Jock Comini Reserve Amenties

Jock Comini Reserve Amenities bring delight and appreciation of landscape to the rest stop experience. Light filled, airy and pleasant are the qualities on offer for users of the rest stop in contrast to the typically dark and dank public toilet experience. Glazed and stainless-steel walls reflect and transmit the colours of the surrounding bush and in combination with their curved layout and the low-lying roof form a distinctive intervention in the Ravenswood landscape. KTA’s approach anticipated the design and construction process for this VicRoads project. Proprietary wall systems repeat elements and a limited number of details were used with some components completed off-site for quality control and ease of construction. Much of the architectural delight stems from the repetition and rhythm of these repeat elements and early studies revealed that the arrangement and configuration of these could be varied to respond to briefing, client preferences and site requirements. A proprietary U-channel glazing partition was selected for the curved exterior walls of the cubicles for its resilience, durability, ease of maintenance and graffiti removal. As well as being robust, it achieved the design intent for ample light transmission into the cubicles while protecting personal privacy. It’s translucency enhanced safety and passive surveillance for users by mitigating against dark and unsurveilled corners or pockets. Lighting from within the cubicles transforms the structure into a beacon of light as a welcoming lantern in the nighttime landscape. The continuous curving glass wall arranges the cubicles in an interlocking pattern. Circulation is along the perimeter and to either side providing VicRoads with flexibility to adopt all-gender or separated male and female areas. A single roof shelters all cubicles, circulation and waiting areas as well as some carparks and collects runoff used for toilet flushing. Toilets are sites of intense cultural and social practices as well as fear for personal safety. Accordingly, much consideration was given to the user experience and the need to achieve an inclusive design appropriate for diverse cultural and gender preferences. Standalone toilet and hand washing facilities best catered for all genders and religious prohibitions on shared wash areas for men and women. Questions of personal safety also drove much of the design approach. The entries and waiting areas for all cubicles are sheltered and easy to visually survey for personal safety and security. Hidden corners and solid walls to facilitate hiding have been avoided. Within the cubicle it feels private but light filled. Instead of facing the door or a blank wall, the view from the toilet is towards the translucent glazed walls with light and shadows from the surrounding landscape evident through them. Upon exiting views of the surrounding Ravenswood landscape, its openness and expanse, are framed and reflected by the roof, walls and columns to enhance one’s experience and enjoyment of this particular place.