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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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