Third Wave Kiosk attracts international interest

DESIGNED by Tony Hobba Architects and constructed from recycled steel, the Third Wave Kiosk has once again received recognition from afar, further bolstering its reputation as an iconic architectural contribution to the precious Australian foreshore landscape.

On the back of the International Hospitality Award for Best Kiosk, the Australian Institute of Architects Commendation for best Small Project and the Victorian Institute of Architects Small Project Award, Mr Hobba was recently invited to exhibit the project in the exhibition “Steel: art design architecture” curated by the Adelaide Jam Factory Gallery.

The exhibition, which features 29 contemporary artists, designers and architects working with steel, is currently touring regional Australia until mid- 2020.

The curatorial notes refer to the Kiosk as one of the most well-respected examples of coastal architecture in Australia.

The project has also been reviewed and published in 10 languages around the globe, and one of these, the Japanese publication Shotenkenchiku, inspired the renowned Japanese architect Masaki Kato to recently travel to Torquay to visit the kiosk for the purpose of including it his new book, “World Beautiful Cafes.”

Mr Hobba said he was thrilled to be contacted by and consequently spend time with one of Japan’s most highly regarded architects and to learn that he wanted to fly all the way here to see our little kiosk for himself and include it in his book.

Masaki and his family spent the morning at the Kiosk with Mr Hobba measuring and sketching the building for use in his new book, enjoying the hospitality provided by the kiosk hosts.

“To be awarded and recognised by the wider community, the industry and international experts in design, reinforces our message that good design is a good investment,” Mr Hobba said.

“This little building shows that one doesn’t need to have big budgets to achieve great architecture.

“It also is a living example of how great architecture can contribute far more than purely functional outcomes.”

Built by local building contractor Phil Jesson using recycled sheet piles that are traditionally used as formwork for seawalls, the design team created a rustic sculpture encompassing a concrete block building.

The sheets double as retaining walls against the sand dunes on which the kiosk sits, and these particular sheet piles were originally used during the 2010 floods in Victoria as temporary formwork to hold back approaching flood waters.

The Third Wave Kiosk is located in Voss’ car park at Torquay Surf Beach.