Hurlstone Memorial Reserve Community Centre,
design: Sam Crawford Architects (SCA)
Western Sydney has been home to a new community center designed by Sam Crawford Architects, a studio that focuses its projects on minimizing environmental impact through sustainable solutions, drawing inspiration from the history, culture and ecology of each site. The Pavilion in Hurlstone Park blends harmoniously with the local cultural heritage, offering essential spaces for residents and revitalizing the local park.
The community center in Hurlstone Park blends harmoniously with the surrounding nature
Brett Boardman Photography © Sam Crawford Architects (SCA)
revitalizing the public space
in Hurlstone Park
The site was previously home to an abandoned bowling club. The former function has given way to more diverse activities that suit a new generation of residents with different preferences.
Hurlstone Park Community Center blends modernity with local heritage
Brett Boardman Photography © Sam Crawford Architects (SCA)
The pavilion serves as a venue for meetings, parties, lectures and other events, becoming a valuable resource for citizens, better adapting to their current expectations.
The new Hurlstone Park Community Center serves as a venue for meetings, parties, lectures and other events
Brett Boardman Photography © Sam Crawford Architects (SCA)
Sydney community center
- Y-shaped pavilion
A key aspect of the project was to achieve accessibility and connectivity to the surrounding area, which influenced both the shape and layout of the building. The architects designed a pavilion with an irregular form resembling the letter „Y.” The main body of the pavilion rests on narrow columns, creating a free first floor space that offers space for both active recreation and quiet recreation for different user groups.
Hurlstone Memorial Reserve Community Center — ground floor plan
© Sam Crawford Architects (SCA)
expanded metal facade
The entire floor is surrounded by perforated sheet metal in red, which gives the building a sense of lightness. The pavilion is covered with a flat metal roof in red and white colors.
colors inspired by local heritage
Both interior and exterior colors (terracotta, pink, red, copper, cream and clay) allude to the heritage of the area.
The façade of the pavilion in Hurlstone Park is clad in perforated red sheet metal, giving it a lightweight feel
Brett Boardman Photography © Sam Crawford Architects (SCA)
The red brick and terra cotta roofs characteristic of the neighborhood inspired our choice of materials, colors and form for the new community center in Hurlstone Park. The design references the character of buildings from the time of Australia's federalization (19th century — editorial note), interpreting them in a modern way, which creates a special bond with the residents
— explains Sam Crawford,
director of the SCA
The Hurlstone Park Community Center features a flat roof in red and white colors
Brett Boardman Photography © Sam Crawford Architects (SCA)
functional spaces for Sydney residents
The 143-square-meter building offers a variety of spaces, such as a meeting room that can operate independently of the outdoor space or be combined with it into one larger zone, thanks to sliding glass doors leading to the interior.
The Hurlstone Park Community Center — a view of the interior of the pavilion
Brett Boardman Photography © Sam Crawford Architects (SCA)
The facility also includes a kitchen and public restrooms. The interior is decorated with a solid „plinth” in the shape of a belt, running around the entire room. The interior walls are kept in soft pastel colors.
Hurlstone Park Community Center — view of the bathroom
Brett Boardman Photography © Sam Crawford Architects (SCA)
pavilion to support ecology in the city
The design is based on materials that reduce maintenance and operating costs. In addition, it uses passive design principles to minimize the need for air conditioning and maximize the use of solar energy. Thanks to these solutions, the pavilion functions efficiently around the clock and subtly illuminates its surroundings at night.
Hurlstone Park Community Center — longitudinal cross-section of the building — inside is a community room, kitchenette, pantry and bathroom
© Sam Crawford Architects (SCA)
vibrant community life
The integration of the pavilion with the park has revitalized a forgotten area, transforming it into a vibrant gathering place. It's a space that fosters interaction, supports local relationships and enhances the quality of life for residents.
Elaborated: Anastazja Dżupina
Illustrations provided courtesy of CAZA studio.
