. Strategically connecting isolated buildings, we created one dynamic and fit-for-purpose facility that meets the diverse needs of the local community.
The expanded complex offers an enhanced civic presence to the park. The centralised entry and reception enables a more efficient staffing model and creates a convenient and secure point of access for all users.
The form and scale of the new entry building takes its cues from the geometric play of the original architecture, with the addition of strong geometric patterning to identify the new primary entry to the facility.
We worked closely with noted sculptor Anton Hasell who developed a cast bronze public art piece that is integrated with the architecture. The columns at the entry are clad with patterning reminiscent of the tree fern trunks commonly found throughout Dandenong Ranges. The artwork incorporates interactive elements such as cast bronze drums that visitors can ‘play’ in passing as well as three cast bronze bells which were set into the foyer wall to provide interest and playfulness to the interior.
It is this collection of small gestures and details – integrations, combinations, orientations, patterns – that collectively make a big impact. Our design experience means these details do not come at a large cost, yet they lift the mundane into the delightful.
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