Taylor Brammer Landscape Architects engaged Street Furniture Australia to supply a number of Cafe Round Tables and Stools to furnish the pavilion-style outdoor seating area for the heritage restoration of the Boilerhouse at the University of Western Sydney (UWS).

 

The once-derelict industrial space on the Parramatta campus has been dramatically transformed into a social hub for UWS students and staff. The Boilerhouse features a stylish restaurant and outdoor noodle bar.

 

In choosing the cafe settings, landscape architect Matthew Taylor emphasises the importance of not competing with the heritage design. The 'clean design' of the cafe settings possess an honesty that works well in the site’s context, Taylor notes, while their robust nature serves the needs of a busy university environment. Additionally, “The perforated metal lets the light through and creates space”, ensuring the furniture did not dominate the unique location.

 

A variety of free-standing and sub-surface mounted cafe settings were installed to allow maximum flexibility and avoid an institutionalised feel. This historically significant and collaborative project has created “memorable open spaces that fulfil the needs of a 21st century campus”.

 

The heritage restoration of the Boilerhouse at the University of Western Sydney (UWS), has been awarded the NSW Premier’s Prize at the 2014 NSW Architecture Awards.