Project
The Port of Sale is a particularly special project for the team here at ASH. It is located only 30 minutes from the ASH manufacturing plant and fully embraces the ideology of ‘support your local’.
The Wellington Shire Council engaged with FJMT to re-imagine the port. The brief was to connect the centre of Sale to the new building, ensuring there was appropriate youth spaces, family recreation space and more importantly, encourage locals and tourists to explore the stories of the Indigenous Gurnai Kurnai people.
FJMT is a ‘multi-disciplinary design studio with a commitment to design excellence and the enhancement of the public domain’. FJMT’s services span across architecture, interiors, urban, landscape and community design.
The Port of Sale originally was an office space, but with its views of the port and links to town, it was the perfect location for this new community space. The redevelopment now is home to the Gippsland Art Gallery, Sale Library, Visitor Information Centre, Council Chambers, meeting rooms, a children’s art exhibition space and an art workshop space.
The hero of this project is in the details. The materials chosen are robust and bold, to encourage the notion of ‘Ask, Seek, Find’. Wellington Shire Council wanted to incorporate local materials to represent the fantastic products coming out of Gippsland.
Local GoodWood Victorian ash veneers were used for the main office and feature wall. The modern industrial design is softened by the Victorian hardwood joinery, adding a warmth to welcome visitors and tourists alike.
GoodWood Victorian ash isn’t simply a brand name, it is a promise from ASH to supply environmentally sustainable and socially responsible timber, high in quality, straight and stable from a Victorian owned and operated business. GoodWood profiles include veneers, staircase components, flooring, windows and doors, lining, bench tops and more. Take a look at the entire range here.
Why support local? Buying local ensures ethics or rules are met during manufacture, reduces pollution through transport and creates more wealth for local distribution. The profits generated from buying local creates more employment opportunities, investment in tools and research for growth and better living conditions for locals.
Visit the online gallery to take a look at other Australian projects utilising local timber.
Architect – FJMT
Landscape – TCL
AIA Award – Victorian Architecture Award | Regional Prize
