Long Drop Coastal Amenities for Parks' design review and options

Full description

RESEARCH BACKGROUND: In collaboration with Architects Branch, the researchers were commissioned by Parks Victoria to design a prototype for a sustainable and resilient toilet block that could be transported and constructed quickly in remote sites where access is difficult. The prototype had to be flexible so blocks could be adjusted to match the site. The commission asked for a design manual for all Park amenity blocks, a potentially massive project; Parks Victoria is the statutory body set up to the Victorian State Government to manage more than 4 million hectares, or about 17 per cent, of the state. RESEARCH CONTRIBUTION: The design is the outcome of extensive research and development addressing environmental performance, site management and contracting in remote sites. The design is for the cubicle chamber to be cooler than that of the external environment so as to prevent the reversal of airflow. The building has been extensively modelled to optimise the performance. This includes natural ventilation, water collection and storage, sanitation, structure, and reduced maintenance. The innovative design is composed of modular componentry to a scale suitable for transportation to remote sites, ease of manual handling and construction, and flexibility to be adapted to site by the contractor. SIGNIFICANCE: This project achieved peer review via commission (Douglas, Monacella and Afflick's contribution received $9800 in indirect Parks Vic funding). A furhter measure of esteem is that these blocks are now being built in parks. The project has enabled the sanitary operation of low maintenance, resilient toilets in remote locations. The design allows responsible access and protection of sensitive natural landscapes. These essential amenities can be built quickly and cheaply and the design can be adapted to suit diverse landscapes. Toilet blocks protect parks from contamination and encourage responsible use of parks.