Leading architecture firm Genton’s recently completed Reservoir Station project — conceived in collaboration with landscape architects McGregor Coxall — revitalises the civic heart of a burgeoning suburb, with a design that references its historic character and looks to the future.
“The project was an opportunity to expand on the design thinking learned through our multi-award winning Frankston Station. When approaching civic design, we aim to celebrate the local context, driven by a commitment to creating meaningful, community-led spaces,” says Genton Principal Marc Debney.
Genton’s approach to designing Reservoir Station capitalises on the elevated rail corridor — a recent addition, and the first in Melbourne’s Northern suburbs — to create transformative dialogue between Reservoir’s previously disconnected high streets.
Removing the existing barrier between Edwardes Street and Broadway, the urban design solution links the central community and retail spine, catalysing pedestrian activation, enhancing accessibility and public safety, and providing a newly landscaped public space to bring the community together.
Wrapped in a translucent canopy, the Reservoir Station design creates a striking civic landmark, defining the suburban centre. Whether viewed up close or in motion by commuters, the canopy’s angles and undulations interact with light in a manner that reflects the nature of rippling water — inspired by Reservoir’s history as the key water infrastructure of Melbourne,
Set at an opposing angle, the addition of a secondary canopy frames the visual connection between the now-unified community precinct. The facade’s perforated, anodised skin serves a dual purpose for the station, balancing the requirements for weather protection with the desire for views, air and light to produce a space that feels uplifting and joyful for daily commuters.
Sheltering the space from the harshness of surrounding roads, the ground level external walls are conceived as barriers, employing a robust material palette of black concrete and light stainless steel cladding, while brown bricks in the station forecourt allude to the suburban inter-war and post-war Architecture of the area.
As briefed by the client, North West Program Alliance — which includes the Level Crossing Removal Project, Metro Trains Melbourne, John Holland and KBR — Reservoir Station was designed to provide for projections of significant growth in the prospering suburb, including allowances for a larger bus exchange and tram route, with an understanding that Reservoir Station will become an important transport interchange in the future.
“As public transportation usage increases due to population growth and consciousness around sustainability, we design these spaces with the intention that they become both a hub for connectivity and a source of civic pride,” says Debney.
Informed by careful consideration of the surrounding environment, Genton’s Reservoir Station project is a testament to transport infrastructure’s ability to enhance urban settings, seamlessly integrating civic life and setting Reservoir on track for sustainable growth.
Notes to editors:
Website: www.genton.com.au
Facebook: @gentonarch
Instagram: @gentonarchitecture
Linkedin: linkedin.com/company/genton
About Genton
Genton is a multi-award winning architecture and urban design studio, with offices in Melbourne and Sydney. Its culturally diverse and inclusive team of skilled Architects, urban designers, interior designers, 3d modellers, and documentation experts work seamlessly on the delivery of urban design, masterplanning, architects and interiors projects across a range of sectors. Notable recent projects include Frankston Station, as well as Powerhouse Parramatta – the largest government investment in cultural infrastructure since the Sydney Opera House.
Founded in 2010, Genton is led by Principals Steven Toia, Marc Debney and Jamie McCutcheon.
Design Competition Successes
● Frankston Station, national design competition (2016)
●Powerhouse Parramatta, international design competition (2019) Awards
● Good Design Award Gold, Urban Design and Public Spaces, Good Design Awards, 2020
● Winner for Architectural Design in Transportation, Architecture Masterprize, 2019
● Gold Medal for Urban Design, DRIVENxDESIGN Melbourne Design Awards, 2019
● Silver Medal for Public & Institutional Architecture, DRIVENxDESIGN Melbourne Design Awards, 2019Commendation for Public Architecture, AIA Victorian Architecture Awards, 2019
● Finalist for Architectural Design, Victoria Premier’s Design Awards, 2019
● Award for Commercial Architecture, Australian Institute of Architects (NSW), 2017
● Award for Interior Architecture, Australian Institute of Architects (NSW), 2017 ● Award for Sustainable Architecture, Australian Institute of Architects (NSW), 2017
● Award for Excellence, Australian Institute of Architects (Newcastle), 2017
● Award for Multi-Residential Architecture, Australian Institute of Architects (Newcastle), 2017
● Shortlisted, Apartment of Unit Award, Houses Awards, 2017
● Shortlisted, Award for Award for Commercial Architecture, Australian Institute of Architects (National), 2017
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