Lie Øyen Arkitekter designed the concrete service building located on Bores beach, which is popular with locals as a place to sunbathe, walk dogs, and surf.
"We wanted the project to fit in with the local, site specific materials of the landscape and still have a specificity of its own. It is constructed in concrete and glass, a massive object that will weather over time. We wanted the building to highlight and frame the surrounding nature, and that the functionality of the building could ease and enhance the visitors experience of the beach" explain the architects.
The tourist road service building comprises of a series of features such as toilets, outdoor showers, sitting benches and waste management facilities. Each feature branches off from a main ramp, creating a set of angles that add spatial complexity to the otherwise minimal construction. Apart from concrete, the building incorporates few other materials: the walls and ceiling of the toilets are covered in aluminum boards. Additionally, frosted glass doors have been added to the toilets to allow daylight to enter during the day and to light up the exterior during night.
The geometric construction creates spaces for shelter from wind or rain, and the toilets are the only parts of the building that contains both floors, walls and ceiling. Throughout the construction, walls, ceiling or floor is left open to frame or emphasise a part of the landscape, the horizon or the sky.
