Australian Wildlife Health Centre
HEALESVILLE VICTORIA, 2007
This project is quite unique in both its function and form, as a fully operational veterinary facility that also welcomes visitors to a remarkable and compelling experience.
Organised around a public gallery, where visitors interact with the activities of the veterinary hospital. Visitors can witness laboratory work and animals undergoing diagnosis, surgery and recovery.
A rich multimedia experience enables visitors to gain insight into how animals become injured and the full range of activities involved in their care.
Designed to the highest standards of ESD principles, the central ventricle acts as a passive ventilation duct, entirely removing the need for mechanical cooling of the public gallery. Constructed from a shimmering membrane, the structure is visible from the surrounding landscape.
The project was awarded the 2006 William Wardel Institutional Architecture Award and the 2008 Premiers Design Award.
PHOTOGRAPHY BY PETER BENNETTS AND DEREK SWALWELL