Shellharbour Workers Club, Wollongong

Richard Goodwin and Caroline Pidcock under the management of Big Switch Projects have collaborated to produce a roof and balcony extension  which completely transforms the existing Shellharbour Workers Club so that it can confidently anticipate the growing space needs of the club and future smoking laws.

Being located in a  traditional steel making area, the use of a lightweight sculptural steel roof for the new verandah to modify the existing solid building was a logical choice. The integration of PVs into the roof covering (which require particular angled directions to be effective) and the need for light and ventilation across the deep verandah provided the background discipline for designing the structural system.

The resulting architecture transforms the existing building through its environmental sustainable design with dramatic sculptural forms. These forms blend the existing building grid with complex warping geometries. The roof folds and opens to orient solar glass to the sun and bring dappled light deep into the balcony area. The project shows how powerful the iconic Australian verandah can be when adapted and used in a contemporary commercial situation.

Goodwin’s experience with steel attachment roofs of a sculptural nature has combined with Pidcock’s commitment to ESD and integrated design to produce architecture of lasting resonance. This achievement would not have been possible without the drive and expertise of Big Switch Projects in the area of ESD and the forward thinking of the client Shellharbour Workers Club.

Architects: Caroline Pidcock Architects + Richard Goodwin Architects
Design team: Richard Goodwin, Caroline Pidcock
Project Team: Caroline Pidcock, Richard Goodwin, Kate Dewhirst, Saskia Van de Put, Carolyn McFarland, Philip Stewart, Tomoko Suga

Project Managers: Big Switch Projects
Structural Engineers: Partridge and Partners
Hydraulic Engineers: Warren Smith & Partners
Mechanical Engineers: Engineered Environments
Electrical Engineers and Lighting design: Haron Robson
Landscape Design: Flourish Landscape Architecture
Builders: Edwards Construction