Australian projects impress at 2016 International Architecture Awards

Australian projects have been awarded at The Chicago Athenaeum Museum 2016 International Architecture Awards after 370 projects were shortlisted. The winning entries from Australian architects included the Walumba Elders Centre by Iredale Pedersen Hook.

The centre came about when the firm was tasked with rebuilding community facility buildings and the old Walumba Aged Care centre after a catastrophic 1:300 year flood event.

The building was sited adjacent to the community school – to act as a focal point for bringing the community back together and to aid in the transmission of the unique Aboriginal Lore, Gija Language and cultural knowledge to the younger members of the community.

The facility provides self care accommodation to some residents and high-level care to others. To avoid potential future flooding activity the centre is built 2.4 metres above the natural ground level and is conceptually linked with the idea of a bridge.

The concept relates to bridge not only as physical infrastructure but also as passage of knowledge between generations and as a place of care and respite before the possibility of passing from this existence to the next.

The form of the building responds to the dramatic landscape of Warmun. The two wings of the building create mens’ and womens’ spaces while the “beachhead” of the entry and common activity area anchors the building to the land. Staircases and ramps link the main level of the facility to the ground.

The facility has been designed to maximise shade throughout the day with the use of vertical polyester shading panels for natural lighting. Many of the residents are painters and have poor eyesight so high levels of natural light are desired. Breeze paths have been carefully considered and pavilions are spaced to provide breeze paths across activity areas to provide for natural cooling.

Low-energy, long life LED lamps have been used extensively. Water heating is via a solar hot water system with a continuous flow pump, while cooling is via DX Split ACs with reed switches to openings and run-down timers on all units to ensure system shutdowns.

All building systems are designed to be serviced by local contractors based in Kununurra and were specified to ensure compatibility of systems across Warmun communities assets.

The winning entries from Australian architects also included two projects by Hassell – East Perth Power Station and a proposal for the University of Melbourne’s Conservatorium of Music – The Brewery Yard by Tzannes and Stonehenge Visitor Centre by Denton Corker Marshall.