The Dentist by Rob Kennon Architects
Built on the land of the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin nation Abbotsford, Victoria
Jury citation This project constitutes a remarkably clever resolution for a dental practice within the fabric of an inner-city Melbourne suburb. Using the scale, materiality and density of Victorian terrace housing on a street-corner allotment, Rob Kennon Architects has unlocked the space by wrapping the footpath into the body of the site. This seemingly simple move reconciles the entire proposition, resulting in an intriguing entry sequence, a purposeful plan and universal accessibility – while sensitively negotiating the heritage fabric.
By borrowing the materiality of the surrounds, and even deploying bitumen as part of the continuation of the entry sequence, the architect has made this unusual setting for a dental practice into a success. Continuing a dialogue with the exterior materiality of the context, the interiors are subtle and restrained, resulting in a calm, egalitarian reception that avoids being clinical.
The jury noted how seamlessly the dental practice occupies the spaces, which bespeaks a durable and purposeful architectural outcome – and attests to attention and professional care on the part of the architect.
Architect Rob Kennon Architects; Project team Rob Kennon, Maia Cookson; Builder Gmakcon; Structural engineer Vert Engineering; Building surveyor Metro Building Surveying; Photographer Derek Swalwell
Jury citation Long Beach Amenities by Preston Lane is a compelling example of how a fundamental piece of infrastructure can enrich a site and diversify its public amenity. It is uncommon to see so much care afforded to such a prosaic building type executed so minimally. The high-quality offering bespeaks a deeper civic intention by both the practice and the client.
The amenities are cleverly buried to manage the topography and oriented to existing playground facilities, with a rooftop terrace doubling as an informal gathering space or public stage. The subterranean nature of the facilities is playfully accented by skylights and screens – which help to mediate light, privacy and the connection to the adjacent landscape and trees.
Architect Preston Lane; Project team Daniel Lane, Benn Turner, Rachel Licht, Sara Chugg, Nathan Moate; Builder Macquarie Builders; Structural engineer, hydraulic consultant Aldanmark; Electrical consultant Engineering Solutions Tasmania; Building surveyor Holdfast Consulting; Photographer Adam Gibson