isaac moore park | Sunshine Coast Council

An iconic entry statement for Kenilworth – in the form of a distinct, artistically designed building that incorporates public amenities within the recreation area of Isaac Moore Park – will soon welcome visitors to the town with construction starting this month.

The community-initiated project was conceived as part of a design competition known as the Kenilworth Designer Dunny and received entries from around Australia and the world.

The winning entry, entitled ‘Canistrum’, was designed by Maleny architectural illustrator and animator, Michael Lennie.

Council has since worked with Mr Lennie and project architects Mode, to develop construction plans to fulfil Michael’s vision and meet the project’s budget.

Division 10 Councillor Greg Rogerson has championed the $600,000 project from its inception and was a member of the competition judging panel.

“‘Canistrum’ serves a dual purpose of being a striking architectural feature and a public amenities facility,” Cr Rogerson said

“It will attract interest in, and visitors to, Kenilworth while delivering the community’s wishes for public toilets within Isaac Moore Park.

“This project is the result of successful collaboration between community and council and a great example of thinking outside the box when delivering public buildings in rural communities.

“‘Canistrum’ demonstrates the depth of commitment and passion we all have for this healthy, smart and creative region.”

The project will be completed by late 2019 and is funded through council’s 2018-19 $370 million Capital Works Program.

Fast facts

Isaac Moore Park is at the entrance to Kenilworth on the Eumundi side of the Mary River Bridge. It is a pleasant place for travellers to pause for a break before exploring the beautiful hinterland or the Mary Valley. Visitors to the park can shelter in the shade of the trees or under a picnic shelter, cook lunch on the barbecue and examine the map of the hinterland’s attractions.
The Kenilworth community played an important role in the project and contributed to organising and judging the Kenilworth Designer Dunny competition. The winning design was selected from a field of almost 200 national and international entrants. The winning entry was Canistrum from Maleny-based architectural illustrator and animator Michael Lennie.
Michael Lennie describes Canistrum as “an unfinished basket reflecting an unfinished history”. The word “canistrum” is Latin for wicker basket.
This winning entry was selected by a judging panel which included well-respected architect John Mainwaring, Division 10 Councillor Greg Rogerson, South Australian sculptor Greg Johns, Sandy Conte, art consultant and curator Lynne Seear, and Shirley Moreland former President of Kenilworth Arts Council.
The site posed some interesting design challenges, with entrants having to design a structure that sits above the existing ground level to avoid the building being affected by seasonal flooding from the Mary River.
Council is investing approximately $600,000 into Kenilworth through this iconic, community-initiated project. In addition to providing required public amenities, the building is intended to create a sense of community pride and attract visitors to the town, providing a boost to the local economy.