PARTERRE IN THE AIR
A new kiosk in Rushcutters Bay Park is part of a broader project to revitalize the park. The new works include the kiosk, restoration of the grandstand, provision of modern public amenities, new ground staff facilities, reconfigured tennis courts and new parkland plantings and pathways.
The kiosk is situated adjacent to the tennis courts next to the oval with views to the bay. Modest in scale, it consists of two equal interlocking rectangular forms which divide the building into kitchen/store/bathroom and internal cafe seating area. Rounded corners add softness to the form and recall the many 1930’s art deco apartment buildings in neighbouring Potts Point. The Kiosk is clad vertically with hardwood timber boards some of which are routed with a flower pattern that seemingly dance across the surface. A continuous strip of glazing wraps around the internal cafe seating and part of the kitchen, opening up to counters on two sides of the building. A generous timber deck surrounds the building providing space for outdoor seating. The deck is shaded by a pergola of slender steel columns and stainless steel mesh supporting a range of different species of climbing vines. This parterre in the air allows the new building to recede into the surrounding parkland. Three palm trees punctuate the deck and pergola playfully marking the building’s location from across the park.
