Trentham Opposite The Station, Victoria modern real estate photos, Australia home images, Architecture project
Trentham Opposite The Station in Victoria
5 September 2023
Design: SOS Architects
Location: Trentham, Victoria, Australia
Photos by Aaron Pocock
Trentham Opposite The Station (TOTS), Australia
Located opposite the former Trentham railway station and the town’s only petrol station, this development extends the commercial precinct from the high street shops one block away, consolidating the main activity centre and contributing to the charming village feel and tourism potential of this small rural town.
The residence that makes up the southern end of the development is a contemporary, stripped back take on a traditional double fronted Victorian cottage, and through its considered detailing and use of recycled brick it begins the transition in architectural language from the neighbouring dwellings to the commercial zone addressing the corner.
The landscaping and public interface are given priority, with the setback from the street of the neighbouring houses continued along Market Street by the residence and then the scalloped recycled brick garden wall, which includes a glimpse into the private garden beyond. The first commercial tenancy, which is to be used as a cafe/function space, is also set back, inviting visitors off the footpath and blurring the line between public and private zones.
This building is a lean-to structure typical of many utilitarian rear outbuildings, kept low in height to allow north sun into the garden space of the residence. What makes this building special is the leafy north facing public forecourt created between it and the other tenancies, a perfect gathering place on a chilly Trentham day.
With a landscape design by Trentham local Jim Sinatra of Sinatra Murphy this generous public open space is home to a sculpture by the late local artist Matthew Harding and two rows of “living pergola” cut leaf plane trees all set in a continuous field of gravel. This space is inspired by european public squares, an idea that was embraced by the client who is a Dutch immigrant.
The formal language of the four commercial tenancies along Victoria Street reference the gabled forms of the typical houses nearby, and read as though they could be a series of goods sheds associated with the railway across the road, although with crisp contemporary detailing and a playful staggered set back to the street to break up any formality. The continuous curved galvanised roof/wall cladding can be seen as a play on the ubiquitous bullnose veranda.
Car parking and access to services and the rear of the dwelling are located to the east of the site, which forms a buffer to the neighbouring residences on this side and marks the edge of the commercial zone.
The individual tenancies provide flexible spaces with character and quality of light and strong connections to the public interfaces, making them suitable for a variety of inhabitants and ripe for adaptation over time. The architectural language sets a strong tone for the development, allowing it to be read as a consistent urban gesture, whilst leaving room for individual expression in the internal fitouts by future users.
What was the brief?
Our client wanted to develop a piece of land to contain his house as well as a small group of commercial tenancies to provide an income for retirement.
What were the key challenges?
The most important thing was for the development to be sensitive to its context. It is located in the commercial zone of a small country town, but is surround by single storey residences. We had to be careful to create a commercial precinct that could draw people to it whilst being respectful of the neighbours.
What were the solutions?
In order to make the building fit in we used materials and forms that could be found in the immediate area, and then to make them special we used careful detailing to elevate them and repeating staggered forms to make it recognisable.
Client Statement
‘TOTS’ was a dream of mine for many years and it has been a wonderful and fulfilling journey to witness its realisation. Since my home forms part of the development, it was important that this project be sensitive to the context of a small and discerning regional town, while also being aspirational in its reflection of my personal philosophies around design and community. TOTS anchors and activates a previously dis-used corner of the Trentham township, bringing a sense of pride and openness that is regularly enjoyed by both locals and tourists alike. I am proud and inspired by what has been achieved here.
Trentham Opposite The Station, Victoria – Building Information
Architecture: SOS Architects – https://www.sosarchitects.com.au/
Completion date: 2022
Materials: Galvanised corrugated iron, recycled red brick.
Photography: Aaron Pocock
Trentham Opposite The Station, Victoria images / information received 050923 from SOS Architects
Location: Trentham, Victoria, Australia
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