South Melbourne Market External Food Hall

The External Food Hall at the South Melbourne Market is a new undercover dining area for the market, making use of previously underutilized space adjacent to the main food hall and providing a space for gatherings and events. The structure is designed with Design for Manufacture and Assembly principles to optimize the design, limit construction time and reduce the impact on the busy market. The timber diagrid elements were prefabricated with precision before being assembled on site. Timber ‘A’-frames were designed as columns to spread the load and minimize the need for deep footings. The canopy is reminiscent of a market palette as an enduring icon of the market, with the fall of the roof and tapering plan working together to flatten its appearance. The ‘A’-frames focus views into and out of the space and provide an intimate informal dining moment around the bench tops built into the frame. Photographer: Peter Bennetts