Stokehouse feels the draft
The cynic in me would suggest that drafting a draft in order to produce a final draft is tantamount to council box ticking, appeasing and arse-covering. Then again public involvement throughout the Stokehouse design and rebuild process can only be a positive!
Seemingly with the St Kilda Triangle saga still fresh in mind, City of Port Phillip are undertaking an exhaustive public consultation process regarding the rebuild of the Stokehouse restaurant. Phase two of 'community engagement' is currently open and involves the release of four draft ideas, to which the public feedback on each design will be considered in developing the final draft design.
Site owner the Van Haandel Group have commissioned four leading Melbourne architects to produce separate preliminary concept sketches. Those involved are:
Sean Godsell of Sean Godsell Architects
"A giant timber pergola that incorporates as separate entities the new Stokehouse restaurant, the new surf life saving club and a new public space dedicated to 'pop ups' - markets, stalls, exhibitions, performances as an extension of the existing culture of St Kilda. A people's pergola."
John Denton of Denton Corker Marshall
Major feature fronting Jacks Boulevard involves a timber plank volume with image behind.
Robert Simeoni of Robert Simeoni Architects
Large cantilevered structure which includes porte cochere, entry foyer, bar and dining space, terrace and offices.
Graham Burrows of Jackson Clements Burrows Architects
"The primary facade material for the new building is naturally weathered recycled timber battens, a sustainable and robust material that is completely at ease in this location protecting the building like the outer husk of a seed."
Final draft designs will be available Wednesday 30th April. In the meantime a torrent of information regarding the project is available.