Combining global trends and knowledge with well-thought out design, Hames Sharley delivers superb projects to benefit the community.
Transforming this bitumen laneway into a family-friendly, multi-purpose community space required an eclectic mix of rustic materials and fixtures used in a thoughtful manner, so as to blend into the Mount Hawthorn context.
Hames Sharley identified the key commercial and operational requirements, which resulted in the design boasting three zones that create and enhance the sense of place.
The first space is designed as an informally structured dining area that enhances activities relating to food and beverage use.
The second space addresses scale and orientation by celebrating the old pedestrian crossover with a large overhead pergola structure and the fireplace with its tall chimney flues. This space bleeds into an active children's playground, catering for young families and children.
Finally, the third space opens at the end of the laneway into a grass lawn for informal use.
Key features within the laneway include a busking stage that is connected to the dining and lounge space, a classic outdoor fireplace that becomes an elegant attraction on cooler evenings, and a children's playground.
Bose in-ground speakers quietly operate throughout the hedges, providing the centre with ambient music.
Lighting spans classic fixtures to enhance the rustic appearance of the laneway, complemented by colour-changing uplights placed under the playground shade sail, and adding to the playful nature of the kids' area.
The completed project delivers a delightful space which transitions between more formal functions such as dining to the completely informal picnic lawn – a positive outcome loved by the community.
PROJECT PROFILE
THE MEZZ LANEWAY
ARCHITECT | Hames Sharley
BUILDER | Landscape Elements
BRIEF | Soften and revitalise the existing internal main street by prioritising community activity, engagement, and enhancing the retail space.
BUILD TIME | Three months.
FEATURES | Edible landscape design, a busking stage with power, formal and informal dining and lounge seating zones, outdoor fireplace, outdoor audio and visual fixtures, kids' playground and picnic lawn.
LOCATION | The Mezz Shopping Centre, 148 Scarborough Beach Road, Mount Hawthorn.
