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Puffing Billy Railway - Lakeside Discovery Centre

Designing a modern building with services and lighting that pay respect to the heritage of this tourist area

  • $20M

    Project Value

  • Dandenong Ranges, Victoria

    Dandenong Ranges, Victoria

A new visitor hub in Puffing Billy would encourage an increase in the number of rail journeys

Located on the border of the beautiful Dandenong Ranges, Puffing Billy is one of Melbourne’s premier tourist destinations. Our client, Puffing Billy Railway, was looking to design a new visitor hub in the Emerald Park Lake railway precinct to reinforce Puffing Billy as a key visitor destination for tourists.

Stantec was engaged to work closely with the architects and client to achieve a unified design full of meaning and storytelling. A respect for heritage played an important role while designing services for the main areas of the Lakeside Discovery Centre. Our modern and robust lighting design includes fixtures that resemble heritage gas lamps and café lighting with an industrial touch. At the great hall and throughout the corridors, bespoke luminaire clusters keep the ceiling free of fittings by concentrating spotlights within the suspended structures. The clusters were inspired by tram tracks and crossing traffic lights that we designed in three sizes to accommodate varying ceiling heights throughout the building.

Despite the interruptions and uncertainty of COVID-19, Stage 1 construction works including the main building were completed. The new visitor hub will enhance user experience with new amenities, services, and entertainment that support an increase in the number of rail journeys.

At a Glance

Offices
Client
  • Puffing Billy Railway
Architect
Terroir
Award
2022 International Architecture Awards: Best New International Architecture
Image Credit (1&2)
Peter Bennetts
Meet Our Team

Tim Mansfield, Associate Director, Structural Group Leader, VIC

My goal is to achieve an economical and practical design solution that allows my clients to realize their vision for the final development.
Tim Mansfield Associate Director, Structural Group Leader, VIC Read More

Cormac Kelly, Associate Director, Speciality Services Group Leader, VIC

My aim is to understand the occupant’s needs and develop an environment that meets those needs in an efficient and cost-effective manner.
Cormac Kelly Associate Director, Speciality Services Group Leader, VIC Read More

Andre Sinan, Principal, Building Services Group Leader, Victoria

I strive for a cohesive, coordinated approach that empowers teams to create designs that inspire and align with client budget expectations.
Andre Sinan Principal, Building Services Group Leader, Victoria Read More

Tim Mansfield

Associate Director, Structural Group Leader, VIC

Cormac Kelly

Associate Director, Speciality Services Group Leader, VIC

Andre Sinan

Principal, Building Services Group Leader, Victoria

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