• Project: Brighton Baths Redevelopment

• Location: Brighton

• Client: Private Developer and City of Bayside

Project Description

Once the domain of the hardy ‘icebergers’, the Brighton Baths now also operates as a gymnasium, cafe, bar and a restaurant for 200 patrons. The refurbishment and additions to the existing art deco pavilion opens the building to Port Phillip Bay and the surrounding maritime activity. It allows for the enjoyment of indoor and outdoor dining, as well as that of outdoor sports and community activity.

The pre-war, art deco, heritage building has been sensitively extended with a contemporary addition that playfully interrupts the severity of the existing building by presenting a permeable, elegant pavilion to the Bay. The separation of the old and new is articulated through material and form while new decks encourage patrons to spill outside. A new boardwalk with open balustrading cantilevers over the existing sea wall encouraging better access to the beach and sea baths.

Operable windows and tilt-up doors are used wherever possible to allow fresh sea breezes into the building. Even the steam room has a view not to be missed. The ‘icebergers’ now have an audience for their show.