Locally sourced earth used as a primary building material - a new benchmark in sustainable design

The award-winning library was designed to be a focal point of public life for the Hume community, bringing people together in a warm, friendly and sustainable environment. Featuring a 2-storey, braced steelwork frame, traditional pad and strip footings. The architectural appeal lies in the use of rammed earth walls that form the enclosures and connect the building with the earth it sits on. The use of lightweight steel and timber treated roof structures creates a slender external awning, complementing the aesthetic appeal of the building. The civil design involved consideration of storm water and car park design to accommodate for the volume of people engaged in this facility.

Client: Hume City Council

Architect: FJMT

Builder: Watpac Construction (VIC) Pty Ltd

Value: $14M

Completion: 2012

Sector: Government & Public, Art & Culture

Services: Structural, Civil

Awards

  • 2014 International Public Library of the Year
  • 2014 AIA Award, VIC
  • 2013 MBA Awards