‘stonnington pound redevelopment’ by architecture matters, melbourne, australiaimage © christopher alexanderall images courtesy of architecture matters

 

 

 

with a growing population of lost and abandoned cats in melbourne, local practice architecture matters was commissioned to expand onthe existing pound and warehouse with an annex that would respond to the existing architecture and create an identity amidst its woodedsurroundings. following the footprint dictated by the original greying structure and the enveloping freeway, the new steel-clad form formsa wedge-shaped volume whose skin reflects a renewed language from the attached existing construction. a characteristic vibrant red-toned copper end establishes the structure as an identifiable beacon from the road or the ground, with folded screens projecting out towards the approach onto the premises, signalling the entry sequence while providing a semi-opaque filter between the animals’ outdoor play areas andthe human domain. the new construction also strives for sustainable excellence, providing the animals with a high-end facility that functionsefficiently as well. rainwater catchment systems recycle water to be used for washing the enclosures and  in the restrooms’ cisterns. operable windows allow for the possibility to naturally ventilate the space and practice night flushing techniques coupled with an intelligentair conditioning system cut-off when windows are opened. low-energy lights, low-E glazing and external shading, along with a high-performanceroof insulation assure low energy usage throughout the day and maintains a comfortable home for its unclaimed guests. 

 

architecture matters: stonnington pound redevelopment - 2new metal-clad additionimage © christopher alexander

 

 

architecture matters: stonnington pound redevelopment - 3backside looking out onto trails and dense treesimage © christopher alexander

 

 

architecture matters: stonnington pound redevelopment - 4new constructionimage © christopher alexander

 

 

architecture matters: stonnington pound redevelopment - 5front elevationimage © christopher alexander

 

 

architecture matters: stonnington pound redevelopment - 6interior enclosuresimage © christopher alexander

 

 

architecture matters: stonnington pound redevelopment - 7reception at entranceimage © christopher alexander

 

 

architecture matters: stonnington pound redevelopment - 8light-filled work spaceimage © christopher alexander

 

 

architecture matters: stonnington pound redevelopment - 9image © christopher alexander

 

 

architecture matters: stonnington pound redevelopment - 10enclosuresimage © christopher alexander

 

 

 

architecture matters: stonnington pound redevelopment - 11

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architecture matters: stonnington pound redevelopment
 
architecture matters: stonnington pound redevelopment
 
architecture matters: stonnington pound redevelopment
 
architecture matters: stonnington pound redevelopment
 
architecture matters: stonnington pound redevelopment
 

 

 

 

project info:

 

 

photographer: christopher alexanderproject director: anthony gionfriddoproject architect: rebecca doddclient: stonnington city councillocation: malvern, melbourne australiagross floor area: 179.53 sq.myear: 2011date of completion: september 2012