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The Kauwi Interpretive Centre showcases Aboriginal cultural connection to Country
Port Stanvac, South Australia, Australia
The Kauwi Interpretive Centre is designed to educate and inspire people through the interpretation of narratives about water use.
At a glance
The Kauwi Interpretive Centre is designed to educate and inspire people through the interpretation of narratives about water use.
The challenge
Our team designed a spectacular, yet sensitive, built form, set in the rolling coastal landscape south of Adelaide, working closely with SA Water and the Adelaide Aqua D&C consortium group (Abigroup, McConnell Dowell, Built Environs, Acciona Agua) responsible for the adjacent Desalination Plant.
Our response
Our integrated design approach, encompassing master planning, architecture, landscape design, interior design and graphic and wayfinding design, provided a unified, cohesive and sustainable design that blends into and enhances the existing site.
The name ‘Kauwi’ can be translated as ‘water’ and comes from the local Kaurna Aboriginal language. The layered rammed earth walls, which reference the strata in nearby cliffs are contrasted with reflective metals that reference the high-tech processes used in desalination. The atmosphere within the building, with the combination of rippled blue ‘water’ floor and reflective ceiling, is one of
being underwater.
The Kaurna Heritage Board was a key collaborator, with their input informing the development of the Visitors Centre and the adjacent Bush Tukka Garden and Boardwalk. The visitors’ journey through interpretive displays culminates in magnificent views across the coast and the nearby Desalination Plant.
The name ‘Kauwi’ can be translated as ‘water’ and comes from the local Kaurna Aboriginal language. The layered rammed earth walls, which reference the strata in nearby cliffs are contrasted with reflective metals that reference the high-tech processes used in desalination. The atmosphere within the building, with the combination of rippled blue ‘water’ floor and reflective ceiling, is one of
being underwater.
The Kaurna Heritage Board was a key collaborator, with their input informing the development of the Visitors Centre and the adjacent Bush Tukka Garden and Boardwalk. The visitors’ journey through interpretive displays culminates in magnificent views across the coast and the nearby Desalination Plant.
The impact
The Visitors Centre and educational spaces showcase the Aboriginal cultural connection to Country and the ongoing links to water and sustainability.
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