Cathy Marsh

Woven Stories - Connecting Ancestors through Architecture. /  by Cathy Marsh

Building on a level beyond the name. Interpretive Facade, Cairns State High School.

With the world as our community we need to recognise the culture within the places we work and reflect their stories within our new and modern built environment. We believe this cultural awareness to be a strength, bringing different approaches to problem solving, helping us innovate, have better ideas, and understand the communities we work with. By working together with our clients and communities we form collaborations that add meaning and value to the human experience.

The story behind the Interpretive Façade

Cairns State High School - Centennial Hall

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Bou-Wa, the Centennial Hall is now a favourite venue for Australian Basketball's BOOMERS national squad, as home for the training camp in August 2023 . 

Meeting the needs of elite athletes, and readily available to host Olympic level teams in the near future.

Historic Rockhampton Railyards Set for Revitalization: TMR Unveils Draft Master Plan for Heritage Precinct /  by Cathy Marsh

In a bid to breathe new life into the rich rail history of the Rockhampton Railyards, the Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) has unveiled an ambitious Draft Master Plan for the site's Heritage Precinct. The 19-hectare site, boasting an Industrial and Heritage Precinct, is a pivotal piece of Queensland's rail history, and the proposed revitalization aims to seamlessly blend historical preservation with community and commercial use.

TPG Architects' Roger Mainwood coupled with Collin Strydom from design+architecture collaborated visionary approach to design and architecture, provided the creative foundation for the masterplan. Their combined efforts ensured a harmonious blend of modern functionality and historical preservation, seamlessly integrating the site's rich heritage into the proposed revitalization.

AHS Australian Heritage Specialists’ Ben Gall and Julia Pritchard brought invaluable insight and expertise in heritage conservation, ensuring that the masterplan honoured the site's historical significance while meeting contemporary needs.

This partnership laid the groundwork for the transformation of the Rockhampton Railyards into a vibrant hub of historic community and culture.

Preserving History with Community Engagement

The Heritage Precinct, listed on the Queensland Heritage Register, is set to undergo a transformation guided by a Conservation Management Plan. At the heart of this plan is the restoration of the iconic Rockhampton Roundhouse, a structure steeped in a century of rail history. TMR encourages the community to actively participate in shaping the precinct's future by providing feedback on the Draft Master Plan.

Community members can contribute to the discussion by sharing stories or memories of the Roundhouse and the Railyards. The consultation, which includes a survey and local information sessions, is open until 5 pm on Friday, February 23, 2024. This input will play a vital role in shaping the Final Master Plan.

A Glimpse into the Future: Draft Master Plan Highlights

The Draft Master Plan envisions a family-oriented, flexible use of the Heritage Precinct, with a phased activation approach.

Key features of the proposed plan include:

  1. Open Spaces and Flexibility: The main entry off Bolsover Street will lead to large open spaces (Bay 1 and 2) for market stalls, food trucks, and community events.

  2. Multi-Use Event Space: Bay 3 is designated as a large flexible multi-use event space, catering to workshops, community gatherings, and classes.

  3. Rail History Celebration: Bays 4 and the inner circle will host a museum space celebrating the site's history with rail exhibits and artefacts. A Heritage Boardwalk in the shape of the Fitzroy River will connect to a historic locomotive, offering an educational journey through the rich rail history.

  4. Commercial Spaces: Existing office spaces (Bay 5 and 6) will be available for light commercial tenants, while Bay 7 will house a large hospitality space for restaurants or cafes.

  5. Family-Friendly Spaces: Dedicated play areas for children within the inner circle, including the 'Big Lawn,' train-themed play equipment, grass mounds, and shaded areas.

  6. Restoration and Amenities: The Boiler Room and Timekeepers Office will be restored, and new amenities, including toilets, will be constructed to enhance visitor experience.

The Draft Master Plan presents a holistic vision, emphasizing the integration of historical preservation, community engagement, and commercial viability. While the plan is conceptual, further stages involve detailed design, heritage approvals, and funding applications.

As Rockhampton anticipates the renaissance of its historic Railyards, the community's involvement stands as a testament to the collaborative effort to preserve and celebrate the region's vibrant rail heritage.

Draft Master Plan survey is now open.

Have your say on the Draft Master Plan, proposed community spaces within the Roundhouse and the staged activation of the precinct.

TPG Architects Awarded Regional Project of the year prize. /  by Cathy Marsh

Newman Catholic College Showcases sets the benchmark in the sustainable design of Tropical Architecture.

TPG Architects, renowned local Cairns practice, proudly took home the coveted Best Regional Project award at the recent Far North Queensland Australian Institute of Architects (AIA) Awards and Education Commendation in the State awards in June. Now moving through to the National Awards at the end October. The recognition celebrates the exceptional design and delivery of Newman Catholic College, the first Catholic College to be built on a university campus in Australia.

The awards jury said:

“Architectural masterpiece that sets a benchmark for tropical architecture in the education sector.”

The award citation noted that the building is ”Positioned harmoniously between a major regional highway, lush bushland, and the sprawling university playing fields, Newman Catholic College beautifully responds to its diverse surroundings while harnessing natural ventilation throughout all seasons. The project showcases TPG Architects' ingenuity in integrating sustainable design principles into educational spaces.”

 

From the vantage point of the highway, the school's commanding presence exudes strength and grandeur. The carefully crafted fenestrations not only enhance the building's aesthetic appeal but also serve to mitigate prevailing weather conditions, conceal services, and provide an acoustic buffer, ensuring an ideal learning environment.

 

Creating a seamless connection between the school and the surrounding university grounds, the ground level of Newman Catholic College opens up to embrace the borrowed space. Above, the building establishes its distinctive identity, offering tantalizing glimpses of the dynamic activities taking place inside, perfectly balancing both intimacy and grandiosity.

education architecture far north queensland awards

Click image above for more photos and information about the project.

The jury went on to say:

“As one ventures into the building, a breathtaking interplay unfolds between the open-air ‘theatre’ of circulation spaces and the tranquil bushland backdrop. The juxtaposition of scale creates a captivating contrast, captivating the public persona with every step. Thoughtfully placed stairs and landings become focal points, encouraging social interaction, and providing students with unique opportunities to gather, mingle, and form lasting connections. The amphitheatre, doubling as informal lunchtime seating, further enriches the social fabric of the school community.

Every element within Newman Catholic College exhibits a remarkable dual functionality, epitomizing the meticulous attention to detail inherent in TPG Architects’ design philosophy. The school stands as a testament to their commitment to creating sustainable, inspiring educational spaces that transcend mere functionality.”
— (AIA) Far North Queensland Awards Jury