Danpalon light architecture for the Royal Melbourne Zoological Gardens Parkville
The Royal Melbourne Zoological Gardens Parkville opened in 1862 and is the oldest
Zoo in Australia. In recent years the structure and management has seen some dramatic changes. This
includes an innovative water recycling project, which was implemented to resolve a long term waste
water discharge problem and to improve water conservation practices. The Zoo resolved in consultation
with the EPA, Melbourne Water and the City of Melbourne to recycle and reuse stormwater via an on-site
water recycling plant. The whole of the Zoo's stormwater drainage system, including animal wash down
areas, converges at one point of discharge at the water recycling plant building.
The water recycling plant building has been designed to be experienced as a working exhibit. The building
is a compact 12 metre square translucent cube clad in 16mm clear Danpalon. It is set in an open
landscape accessed via a public viewing platform. Placing the large water storage tanks underground
has reduced the impact of the plant since they are buried into the landform with grassed roofs.
The interior of the building is packed with plant and equipment carefully connected by a three dimensional
maze of colour-coded pipe work. A large picture window allows visitors to view the operation of the plant,
which forms part of the interpretive display. At night the building glows like a shimmering lantern
revealing the skeletal silhouette of the working interior.
Justin Mallia of Peter Elliott Architecture + Urban Design describes the project as "a modest building
with very particular functions, driven by the engineering requirements." The challenge was to "create
an interesting architecture from limited means to both house and show the working of the plant. The
architecture came after the engineering for the specific footprint and volume of the building were already
established by the design of the plant. The concept for the building was to create a light filled box
sitting on a robust base made from systemised steel and polycarbonate components. Colour and light has
been used to enliven and heighten various components of the building."
For further information contact:
Danpalon Australia
phone: 612 9475 2000
fax: 612 9475 2020
web: www.danpalon.com.au
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