Building Design
“The architectural design draws inspiration from the sanctuary itself – it’s flora, fauna, landscape, history and stories which provide meaning to materials, planning and building form. The building aims to act as a portal – to transport visitors from the edge of modern suburbia into a different world where they can re-engage with the nature and experience conservation at work in the sanctuary. The sinuous rammed earth wall, recalls the importance of our land, the soil and the digging animals of the sanctuary. It creates a fence for the predators that threaten indigenous species, but also a threshold that must be passed to enter the sanctuary and leave suburbia behind. The roof over this wall hints at something to be discovered there and represents the yellow-box gum leaves providing shade and shelter in the sanctuary. Once inside, the panorama of the sanctuary opens up to visitors through its glazed windows and beckons exploration and learning in the nature play, learning garden and beyond.“
Andrew Rowe – Design Director, Centrum Architects
