LATHLAIN STREET FURNITURE
The Gallipoli Street shopping centre is an important part of Lathlain’s social and economic landscape, and it’s rejuvenation is key to the health of the precinct. The inclusion of planter boxes and seating will be a key driver to this process.
Respoke specialises in site-responsive design. A consistent colour palette will be drawn from the area. Possibilities include heritage manor red, the soothing purple of jacaranda flowers, and the familiar dark olive of native foliage. All pieces will be congruent with height and placement regulations to ensure there are no issues with car doors opening, pedestrian thoroughfare, or sightline obstructions.
The planters will be insulated and have a built-in reservoir and wicking system. This means that roots will stay cooler and healthier, even in summer, and less watering is required. They are easy to refill and an overflow pipe prevents overwatering. Respoke also manages a small native nursery, so we can provide suitable plants such as eucalypts, peppermints and kangaroo paws. The planters are installed with customisable cover plates over the soil, the designs of which can link with neighbourhood features. These plates also protect the plants from theft or vandalism. These features are achieved through simple design and fabrication solutions, so the cost per unit is not much higher than many other planters on the market.
Seating will have a slim profile to fit between the kerb and the footpath without interfering with pedestrians or parking. The seating and planters will be clustered in select locations to create green, comfortable oases where they can have the most impact.
The limited space out the front of Absolute Spit Hire is the perfect place for a compact bench attached to a planter. The planter can be positioned on either side of the bench, depending on whether morning or afternoon shade is preferred. By combining these two components we reduce material and labour costs, producing a unique piece of furniture at a lower cost than separate units.
Barbershops often have queues, so the inclusion of a long seat facing Bossman’s means that customers will be able to wait outdoors for their fade while still being able to see when their chair is free.
The row of cafes and restaurants along Gallipoli street has a wider kerb, allowing for larger benches that can be used by the venues as part of their alfresco dining. The ability to spill out into the street plays a crucial role in facilitating casual community engagement. As well as shade and urban greenery, the planters will provide a permeable buffer between the street and seating.
Materials will be chosen and finished for their durability, ease of maintenance, cost-effectiveness and sustainability. This includes polyurea coated mild steel for structural elements, upcycled steel piping, and cool-to-the-touch hardwoods and stone for seating. As a local business, Respoke uses local subcontractors and suppliers. Wooden components will only be used when they are under existing shelter, to reduce maintenance costs.
While the three sites have different requirements, including diverse land uses and sloping topography, Respoke’s design accommodates. Each component will be unique but read as a family, enhancing the character and appeal of the neighbourhood.
CATEGORY:
DATE:
May, 2021
