Australian Institute of Architects recognises two Geelong rest areas for their design and construction.
Two rest areas on Victoria’s Geelong Ring Road have been given the thumbs up by the Australian Institute of Architects.
Each area holds four truck holding bays, nine truck parking bays and 13 car parking bays including two disability parking spaces.
They were recognised at the 2014 Victorian Architecture Awards, winning the coveted Small Project Architecture Award.
Designed by BKK Architects and built by MMAP Constructions as part of the Waurn Ponds section of the Geelong Ring Road, the location was chosen to provide amenity to tourists heading to the Surf Coast and Great Ocean Road as well as freight operators.
VicRoads Project Director Tony Hedley says building the site was challenging as it wasn’t serviced, which therefore required a sustainable solution.
“This entire rest area facility is off the grid,” Hedley says.
“All power is generated from solar panels, providing lighting and power for pumps and generators. Automatic lighting is also activated by movement which helps reduce the amount of power needed.
“A series of underground concrete tanks store water collected from the roof to feed the toilet cisterns and hand basins.”
An onsite septic treatment has also been used, which provides treated water for landscape irrigation.
“We’re incredibly proud of this functional, environmentally sustainable and visually appealing design,” Hedley adds.
“VicRoads’ research shows that around 20 per cent of fatal road accidents in Victoria involve driver fatigue and is the single most significant cause of road crashes involving heavy vehicles.
“This section of the Geelong Ring Road carries about 9,000 vehicles per day, including over 1,300 heavy vehicles.”