Gabriella Alfano
The studio’s retreat of the Great Ocean Road in Apollo Bay north left houses along the foreshore without car access and questioned the viability of residing along an edge vulnerable to erosion, inundation and storm surges. Our project has 3 strategies to revive the area:

First, an access and parking plan to futureproof existing houses. Second, accommodation to address the local housing crisis and attract tourists. Third, a public pavilion made from the timber of iconic cypress trees along the foreshore – replacing at-risk trees identified for removal.

A boardwalk above restored vegetation and dunes integrates the project into the studio's activation of the old road as a pedestrian space.

View approaching from the south

View along the elevated boardwalk above revegetated native habitat. Passing long-term accommodation, with short-term accommodation and 'Cypress Pavilion' in the background.

Site conditions

Orienting the at-risk site in Apollo Bay north and highlighting the existing issues of erosion, coastal recession and sea level rise. Masterplan shows all proposed changes and risk level to the old Great Ocean Road.

Accommodation structural axonometrics in rehabilitated landscapes

Long-term and short-term accommodation designed for disassembly and retreat - ensures a resilient structural approach in the face of unpredictable erosion over time. Dwellings address the immediate Apollo Bay housing crisis and encourage tourists to stay overnight.

Back to Front' urban access and parking strategy

Futureproofing existing houses that no longer have car access due to road removal and are vulnerable to erosion and inundation. Section A-A on masterplan.

View approaching the Cypress Pavilion

Approaching the pavilion from the north. The pavilion is made from the timber of the old cypress trees identified for removal. It takes cues from the tree qualities - heavy and knotted trunk, smooth interior heartwood and filtering canopy.

Views of the Cypress Pavilion

External timber will weather over time whilst the internal cladding retains the heartwood tone. This speaks to the temporal nature of the project - aiming to preserve what once existed, whilst also changing with new conditions over time.
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