Thornlands Medical Centre
In an effort to develop a "hands on" understanding of the functional issues confronting modern practice, KIRK undertook several field studies of established surgeries. The award winning design is responsive to the needs of staff and clients alike, creating an accessible and comfortable environment.
Location
Queensland
Client
Davdeboug Pty Ltd
Status
Completed 1999
Context
The elevated site with views to Moreton Bay is bound by two high volume roads to the east and west. To the north of the site is a commercial premises operating from an existing 1950’s residence and two 1950s detached dwellings adjoin the southern boundary.
Concept
The geometry of the single level building is established by the shape of the site and carpark. The entry is organised to address both street frontages and carparks which effectively divides the building into two parts – north and south. This simple parti assisted in providing a flexible tenancy configuration which is also comprehensible externally with the interlocking and overlapping forms.
The process for this building focused on rationalising the potentially conflicting requirements of a commercial function set within a residential context.
Materials
The building provides a high degree of natural light whilst maintaining privacy internally. A great portion of the building glazing is screened by externally mounted folded anodised aluminium blades. This effectively conceals the conventionality and simplicity of the glazing and wall cladding systems whilst providing a reasonably complex layer to the building. The anodised blades are vertically placed which activates the building at night by the staccato effect they have on passing traffic.
The anodised blades are vertically placed which activates the building at night by the staccato effect they have on passing traffic. This effect coincides with the peak operational period of the building and the maximum traffic on the adjoining roads.
| RAIA Regional Commendation | 2000 |
