Oxley Creek Environment Centre

Description

The Oxley Creek Environment Centre is a public building at Rocklea which is a gateway to extensive open space, walking trails and canoe trails. It provides a focus for community recreation, and nature conservation, learning and interretation. In keeping with the setting and the uses, the building is environmentally sustainable. The new building caused minimal site disturbance, and uses recycled ironbark timber in its structure, plantation timber from sustainably managed sources for cladding and linings, dry composting toilets for public and staff amenities, and rainwater tanks. Passive ventilation is integrated with a narrow building and suitable opening locations for the opportunity to open the interior to consistently prevalent breezes. Accessibility is achieved throughout with flush thresholds, suitably-scaled openings, and accessible toilets. Achieved in a very short time frame from a low budget through collaborative efforts of the client, project team and experienced builder, the building stands as a successful outcome from the desires of the local community seeking to ensure the continuity of open spaces conributing to the life of the community. The building was awarded a Brisbane Regional Commendation in the RAIA Queensland Architecture Awards 2005.