Situated in the centre of South New Brighton park, shielded from the wind by the trees adjacent to the park. Glimpses of the Avon-Heathcote Estuary can be seen from here. Post-earthquake, most of the large pine trees that shelter the site from the prominent easterly and southerly winds, had been deemed unsafe and were intended to be cut down and re-planted. 

 

The inspiration for the form of the design came from the many Monarch butterflies encountered here. Hence the layout of the plan - two large "wings" (meeting space and cooking area) and two "tail wings" (male and female toilets). A walking platform in between these spaces represents where the body would be. The design intent for the building was to appear very lightweight but also resilient - like the monarch. The three interlocking buildings are steel framed, with timber panel walls internally lined with gib. The interior flooring is also timber - fixed to a steel C beam and joist system, where there is space for insulation in between these members. Natural lighting is emitted through the stacker sliding doors on the north/west facing sides. Light also enters through the translucent poly carbonate roofing which is supported by the buildings' steel framing - It allows most of the light and warmth from the sun to permeate the space, whilst blocking u.v rays. The insulated timber framing walls help retain this heat.      

 

Rain is collected from the roof to a central point between all three buildings and through down pipes which lead to the toilets and water storage tanks. Grey water and storm water are used to flush both toilets and only storm water is used for the sinks in the toilets and cooking area. Waste water from the toilets is sent to a septic tank behind the building. 

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