The discovery centre will provide an interpretive experience for visitors to understand the vital and complex history and workings of this urban wetland in general, and it's role in the water-cycle in particular. This centre stands pelican-like above a constructed wetland rendering it safe from flood waters. A long ramping approach allows the visitor to journey upwards for a view of the wetlands. Entry is through an airlock comprised of a sculpted internal water storage
The interior contains an interpretive gallery offering views of the wetlands through panoramic windows. The glazing has been carefully designed to minimize vision into the building, and raked to ensure that external reflections are always of the ground, never the sky lest birds terminally confuse reflection for reality. An internal stair leads visitor directly from the exhibition space to a face to face greeting with the phragmites and diverse wildlife within the fenced wetlands boundary.
The building has many innovative ecological design features. Solar panels, heat-pumps, floor-grate supply and passive extraction, double glazing, motion controlled lighting, high levels of insulation and thermal mass together allow building operations to approach carbon neutral. Combined with a composting sewerage system and an internal water storage, the building will attracts an equivalent 6 Green Stars.
project:Edithvale Seaford Wetlands Discovery Centre
client:Melbourne Water
date:2007-2009
address:Edithvale Road, Victoria, Australia
