Porte-cochere Water Feature Dee Why RSL

Altis Architecture has worked with Dee Why RSL for a couple of decades in a “staged journey of transformation.” Altis has been integral to the Northern Beaches club becoming one of the most successful community clubs in Sydney and Di Emme has been involved in many of the projects, most notably the Ode Tower bearing the poem, For the Fallen.

Di Emme’s latest contribution was the water feature in the porte-cochere. Altis designed the sculptural fountain and Di Emme fabricated and installed the structure with another supplier providing the plumbing.

The water feature is comprised of three steadfast columns recognising Australian service personnel. The columns are inscribed, “For those serving”, “For those returned”, and “For those lost.” The columns’ mild-steel welded frames are clad in multiple sections of perforated aluminium which can be removed for servicing. The submerged bases are stainless steel. The columns were powder coated and then hand-glazed to create an aged patina.

The water feature has a backing plate formed from 6mm mild steel which is in keeping with the steel plate used throughout the property. Fabricating the plate was a complex welding job. It is artfully tapered and angled to provide strength while ensuring the internal framework does not clash with its decorative perforations. The mild steel was powder coated to match the client’s specification with the inner face painted gold to enhance the glow of the internal lighting.

The major challenge was marrying up the design with the existing concrete slab and legacy electrical and plumbing services, and concealing all the fixings.