Regional offices for the Central Land Council, in a former Country Women’s Association hall at Tennant Creek in the Northern Territory, have been substantially renovated to provide new services, a contemporary image and landscaped outdoor areas while retaining an existing mural of cultural significance. Although the existing roof has been retained, the perimeter walls of the hall have been modulated with louvres, battens and sunscreens, and the interior has been ‘sculpted’ with curved walls and ceilings defining various spaces. A crucial aspect of the design was the need to offer a welcoming atmosphere to local Aboriginals without disrupting staff at work. Facilities include a reception area, meeting rooms, a drop-in video lounge, offices and courtyards.

Jury Verdict

This ordinary country hall has been infused with new drama, inside and out. An imaginative young architect has skilfully combined sensitivity to site and culture within the restrictions of an outback town, achieving an outstanding result under these conditions. Different spatial volumes and elevational treatments have been created and manipulated to achieve a delightful and playful result which is culturally specific. It demonstrates sensitive handling of a rich palette of materials and colours, where no one element overshadows the other.

The old building has been brought to life with a climatically appropriate solution complete with references to the pastoral and mining industries and Aboriginal culture. The project’s artistic interiors, vibrant colours and soft, organic sculptural manner allow the building to flow into its outdoor rooms. This design considers the whole block, not just the building, and fully integrates outdoor spaces, inside spaces and the two public elevations.

In a tremendous transformation of the existing CWA Hall, the building now stands out as an urban icon in a desert townscape and makes a primary contribution to the social fabric of Tennant Creek.

Central Land Council Regional Office, Tennant Creek, Northern Territory
Architects Tangentyere Design—project architect Sue Dugdale; associate Edward Toovey. Structural Engineer Bill Butler and Project BLG Certifiers. Electrical and Mechanical Engineers Forrester. Quantity Surveyors Clive Towell & Associates. Builder Julalikari Workshops.

Photography Sue Dugdale

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