Ingham Cultural Centre
Client: Hinchinbrook Shire Council, Queensland
country: nyawaygi nation
location: ingham, qld
Project Value: $5.0 Mil
Completed: 2010
Awards: 2013 - Public Architecture Commendation AIA Qld Chapter
Photography: Ann Vardanega
MAP: VIEW
Project Sheet: download
Located 110 kilometres north of Townsville, Ingham is situated in the Herbert River Valley in Tropical North Queensland. Ingham is part of the Hinchinbrook Shire, the area of the shire is approximately 2,900 square kilometres with a population of approximately 15,500.
In August, 2005 Hinchinbrook Shire Council commenced the “Our Town Our Future” Ingham Revitalisation project. The project identified a need to develop public facilities to increase employment opportunities and provide lifestyle outcomes for the community.
Stage 1 of the project, completed in December 2009, provided wetlands, a restaurant, a food and environmental learning centre, and elevated walkway on a site close to the town centre.
In July 2009 lahznimmo architects in conjunction with Architects North were engaged by Hinchinbrook Shire Council to provide Design Consultancy Services for Stage 2 of the Tyto Precinct development, involving the design and construction of a:
1. Regional Gallery – 360m2;
2. Community Library – 700m2 ; and
3. Office Space and Youth Media Space – 300m2.
Setback from the street to allow for future development, the two volumes of the Gallery and Library are ‘split’, to provide through site access from the Town Centre to the Stage 1 development and piazza, and also ‘linked’ by a large roofed area that provides a third outdoor volume. Shaded and generous the outdoor room allows for open-air gallery openings and community events.
The large roof overhang also allows for large areas of glazing to the Library - providing a transparent and public presentation. As function demands the Gallery is more introspective, although the entry and lobby is
situated to make the most of the shading provided by the roof overhang.
