people & places
photos: brad filliponi
Eyes on the prize by Alli Grant
A pervading presence on the Coast, architect Ken Down has a huge portfolio of work, but he’s not thinking about resting on his legacy just yet – there’s still too much to do.
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small in size is important to the local community. “We even designed that block of public toilets there,” he adds, pointing to a small building in the park across the street. Ken and Rachel make the most of the life at Bondoola. “I love to sit out here and have a read of the papers before I go to work,” Ken says. “There’s so much activity and I can see my mooring at the wharf. I love to keep an eye on the boats.” His mooring is vacant and it’s likely to stay that way for a while as the passionate sailor has more pressing work commitments to tend to. But anyone who has visited Ken’s office, housed in the Archipelago building (a structure his
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The great thing about working in education is that we are creating facilities for future generations. It’s really rewarding work
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rom the balcony of his waterfront apartment in Mooloolaba, architect Ken Down can sit back and look out over some of his greatest works. Although clearly proud of these projects, Ken is modest when asked about being responsible for many iconic Coast landmarks, many of which are within metres of his home. “I am proud, but thinking about them all just makes me realise how old I am,” Ken says with a smile. After 30 years designing residential and commercial buildings on the Sunshine Coast and beyond, it’s no wonder Ken is a little overwhelmed when asked to reflect on these projects – it’s a long and impressive inventory that includes his apartment at Bondoola in Mooloolaba, a home he shares with his wife, Rachel. Bondoola is a residential block Ken designed and developed some five years ago. It boasts an impressive vista of the surrounding area. To the left you can see up River Esplanade to the entrance to the Mooloolaba Surf Club, a building Ken worked on for years, completing three stages of renovations along the way. “I still remember sitting in the old club looking out at a brick wall and suggesting that we add a deck so to enjoy the views,” Ken reflects. Directly opposite is Minyama Island, with five houses Ken designed in direct sight, including Grant Kenny and Lisa Curry-Kenny’s home. Opposite is the lifesavers headquarters – another Ken Down design. Ken has also completed a number of renovations on the Mooloolaba Yacht Club where he is commodore, just down the street. To the right is the unmistakable dark green facade of Kirribilli apartments and directly next to Bondoola is St Malo – all three apartment blocks are feathers in Ken’s Down’s design cap. Then there’s Parkyn Parade. Design work there includes the Beach House, Little Hill, Fish on Parkyn, and earlier renovations on 84 The Spit, to name just a few. Ken is quick to point out one last little detail that while
company designed) would know Ken is a mad sailor. His walls are adorned with images of the many impressive vessels he has designed, built, raced and sold over the years. While Ken has designed many high-profile buildings in Mooloolaba, these achievements are merely the icing on the cake for him and his team. He is most proud of his design of the Corbould Park race track in Caloundra. “This was a big deal as we were able to show people we could do more than just houses and units. It was our first really big profiling project.” Also worthy of mention is Ken’s contract with the late Steve Irwin, working with Steve on the design of Australia Zoo’s impressive entrance building, the Crocoseum and the food court, shopping and entertainment areas. “Working with Steve was an incredible experience,” Ken says. “When
Ken has a long list of projects to the iconic Moo loolaba Surf Cl his name, including ub
he explained his vision to me I was thinking ‘Wow, that’s amazing, but will it ever happen?’ It’s so great to see that it did happen and is still happening. My wife and I are big supporters of Australia Zoo.” Also close to Ken’s heart is education, and he has worked with Sunshine Coast Grammar School, Immanuel Lutheran College and the University of the Sunshine Coast for many years. Highlights include the design of the sports and science building and sports stadium at the university, the master plan for the grammar school and Immanuel’s worship centre. “The great thing about working in education is that we are creating facilities for future generations,” Ken says. “It’s really rewarding work.” Ken’s reach extends well beyond the Coast. He has completed numerous projects in the Whitsundays, in Brisbane, on Stradbroke Island and even spent years designing for Raptis on the Gold Coast. His company, Core Architecture, was founded two years ago through a merger with firm Briggs, Patterson and Muir. Core has worked in Townsville, Bundaberg, Hervey Bay, Childers and Woodgate. Ken was responsible for the design of the Childers Backpackers memorial following the tragic fire in 2000 that killed 15 people. “It’s certainly a building that is very close to my heart,” he says. He adds, “Ultimately, participating in the local community and making a contribution is the most rewarding part of my job. When people enjoy what you do it’s pretty satisfying. To make a tangible difference is what it’s all about.”
28 My Property Review | January 16, 2009
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