DONUT
COUNTY
DESIGN STUDIO 6 | Donut County @ Broken Hill
PLANS
ELEVATIONS
SECTIONS
RENDERS
PHYSICAL MODEL
Project Submission Date: 31 Aug 2020
Duration of Project: 13 Weeks
Grade Received: High Distinction
The site is located in stunning city of Broken Hill, New South Wales, the first heritage listed city in Australia. It is is a reflection of the deep natural and cultural values of the Wilyakali people and the mining history of the city.
The proposed library seeks to reinvigorate and stimulate the city center as a vibrant destination for locals and visitors, by strengthening the main Argent Street precinct (where the site is located) as the heart of Broken Hill.
By drawing inspiration from the landscape, the deep earth and the big sky, which are fundamental aspects of the city's culture, the library can become a valuable cultural asset appreciated by both locals and visitors. The design consists of rooms arranged around central courtyards according to function (guest services, staff areas, youth, children, etc.), which are exemplified by the inverted hip roofs that slope inwards towards the center, giving rise to a series of undulating ridges.
Water is drawn to the centre of the roofs and travels through the rainwater down pipes to be reused for irrigation. Vierendeel trusses help hoist up the main roof and are integrated with clerestory louvres that allow for displacement ventilation through the purging of warm stale air.
Comprising vernacular architectural elements, the interior palette is intentionally pared down through the monolithic use of rammed earth and its visual contrast against the sloping timber ceilings. The Cor-ten steel roofing pays homage to the old houses in Broken Hill constructed using weathered corrugated iron.