Nestled on the grounds of the old Nunawading Primary School, the Nunawading Community Hub emerges as a testament to inclusivity, celebrating the vibrant tapestry of the local community. Designed by fjcstudio, this architectural marvel not only repurposes the historical school site but also extends its embrace to diverse cultural backgrounds, offering a dynamic space for learning, collaboration, and cultural exchange.

Preserving Heritage, Embracing Progress

Retaining the essence of the heritage schoolhouse, positioned at the threshold of the site, was a pivotal design objective. The local materiality of the heritage building pays homage to collective memories, resonating with those who traversed the corridors during their childhood. This historical structure now hosts counseling rooms and expansive meeting spaces, emphasizing acoustic privacy. The new building, situated adjacent to the heritage site, accommodates Meals-on-Wheels and a pottery studio on the lower level, while the upper level dining areas open up to the redeveloped landscape and Tunstall Park.

Revitalizing Cultural Gathering Spaces

The Nunawading Hub Community Centre not only acknowledges its historical significance but revives the tradition of communal gatherings. Once a site for Large First Nations gatherings, the hub reincarnates as a space for knowledge-sharing and community engagement. Abstract white forms gracefully emerge as a backdrop, celebrating community creativity and togetherness. The architecture, with its simple yet monumental forms, engages in a playful dialogue with surrounding post-war boom homes, forming a seamless connection with its environment.

Architectural Harmony with Landscape

Designed within a constrained budget, the Nunawading Community Hub exhibits thoughtful design and attention to detail, employing a simple palette to achieve aesthetic finesse. The building seamlessly integrates with the sloping site, fostering connectivity through curved paths and landscape walls. Existing trees coexist harmoniously with new plantings, and the transparent park interface, anchored by the retained oval, creates a welcoming ambiance.

A Multifaceted Community Hub

The Nunawading Community Hub stands as a democratic space catering to a spectrum of community needs. From a timber-lined basketball stadium offering state-of-the-art sports facilities to a versatile dance hall and function space, the hub accommodates diverse activities. Purpose-built to unite twenty-six community groups, including the Nunawading Lapidary Club, Whitehorse Arts Association, and the local chapter of the U3A, this facility epitomizes a successful community building by understanding and addressing the unique requirements of its users.

Conclusion: A Beacon of Contemporary Community Engagement

Through the lens of numerous community-based projects, fjcstudio has not only enriched its understanding of the elements essential for crafting engaging community facilities but has also left an indelible mark on Nunawading, symbolizing the evolving tapestry of community life in contemporary society.