Flinders Chase Visitor Centre, Kangaroo Island, SA, 2025
The Flinders Chase Visitor Centre, built within rehabilitated areas of the former KI Wilderness Retreat site, exemplifies Ecologically Sustainable Development (ESD). The Centre It generates and stores its own power, supports electric vehicle charging, and features solar passive design to minimise energy consumption. The integration of Solar panel-covered walkways enhances rainwater collection, while wetland-filtered stormwater systems limit environmental impact.
The Centre’s architecture is almost without concrete, using bushfire-resistant Australian timbers, natural finish metals, rammed earth walls, and locally sourced materials including laterite gravels and charred eucalypt. Local trades, artisans, and artists contributed to the design, highlighting community connection to the land.
The Centre, whilst large at scale and diverse in program, is an exemplar in low embodied energy construction.
Shared spaces for Park rangers and researchers foster collaboration, while Universal Design ensures accessibility throughout. The landscape design reduces bushfire risks and offers educational opportunities for visitors to connect with the Park’s unique environment. This sustainable and community-driven Centre serves as a hub for environmental education and conservation.
AIA Jury Citation - Flinders Chase Visitors Centre | Troppo Architects - Australian Institute of Architects