Griffith City Council amenities building
The addition of an ablution block to the Burley Griffin Community Gardens in Griffith presented C4 Architects with the challenge of designing a large public toilet facility that could cater to significant visitor numbers while withstanding graffiti and vandalism. The building also needed to sit comfortably within its regional park setting and promote a sense of community ownership.
A new public amenities building supporting the revitalisation of the Burley Griffin Community Gardens in Griffith, NSW.
Design approach
C4 Architects worked closely with the local council’s Parks and Gardens department and maintenance team to design new public toilet facilities at Burley Griffins Community Gardens. Located on the southern side of the Griffith City canal, the park had recently undergone significant revitalisation work, and the addition of a new ablution block helps to cement the park as a central gathering point for the community. Positioned in a prominent park vista, the facility needed to support a range of occasional large-scale uses, from bus tour groups to weddings and community events.
This intended use informed our design decision to break away from the typical concrete-block and lean-to style of public toilet facilities and create something that would have a more detailed domestic feel, fitting in with the local community through colour and material. The design drew colour inspiration from the region’s famous red earth and natural timbers, using red brick and timber to reflect traditional building materials found throughout the Griffith area.
The building's familiar, domestic feel was designed to encourage a sense of community ownership and discourage graffiti and vandalism, while the chosen materials and design meant that, in the event of graffiti, it can be cleaned easily.
Explore Griffith City Council amenities building
Ready to discuss your local government, public and community architecture project?
C4 Architects regularly works on government, public and community projects of all sizes. Whether you’re planning a new development or a refurbishment, our team can support your project from early feasibility through to design, documentation and delivery.