Barrenjoey Head & Reef Beach Amenities

This project involved the construction of public amenities on the top of Barrenjoey Headland, at the southeast corner of the Head Lightkeeper’s Cottage. The scope included earthworks, civil, structural, hydraulic, electrical, stormwater, wastewater, and potable water infrastructure.

Key aspects of the work include:
• Cutting 150m³ of sandstone from the headland to accommodate the subterranean building.
• Construction of a partially submerged amenities building designed to minimize aesthetic impact on the headland. The structure is supported by concrete piles, a concrete slab on the ground, Dincel walls, and a concrete soffit.
• Concrete was delivered to the site by helicopter from West Head helipad to Barrenjoey Headland. All other materials were transported via the service trail using an ATV buggy or Positrak.
• The building features a honed concrete slab, recycled timber batten screens, a trafficable rooftop skylight, a concrete soffit, and stainless-steel door jambs and frames. It includes two cubicles, an accessible bathroom, and a plant room for water treatment equipment.
• Gabion Retaining Walls: Installation of gabion retaining walls made from sandstone to support the amenities’ structure.
• Reshaping of the hillside to seamlessly blend the building into the existing landscape, along with the installation of a new sandstone walkway connecting the paved landing to the Head Lighthouse Keeper’s Cottage Courtyard fence.
• Installation of plants and an irrigation system to support the landscaping.
• Installation of a new sewer pump station, including upgraded pumps and controls.

These works were completed within a very busy National Park precinct, which was fully operational, during peak tourist season.

PM: National Parks & Wildlife
Architect: Aileen Sage Architects