Caloundra Courthouse
The Caloundra Courthouse and Watch House has become a landmark building within the regional hub of Caloundra. Easily viewed from the main road, the building captures the Department of Justice and the Attorney General’s (DJAG) philosophy of an accessible and transparent justice system.
These values were communicated through the design of a prominent and welcoming entry into the courthouse, and the naturally lit, open reception area and courtrooms. The courthouse consists of the Magistrates Courts and chambers, mediation facilities, registry counters, and spacious public waiting areas that connect to the landscaped grounds. In contrast to the open nature of the courthouse, the watch house turns away from the public and includes cells, holding cells, search rooms, secure officer control areas, and amenities.
With a strong focus on sustainable design, the building form, materials and detailing were carefully considered. Large roof overhangs, glazing and a variety of sun shading devices minimise the impact of the heat while still filling interiors with natural light. The roof falls to a central box gutter, which discharges onto a kinetic, built-in artwork, symbolising the ‘Arrow of Justice’. This large, pivoting shard collects and dramatically tips the roof rainwater when full into a collection pond below where it is then pumped to storage in tanks and recycled.
Stage A works included the refurbishment and extension of an existing two-storey classroom block as well as the construction of a new covered walkway through the centre of the school.
PROCESS
These values were communicated through the design of a prominent and welcoming entry into the courthouse, and the naturally lit, open reception area and courtrooms. The courthouse consists of the Magistrates Courts and chambers, mediation facilities, registry counters, and spacious public waiting areas that connect to the landscaped grounds. In contrast to the open nature of the courthouse, the watch house turns away from the public and includes cells, holding cells, search rooms, secure officer control areas, and amenities.
METHODOLOGY
With a strong focus on sustainable design, the building form, materials and detailing were carefully considered. Large roof overhangs, glazing and a variety of sun shading devices minimise the impact of the heat while still filling interiors with natural light. The roof falls to a central box gutter, which discharges onto a kinetic, built-in artwork, symbolising the ‘Arrow of Justice’. This large, pivoting shard collects and dramatically tips the roof rainwater when full into a collection pond below where it is then pumped to storage in tanks and recycled.
AWARDS
2007
Australian Institute of Architects
Commendation – Sunshine Coast Regional
TRADITIONAL CUSTODIANS OF THE LAND
The Gubbi Gubbi People
COMPLETION
2004
LOCATION
Caloundra, Queensland
CLIENT
Dept of Justice - Project Services - Queensland
PROJECT CONTACT
PHOTOGRAPHY
Scott Burrows Photography
AWARDS
Commendation – Sunshine Coast Regional
VALUE OUTCOMES
“GB-A were an absolute pleasure to work with. The team on site and in the office never cut corners and were committed to delivering a very high quality project.”
Jim Spainard, Golburn Enterprise
Designing for a sustainable future is a core part of our organisational philosophy. Drawing on the knowledge from our Greenstar accredited team members and specialist consultants in environmentally sustainable design, we ensure our project teams integrate creativity with scientific rigour, to create designs that are conscientious of the natural environment and local ecology. Designing for a sustainable future is a core part of our organisational philosophy.
PRINCIPLES OF PASSION
During the design process, our project team not only considers the physical context of the designs but also examines the social and cultural context. Through every design, we look for ways to inspire positive attitudes, behaviours and emotional responses in people to encourage the responsible use of resources, increase cooperation among occupants, and communicate the values of society and cultural diversity.
Designing for a sustainable future is a core part of our organisational philosophy. Drawing on the knowledge from our Greenstar accredited team members and specialist consultants in environmentally sustainable design, we ensure our project teams integrate creativity with scientific rigour, to create designs that are conscientious of the natural environment and local ecology.
We design built environments from a holistic, sustainable perspective: each project reconciles ecological and social impacts within the current economic climate. We holistically evaluate environmental, cultural and financial sustainability in every task we undertake.