The Lodge

The building is conceived as the formalization of the programme’s structure and interactions and it is shaped and materialized by its relationship with the surroundings. The building becomes a dual mechanism; a mechanism that supports and enhances its programmatic function and a mechanism that highlights and re-interprets the context, both physically and conceptually.

The result is an intricate sculpture in the landscape. A symbol of Australian values and history and a striking building that optimizes the performance of each part of its  internal programme.

A PUBLIC INSTITUTION

The public institutional area is conceived as a flexible transparent space that is shaped by the context and the history of Canberra. A transparent box floating over the site, reflecting and projecting the context, incorporating Canberra´s icons and monuments as the background to The Lodge´s official activities and events.

This box is organized in 2 flexible function areas, one opening to the landscape and the other one to the lake, with an articulation zone in the centre that hosts the entry lobby and all the interaction activities such as meetings or press conferences.

A GORVERMENTAL OFFICE

The organization of the office strip is focused on 3 main elements; the administrative office area for the Prime Minister´s support staff, the offices of the Prime Minister, and linking both, a flexible cascade of meeting areas, the “Vertical Meeting”. This vertical sequence of different meeting areas links and connects with the main institutional area generating the main reception and dining room and a direct access for guests.

A FAMILY RESIDENCE

A combination of privacy requirements and degree of formality structures the sequence of the residential element. The private family area is separated in an elevated apartment facing the lake and the informal entertainment area is placed at the lower level opening to a private courtyard.