I find the architecture here stunning.
Established for the use of the people of Tasmania, the Centre is positioned on the historic site of the Hobart Railway station which connected Tasmanians through-out the state. Befitting this historical location and its overarching aspirations for the future, the Centre has incorporated symbolic references to unity and sustainability in its design and construction.
Having been constructed to provide a self-sustaining facility that will last for many generations, it will also be substantially recyclable in the future. It offers a vibrant eco-friendly setting for all Tasmanians and interstate or overseas visitors and an ideal backdrop for learning, creating understanding and forging new and diverse connections, based on unity.
The Dome and Auditorium
The kite-shaped double-glazed skylights in the dome provide natural lighting to the auditorium. The double-glazed lantern has been filled with highly efficient Nanogel (a lightweight thermal insulator developed by NASA). The dome design integrates both passive and active control systems for regulating the internal temperature and allows warm air at the top of the dome to circulate to lower and cooler areas through a heat stratification system. In the event of over-heating vents in the dome open up and warm air is vented upwards through natural convection. The extensive insulation, double-glazed windows and polished concrete floor provide for passive solar heating, minimal heat loss and reduction in traffic noise.
Seen from below, the 9 points of the crowning dome above the main auditorium converge towards its centre expressing the concept of a single unifying connection, and reflecting the aim of the Centre to bring people together regardless of differences in opinion, thoughts, beliefs, religion, race or creed. Each point of the dome is a source of light and contributes in turn to the overall strength and beauty of the entire crown.
Energy Efficiency
Commitment to the minimisation of its carbon footprint, the demands of working with and sourcing state-of-the-art materials, and the complexity of its unique roof and wall geometry extended the construction schedule from an 18 month to a three and a half year project. Despite the challenges of sourcing a range of materials, including a low-toxic structural glue imported from Germany which was the first use of its kind in Australia, this construction also incorporates principles of advanced energy efficiency.
Air-tight construction of the building minimizes its heat loss and the all en-compassing insulation, which lies 600mm deep in the roof and 200mm thick in the walls, utilizes recycled newspaper which is widely used in healthy buildings. Energy efficient lighting systems and electrical fixtures are utilized, and natural light enters the building via numerous tall windows throughout the Centre. The planned use of solar panels will ensure the further reduction in need and reliance on other sources of energy.
The majority of timber, including all the Jarrah, is either recycled or plantation grown, and in keeping with the environmentally friendly approach, not a single tree was removed and were instead enfolded into the design.
The protected Bhutan Cypress trees gracing the periphery were preserved as was the London Plane tree which stood in the middle of the proposed building site. Encapsulated in the foyer, this tree now springs from the central atrium allowing light and ventilation, while filtering the noises of the city.
The incorporation of materials as close to their natural state as possible results in low embodied energy and includes the use of stone, stainless steel, aluminium and timber. The use of such materials which have not been subjected to manufacturing or chemical processing ensures the Centre maintains its high standard of environmental sustainability. The interior surfaces have been finished with natural paints sourced from organically grown plant-based oils and mineral pigments. Fabric for the window seats uses natural materials and dyes.
Future demands for water have not been overlooked with 50,000L capacity tanks installed below-ground to collect and store rain from the roofs. The water is then naturally filtered through the use of Enviroflow gutters.
This design expresses the theme of unity and connectedness and is seen throughout areas of the building. It is reproduced in stainless steel encased in the naturally polished black concrete floors and the foyer jarrah boards. Due to the application and inclusions of these, and other environmentally sustainable concepts in its construction, .