Historically, the natural water well was used by the locals and served as a central meeting point for the community, but became disused once running water was provided in years past. With this in mind, our design approach was to re-establish the well by using it as an aesthetic cue, and also to incorporate it in a practical sense.
The building is formed with three masses. The masses are positioned carefully into the landscape and within the retaining walls which frames the sites sloping topography. The lower volume in closest proximity to the water well, is a glass transparent lightweight box, which conveys water. The two solid concrete volumes take vessel like forms. The first one provides the ‘serviced area’ and is finished in timber board exposed concrete. This volume is where customers are served, with the seating, dining area and lounge. The other solid concrete form is the ‘service area’ which is purposely finished in traditional exposed concrete formwork to differentiate itself from the other volumes. This space is where the kitchen, plant, WC, storage areas, and services are positioned.