Signal Box
Alex Mcintyre Photography

Signal Box

Derive Architecture and Design as Architects

The new building works were deliberately modestly scaled, light and detailed structure to serve as a counterpoint to the 1936 Built State Heritage Listed “O” Type Signal Box rail control building – Flemish Bond Masonry, Concrete and Steel Typologies from the UK. The design of a light filigree exposed structure, free spanning suspended platform of steel, concrete and glass provides a transparent form to create a strong connection with the surrounding walkways and gardens as well as sightlines to the Signal Box that make up the significant transformation of the former railway and its associated workings. Close collaboration with the Office of Environment and Heritage proved invaluable in shaping the articulation of the project. The design of the new building works ensured continued appreciation and interpretation of Newcastle’s rail history.

photo_credit @alexmcintyre_photography
@alexmcintyre_photography
photo_credit @alexmcintyre_photography
@alexmcintyre_photography

The new building elements pay homage to the garden pavilion typology. In the same way garden pavilions served as places of respite, the main dining room is posited as a gesture for this newest civic space.

photo_credit @alexmcintyre_photography
@alexmcintyre_photography
photo_credit @alexmcintyre_photography
@alexmcintyre_photography

A sequence of architectural narratives are explored through building language to continue the legacy of the former Signal Box buildings historic connections to the early development of the town.

photo_credit @alexmcintyre_photography
@alexmcintyre_photography
photo_credit @alexmcintyre_photography
@alexmcintyre_photography

The pavilions dimensions follow the longitudinal geometry of the Signal Box Interior now replicated in both orientations. The facades are divided into three glazed door partitions to reflect imperial proportion systems commonplace in railway geometry. The height of the pavilion is calibrated single storey east portion of the Signal Box maintaining visual sightlines between the Signal Box mezzanine, housing the lever switch-gear, and the Station Masters location on Platform One of Newcastle Station.

photo_credit @alexmcintyre_photography
@alexmcintyre_photography
photo_credit @alexmcintyre_photography
@alexmcintyre_photography

The pavilion is connected to the Signal Box by a long thin steel plate awning slightly set off the existing structure by dual columns allowing a delicate connection to the masonry walls. The axis of the awning guides visitors moving eastward to the pavilion dining room akin to train arrivals.

photo_credit @alexmcintyre_photography
@alexmcintyre_photography
photo_credit @alexmcintyre_photography
@alexmcintyre_photography

The long exterior bench seat is a measured extrusion of the Signal Box south to reinforce existing building proportions. The vertical bifold windows reference the existing prefabricated steel pivot windows. The hydraulic operation of the windows emulates the miniature hydraulic lever gear in the Signal Box.

photo_credit @alexmcintyre_photography
@alexmcintyre_photography
photo_credit @alexmcintyre_photography
@alexmcintyre_photography

The spiral stair provides public access to the rooftop to take in sightlines to the Station and Signal Box mezzanine. The geometry takes cues from the existing interior stair with a slightly more complex geometric form. The circular rooftop enclosure makes reference to a former turntable structure uncovered during groundworks that remains concealed underfoot.

photo_credit @alexmcintyre_photography
@alexmcintyre_photography
photo_credit @alexmcintyre_photography
@alexmcintyre_photography

Steel is finished in a matte red oxide. Fascia plates and brass wall sconces references 31.9 Degree South Latitude of Newcastle reinforcing connection to travel and movement.

 

Team:
Builder: David Bakker, 
Engineer: Northrop Consulting Engineers
Landscaping: JMD Design
Photo credits: Alex Mcintyre Photography

Material Used:
1. Walls and ceilings: Steel plate external walls and steel and aluminum plate internal walls, all painted in Dulux 'Matt Red Oxide.
2. Custom perforated panel ceilings: Painted in Dulux 'Matt Red Oxide.'
3. Windows and doors: Steel-framed window and doors from Red Steel and Weldtech.
4. Door hardware: Lockwood Level 70 in aged brass.
5. Lighting: Track lighting system from SAL.
6. Brass Wall sconces: custom designed by Derive Architecture and Design and fabricated by Imagiron.
7. Furniture: Thonet No.18 chair in raw beech from Thonet Australia

Product Spec Sheet

ElementBrand
Steel plate external walls and steel and aluminum plate internal wallsDulux Australia
Chair in raw beechThonet
Level 70 in aged brassLockwood
Track lighting systemSAL National
Product Spec Sheet
Steel plate external walls and steel and aluminum plate internal walls
Dulux Red-oxide Metal Primer by Dulux Australia
Chair in raw beech
by Thonet
Level 70 in aged brass
Track lighting system
Project Spotlight
Product Spotlight
News
PLATO Gallery of Contemporary Art: Architecture finalist in Mies van der Rohe Awards 2024
29 Mar 2024 News
PLATO Gallery of Contemporary Art: Architecture finalist in Mies van der Rohe Awards 2024

In this Archello series, we look at each of the seven nominated projects (five architecture finalist... More

Detail: sliding panels of natural pine protect a residential complex from the Mallorcan sun
29 Mar 2024 Detail
Detail: sliding panels of natural pine protect a residential complex from the Mallorcan sun

Spanish architecture firm OHLAB has recently completed Paseo de Mallorca 15, a residential complex o... More

Snøhetta designs new extension for the world’s oldest ski museum in Oslo
28 Mar 2024 News
Snøhetta designs new extension for the world’s oldest ski museum in Oslo

Global transdisciplinary architecture and design practice Snøhetta has designed a new entranc... More

10 public buildings that demonstrate architectural applications of precast concrete
27 Mar 2024 Specification
10 public buildings that demonstrate architectural applications of precast concrete

Precast concrete is made by casting concrete in a reusable mold. These molds are made of various mat... More

Sameep Padora and Associates creates a flowing, organic art center in southern India
26 Mar 2024 News
Sameep Padora & Associates creates a flowing, organic art center in southern India

Mumbai-based Sameep Padora & Associates (sP+a) has completed Hampi Art Labs in Toranagallu, a vi... More

Introducing Partner Thermory AS
26 Mar 2024 Partner News
Introducing Partner Thermory AS

Thermory AS offers a diverse product range that includes durable exterior cladding, decking, interio... More

Brooklyn Tower by ShOP Architects showcases a unique materiality
25 Mar 2024 News
Brooklyn Tower by ShOP Architects showcases a unique materiality

Brooklyn Tower, standing an impressive ninety-three stories tall with a unique neo-deco crown, is al... More

Doriana Fuksas, Martin Lesjak, Li Xiang and Steven Wright join Archello Awards 2024 jury
25 Mar 2024 Archello Awards
Doriana Fuksas, Martin Lesjak, Li Xiang and Steven Wright join Archello Awards 2024 jury

Doriana Fuksas, Martin Lesjak, Li Xiang and Steven Wright have been announced as Archello Awards 202... More