Five Minutes With

 Darren Greenaway

BDA Architecture

Three Balls Red caught up with architect Darren Greenaway, director of BDA Architecture, the firm behind the design of The Oxley 1823, to chat about the building’s timeless form, why sense of place was a pivotal element in the design and what role social and environmental sustainability played in this inspiring and unique coastal retail hub.

TBR: What was the design brief for The Oxley? 

DG: To design a coastal vernacular that reinforces the local identity of Nobbys while creating an informal and trendy retail space for locals.

TBR: What do you believe to be the defining architectural features? 

DG: The building's timeless form, scale, and tactile material palette are defining features. Coastal white brick walls, cascading planters, and the use of crazy paving contribute to a sense of warmth and a distinctly coastal atmosphere.

This ambiance is particularly vivid when strolling through the laneways of The Oxley, where the design elements come together to create an inviting and immersive experience.

TBR: The locals at Nobby Beach have a strong connection to the outdoors and their community.

Does this mean for you as architects, thoughtful, meaningful architecture connected to ‘place’ is of vital importance?

How did you achieve this with The Oxley? 

DG: The sense of place and belonging was a pivotal element in the design of The Oxley. The thoughtful combination of scale, integration of public and private spaces, and the selection of materials were essential considerations.

The coastal and timeless material palette, which reflects Nobby's rich history and identity, imbues the space with unique character. The vision was to create an open environment that invites social interaction, with a naturally ventilated courtyard designed to evoke the feeling of being outdoors, fostering community engagement.

As a local, it was important to design a space that felt casual and welcoming—a place where people could meet friends for coffee, pick up groceries, enjoy fish and chips, or visit the local butcher, all while wearing a T-shirt, boardies, and thongs, embodying the laid-back beach lifestyle. This informal and relaxed atmosphere allows people to wander in right after a trip to the beach and feel at home.

TBR: Did sustainability play a role in this project? 

DG: The building was designed around core passive design principles, emphasizing natural light and ventilation. A key aspect was incorporating an internal courtyard with lush greenery to create a natural landscape, complemented by perimeter glazing that maximizes the influx of natural light.

The sawtooth roofs were strategically implemented to facilitate ventilation, allowing the building to breathe efficiently. The transparent shopfront was designed to foster a strong public connection and social engagement, emphasizing social sustainability as a central element of the project.

TBR: Why do you opt to work with Three Balls Red? 

Three Balls Red is a boutique interior retail store that offers a sophisticated range of tiles and lighting perfectly suited for The Oxley.

Collaborating with Jasmine and her experienced team made the process seamless, thanks to their exceptional vision, local knowledge and in-depth knowledge of their products.

The tight timelines required swift decision-making, and Jasmine’s expertise enabled us to make well-informed choices on product availability and suitability, ensuring everything stayed on track and the design intent was maintained.

TBR: It is always a pleasure working with you, Darren! Congratulations on a truly remarkable project.