Found this while busy with the case study for the dolphin and whale research center at Cape recife nature reserve. Glenn Murcutt inspires to design according to climate.

Bowali Visitor Centre _ Case Study

For part of my ‘Technologies’ coursework this year we were split into small groups to a series of case studies looking at the building technologies of a variety of structures. For this case study our group was asked to produce two analytical models of a building called the Bowali Visitor Centre in Northern Territory, Australia, designed by Glenn Murcutt; the first model was a CAD model done to illustrate the overall structure and form of the building and the second was a 1:20 scale physical model demonstrating the building’s finishes and internal structure.  The Bowali Visitor’s Centre, based in the Kakadu National Park, is an exhibition space based around the culture of the Aboriginal People; their relationships with people and with the land. It also houses a library, meeting spaces and administration offices for the park itself.

Murcutt chose to use corrugated iron to clad the sweeping roof, like in many of hisprojects, because of its high strength to weight ratio and because it helps reflect solar radiation.  It has also become part of Australia’s vernacular archetype, corrugated iron being the most prominent form of cladding in the countries first colonies.  The material is lightweight, easily transported and fixed and reflects the intense heat of the sun.

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Internally there are a number of strategies employed to passively cool the environment as well as highlight the surroundings. This is mainly achieved through its open, lightweight envelope that allows for ventilation and shading.

Another major passive cooling strategy is the formalized Billabong that collects rainwater creating a more temperate environment as the water evaporates. The Billabong is also homage to the Australian landscape and its native inhabitants.