This document provides plans and design concepts for a proposed new Stokehouse building in St. Kilda. The design seeks to merge the architecture with the landscape by having the ground floor nestled into a new indigenous landscape landform while the first floor appears to float above. Materials would provide transparency with operable screens. Sustainability features like solar panels, green walls and rainwater harvesting are discussed. The goal is to create an integrated 'landscape object' that engages with the site's history and surroundings.

1. R O B E R T S I M E O N I P T Y L T D A R C H I T E C T SS T O K E H O U S E , S T . K I L D A

2. R O B E R T S I M E O N I P T Y L T D A R C H I T E C T SS T O K E H O U S E , S T . K I L D A
S I T E A N A L Y S I S

3. R O B E R T S I M E O N I P T Y L T D A R C H I T E C T SS T O K E H O U S E , S T . K I L D A
V I E W O F S I T E F R O M F O R E S H O R E P R O M E N A D E

4. R O B E R T S I M E O N I P T Y L T D A R C H I T E C T SS T O K E H O U S E , S T . K I L D A
V I E W O F S I T E F R O M J A C K A B O U L E V A R D

5. R O B E R T S I M E O N I P T Y L T D A R C H I T E C T SS T O K E H O U S E , S T . K I L D A
H I S T O R I C P R E C E D E N T

6. R O B E R T S I M E O N I P T Y L T D A R C H I T E C T SS T O K E H O U S E , S T . K I L D A
• Our intention is to create a new Stokehouse that merges architecture and landscape; a
building that sits within and floats above a new indigenous landscape in a natural and
meaningful way.
• This design seeks to engage with the site and history of the much loved Stokehouse.
Upon my initial site investigation I found myself enamoured with the sense of the existing
remnant dune to the north-west. It brought to mind an image of an earlier structure that
preceded the Stokehouse of recent years, the St. Kilda Tearooms. This structure was of
great intrigue to me, particularly the way it appeared to be sited nobly upon a grassy rise.
Elevated, but also seeming to merge with the landscape, which in turn became an exten-
sion of the building as a favoured space for gathering.
• Our proposal takes inspiration from the existing remnant dune, whereby the Stokehouse
building would inhabit a newly constructed indigenous landscape. Whilst not trying to
recreate the dune system we propose to bring an indigenous coastal landscape in and
around the building thereby creating a building that sits in and floats over an indigenous
landscape. From Jacka Boulevard, the first floor of the new Stokehouse will appear to
float above the contours of this new topography while the ground floor will inhabit the
new landform from the aspect of the shoreline.
CONCEPT:

7. R O B E R T S I M E O N I P T Y L T D A R C H I T E C T SS T O K E H O U S E , S T . K I L D A
• This design provides an opportunity for the ground floor structure to nestle into the land-
scape, where the impact of the overall form is diminished. This creates a more integrated
‘landscape object’ rather than a building placed onto the site, enabling back of house pro-
grammatic elements to be set back further, hidden within the landform. The main dining
and gathering (entertaining) spaces can be projected forward toward the shoreline, maxi-
mising access to northern light and significant views such as the compelling horizon line
of Port Phillip Bay, the lighthouse and Westgate Bridge.
• An evocative entry way is created, slicing through the contours. This entry follows into
the Stokehouse proper and vertical circulation is positioned off this corridor. Guests are
drawn into the building by a captured view of the horizon line across the Bay.
• Composed of timber elements, an external ground floor deck is intended to exhibit a
beach-like character, seemingly settled in the sand. The deck area is protected from the
prevailing winds by virtue of operable screens to the south west. An implied courtyard
space is created between the deck and the contours of the landscape, providing an infor-
mal space for gathering.
CONCEPT:

8. R O B E R T S I M E O N I P T Y L T D A R C H I T E C T SS T O K E H O U S E , S T . K I L D A
• The first floor structure houses a series of dining spaces and has been designed to allow
for transparency in all directions, with operable 360 degree sun and wind shading. The
large dining room can be divided into smaller, more intimate spaces to accommodate a
range of different events. A covered recess to the north west of this level creates a pro-
tected external dining area – more of an outside room rather than an exposed deck.
• The design of the ground floor nestled into the landscape draws from remnant shoreline
structures that are often found set within the sandy beachfront around Port Phillip Bay;
evocative examples of structures that meld into the landscape; shifting sands both hide
and reveal architecture at times.
• A protected under cover exteral gathering space has been positioned between the
ground floor and the first floor - an interstitial space protected from the weather yet with
a highly evocative view and sense of place. This is much preferred to a roof deck that
would be exposed and raise the building beyond a reasonable height.
CONCEPT:

9. R O B E R T S I M E O N I P T Y L T D A R C H I T E C T SS T O K E H O U S E , S T . K I L D A
• Additional manipulation of the ground line at Jacka Boulevard forms a low landform that
protects the Stokehouse at the entry from the traffic and disguises the desolate view of
the Palais’ car park from those inhabiting the new structure. Whilst low level views are
controlled, the heights of the new contours are set to allow views to the Upper Espla-
nade.
• We envisage spaces that engage with the surrounding context in a number of ways –
at a pedestrian scale, offering a level of transparency with a sense of closeness to the
beach. The first floor has been set back from the front alignment so as to ensure that the
building does not overpower people on the beach or enjoying the foreshore promenade.
CONCEPT:

10. R O B E R T S I M E O N I P T Y L T D A R C H I T E C T SS T O K E H O U S E , S T . K I L D A
A E R I A L V I E W O F S I T E - 1 9 4 5
N

11. R O B E R T S I M E O N I P T Y L T D A R C H I T E C T SS T O K E H O U S E , S T . K I L D A
S I T E R E S P O N S E

12. R O B E R T S I M E O N I P T Y L T D A R C H I T E C T SS T O K E H O U S E , S T . K I L D A
S I T E P L A N
N

13. R O B E R T S I M E O N I P T Y L T D A R C H I T E C T SS T O K E H O U S E , S T . K I L D A
G R O U N D F L O O R P L A N
LEGEND
1 porte cochere
2 entry foyer
3 kitchen
4 bar
5 dining
6 private dining
7 external terrace
8 pergola below / possible roof
terrace
9 amenities
10 store
11 staff change
12 office
13 deliveries
14 plant room
15 vent - exhaust services riser
16 lightwell / overhead window
17 water tank
18 general storage
19 openable screens
20 lift
21 solar panels
N

14. R O B E R T S I M E O N I P T Y L T D A R C H I T E C T SS T O K E H O U S E , S T . K I L D A
G R O U N D F L O O R Z O N I N G

15. R O B E R T S I M E O N I P T Y L T D A R C H I T E C T SS T O K E H O U S E , S T . K I L D A
F I R S T F L O O R P L A N
LEGEND
1 porte cochere
2 entry foyer
3 kitchen
4 bar
5 dining
6 private dining
7 external terrace
8 pergola below / possible roof
terrace
9 amenities
10 store
11 staff change
12 office
13 deliveries
14 plant room
15 vent - exhaust services riser
16 lightwell / overhead window
17 water tank
18 general storage
19 openable screens
20 lift
21 solar panels
N

16. R O B E R T S I M E O N I P T Y L T D A R C H I T E C T SS T O K E H O U S E , S T . K I L D A
F I R S T F L O O R Z O N I N G

17. R O B E R T S I M E O N I P T Y L T D A R C H I T E C T SS T O K E H O U S E , S T . K I L D A
D I A G R A M M A T I C C R O S S - S E C T I O N

18. R O B E R T S I M E O N I P T Y L T D A R C H I T E C T SS T O K E H O U S E , S T . K I L D A
M E Z Z A N I N E
LEGEND
1 porte cochere
2 entry foyer
3 kitchen
4 bar
5 dining
6 private dining
7 external terrace
8 pergola below / possible roof
terrace
9 amenities
10 store
11 staff change
12 office
13 deliveries
14 plant room
15 vent - exhaust services riser
16 lightwell / overhead window
17 water tank
18 general storage
19 openable screens
20 lift
21 solar panels
N

19. R O B E R T S I M E O N I P T Y L T D A R C H I T E C T SS T O K E H O U S E , S T . K I L D A
R O O F P L A N
LEGEND
1 porte cochere
2 entry foyer
3 kitchen
4 bar
5 dining
6 private dining
7 external terrace
8 pergola below / possible roof
terrace
9 amenities
10 store
11 staff change
12 office
13 deliveries
14 plant room
15 vent - exhaust services riser
16 lightwell / overhead window
17 water tank
18 general storage
19 openable screens
20 lift
21 solar panels
N

20. R O B E R T S I M E O N I P T Y L T D A R C H I T E C T SS T O K E H O U S E , S T . K I L D A
B A S E M E N T P L A N
LEGEND
1 porte cochere
2 entry foyer
3 kitchen
4 bar
5 dining
6 private dining
7 external terrace
8 pergola below / possible roof
terrace
9 amenities
10 store
11 staff change
12 office
13 deliveries
14 plant room
15 vent - exhaust services riser
16 lightwell / overhead window
17 water tank
18 general storage
19 openable screens
20 lift
21 solar panels
N

21. R O B E R T S I M E O N I P T Y L T D A R C H I T E C T SS T O K E H O U S E , S T . K I L D A
B A S E M E N T Z O N I N G

22. R O B E R T S I M E O N I P T Y L T D A R C H I T E C T SS T O K E H O U S E , S T . K I L D A
T E R R A C E I N T E R F A C E D U N E P L A N T I N G

23. R O B E R T S I M E O N I P T Y L T D A R C H I T E C T SS T O K E H O U S E , S T . K I L D A
M A T E R I A L I T Y - T R A N S P A R E N C Y ( I M A G E - S E A F O R D L I F E S A V I N G C L U B - A R C H I T E C T : R O B E R T S I M E O N I )

24. R O B E R T S I M E O N I P T Y L T D A R C H I T E C T SS T O K E H O U S E , S T . K I L D A
M A T E R I A L I T Y - T R A N S P A R E N C Y ( I M A G E - S E A F O R D L I F E S A V I N G C L U B - A R C H I T E C T : R O B E R T S I M E O N I )

25. R O B E R T S I M E O N I P T Y L T D A R C H I T E C T SS T O K E H O U S E , S T . K I L D A
M A T E R I A L I T Y - T R A N S P A R E N C Y ( I M A G E - S E A F O R D L I F E S A V I N G C L U B - A R C H I T E C T : R O B E R T S I M E O N I )

26. R O B E R T S I M E O N I P T Y L T D A R C H I T E C T SS T O K E H O U S E , S T . K I L D A
R E M N A N T S H O R E L I N E S T R U C T U R E S

27. R O B E R T S I M E O N I P T Y L T D A R C H I T E C T SS T O K E H O U S E , S T . K I L D A
D I A G R A M M A T I C C R O S S - S E C T I O N

28. R O B E R T S I M E O N I P T Y L T D A R C H I T E C T SS T O K E H O U S E , S T . K I L D A
ESD CONSIDERATIONS
• solar thermal hot water - high volumes required for restaurant
• solar photovoltaic panels - 200 sq metres, anticipated power generation greater than
30,000 kWh/annum
• sun shading
• operable screens, especially to the west
• double glazing
• cross-flow ventilation
• heat exchanger to kitchen for heat recovery
• smart lighting systems
• energy efficient kitchen systems & appliances
• exhaust air to be used for air curtains to prevent introduction of external air and loss of
internal conditioned air
SUNSHADING SMART LIGHTINGSOLAR THERMAL HOT WATEROPERABLE SCREENS

29. R O B E R T S I M E O N I P T Y L T D A R C H I T E C T SS T O K E H O U S E , S T . K I L D A
ESD CONSIDERATIONS
• sustainable material palette with low embodied energy
• high thermal mass - use of earth/sand from surrounding landforms
• geothermal technology connected to airconditioning plant
• rainwater harvesting to supply WC’s & irrigation
• decidous green walls
• edible garden
• local indigenous xeriscape (landscape designed around limited water) planting
• provision of bicycle parking to encourage sustainable transport
• strategic shading to the west - operable external louvres that respond to the
sun path
SUSTAINABLE MATERIALS BICYCLE PARKINGINDIGENOUS PLANTINGGREEN WALL

30. R O B E R T S I M E O N I P T Y L T D A R C H I T E C T SS T O K E H O U S E , S T . K I L D A
V I S U A L I S A T I O N - V I E W F R O M E N T R Y

31. R O B E R T S I M E O N I P T Y L T D A R C H I T E C T SS T O K E H O U S E , S T . K I L D A
V I S U A L I S A T I O N - V I E W F R O M N O R T H

32. R O B E R T S I M E O N I P T Y L T D A R C H I T E C T SS T O K E H O U S E , S T . K I L D A
V I S U A L I S A T I O N - V I E W F R O M B E A C H

33. R O B E R T S I M E O N I P T Y L T D A R C H I T E C T SS T O K E H O U S E , S T . K I L D A
V I S U A L I S A T I O N - V I E W F R O M S O U T H

34. R O B E R T S I M E O N I P T Y L T D A R C H I T E C T SS T O K E H O U S E , S T . K I L D A
V I S U A L I S A T I O N - I N D I C A T I V E V I E W F R O M J A C K A B O U L E V A R D

35. R O B E R T S I M E O N I P T Y L T D A R C H I T E C T SS T O K E H O U S E , S T . K I L D A
V I S U A L I S A T I O N - V I E W F R O M N O R T H