Designed by Perth architect Peter Hobbs and constructed by Perkins Builders, the Shire of Dardanup’s new $19.3 million Library, Administration and Community Building was officially opened to the public on 21 March of this year.

Since its completion, the facility has quickly established itself as a valuable community hub and an example of sustainable construction practices in Western Australia’s southwest region.

Due to its incorporation of several sustainable design elements, including solar panels to harness renewable energy from the sun, this innovative establishment has now claimed a total of three prestigious awards. Two of these were presented by the Institute of Public Works Engineering Australasia (IPWEA), and the third was the Sustainability Award from the 2024 Urban Development Institute of Australia WA (UDIA) Awards for Excellence.

The IPWEA awards — Best Public Works Project Greater than $5 million Award (Regional) as well as the Excellence in Environment and Sustainability Award — were received soon after the building’s completion, while the UDIA award was received in September.

Many notable features of the two-storey centre were highlighted during the UDIA Awards for Excellence, as the judges praised the project’s successful integration of advanced mass timber construction, application of emerging energy-efficient technologies, use of locally donated timber, incorporation of handmade furniture, and prioritisation of natural light.

Shire President Cr Tyrrell Gardiner noted that the building’s inclusion of landscaped courtyards and use of natural light contribute to a welcoming atmosphere, enhancing the overall aesthetic and functionality of the space.

The building is now the fourth all-timber structure completed by the Shire and emphasises its dedication to Dardanup’s 2050 Vision and Wood Encouragement Policy.

The 2050 Vision for the Shire of Dardanup aspires to cultivate a connected, healthy, self-sufficient, sustainable, and innovative community that reflects the vibrant future awaiting its residents. These five key aspirations have served as a guide for the community’s development and planning efforts since the vision was announced in February 2021.

Standing as a testament to sustainable development, the building successfully blends modern architecture with locally sourced timber to create a warm and inviting space for all.

Perkins Builders General Manager Derek Wilkes said: “There are very large sections of columns and beams and unitised floor panels that incorporate the structure of the building.”

Wilkes explained that the use of laminated veneer lumber (LVL) timber, stringybark timber cladding and accents of charred jarrah in this mass timber project, enhances the building’s overall façade and celebrates the potential of Western Australian timber.

“Timber is [increasingly] becoming the go-to for a really sustainable construction system,” said Lead Architect Peter Hobbs.

Hobbs elaborated that timber not only embodies carbon but also facilitates speedy construction times. Furthermore, its unique properties allow certain elements to be left exposed, seamlessly integrating them into the building’s visual expression and enhancing the overall structural design.

Through the prioritisation of regional industries and reduction of carbon emissions, the project enhances local engagement and also establishes a new standard for environmentally-conscious construction practices.

Despite its resounding success, the construction of the centre did not come without challenges. In fact, this project was 11 years in the making with the initial planning taking place in 2013 after the local council pinpointed that there was a need to improve the existing Administration Centre in Eaton.

The original plans for the expansion were relatively simple as the Shire had initially agreed upon a $5 million expansion of the current council offices.

However, as the project continued to evolve, budget-related issues began to arise and alternative options were explored. It wasn’t until 2018 when a significant land transfer was secured that the Shire was able to assume ownership of the new building site along Council Drive.

Due to the continual escalation of costs — as well as other setbacks associated with the global pandemic, construction on the new building only officially commenced in 2023. This meant the actual construction phase of the project was completed in a mere 12 months.

The new Dardanup community complex currently delivers on functionality and offers aesthetic appeal with its simplistic yet modern two-storey, L-shaped structure. While the project features an increased cost from the initial figures estimated, it currently houses the Eaton Library, Council Chambers, Administration Centre, mixed-use community spaces, a 16 square-metre café area, as well as a 31 square metre dedicated alfresco space. Furthermore, visitors can soon expect the opening of the Mick Bennet Make-It Space.

Named after Mick Bennet — a former Shire President — and funded by Lotterywest and Wespine, the Make-It Space is scheduled to be open to the public later this year and will serve as an inclusive community hub for STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) education.

Facilitating learning and promoting creativity, the state- of-the-art space will feature cutting-edge technological tools and other resources, allowing for digital fabrication, media production and general crafting.

Its digital fabrication section will provide community members access to 3D printers, laser cutters and CNC machinery. Once open and operational, professional demonstrations, mentor programs and facilitated workshops will also be available in this area.

All of these facilities were incorporated in order to help boost overall community engagement in the Shire of Dardanup — and this comprehensive approach to space utilisation ensures that the facility can serve as a true community hub, fostering collaboration, learning and civic engagement under one roof.

The completion of the building represents a significant step forward in future-proofing the Shire. By investing in a facility that prioritises sustainability, flexibility, and community needs, a legacy has been created which will benefit residents for generations to come.

The building’s design allows for adaptability to changing community needs and technological advancements, ensuring its relevance and functionality well into the future. This foresight in planning and execution shows what can be achieved when a community comes together with a shared vision for the future.

As Australia continues to grapple with the challenges of urbanisation and climate change, this award-winning project in Dardanup serves as a model for municipal buildings across Australia and beyond.