Skip to main content

BIOPHILIC DESIGN CASE STUDY:

Glenroy Community Hub

Wurundjeri Country, Melbourne, VIC

Finalist: Building Scale Category

Location: Wurundjeri Country,
Melbourne, VIC
Client: Merri-Bek City Council
Typology: Civic
Scale: 4432m

Owner: Merri-bek City Council
Architect and interior design: DesignInc
Landscape: Outlines
Structural and Civil Engineers: TTW
Passivhaus consultant and Services Engineers: WSP

Glenroy Community Hub provides the Merri-Bek community with a welcoming, nature-inspired environment to learn, grow, celebrate, and heal. DesignInc envisaged the project as an opportunity to imagine what a new model community building might be and do. Framed as a ‘social connector’, the Hub’s library is co-located with Glenroy Memorial Kindergarten, Maternal Child Health, neighbourhood learning, community health and childcare services, providing support, inspiration and community connection under one roof. Biophilic qualities, including views to internal and external landscaping, nature-themed artworks, and plentiful daylight, are infused into the Hub’s design, enabling meaningful, restorative, and uplifting connections with nature. 

Nature and natural experiences provide common ground for the community, for whom the Hub acts as a ‘Community Garden.’ This building seeks to provide generational benefits for Glenroy, fostering a healthier, more equitable and cohesive community.

Study Author: Kieran Leong, DesignInc

Community Garden: The garden brings people of all ages and backgrounds together.
Retention of existing trees: Net positive biodiversity outcomes have been achieved in this project.
Prospect and refuge: A variety of seating areas, alcoves, and study nooks, create spaces that are safe and familiar
Natural daylight: Natural daylight has been prioritised in this project, with opportunities for weather, seasons and time to be experienced though dynamic, varied light qualities.
Views to nature: Visual connection to nature is provided throughout the building.
Timber canopy: The glulam timber structure spans the library spaces with a dynamic structural pattern evoking a forest canopy.
Heritage school: The historic Glenroy Primary School, built in 1927 is a proud part of this new building. The original school building and shelter shed were integrated into the project.
Rejuvenation of parkland: Rock sourced from the site ring the play area and fruit trees were planted for the public to enjoy.
Public art: The public art promotes local identity and sense of place, while stimulating creativity, expression and innovation.
Arbour entrance: Glulam beams (from locally and sustainably sourced timber) form an arbour, creating a transitional space, embracing connection with the parkland.
Dynamic and diffuse light: Clerestory windows bring dynamic, natural daylight into the building.
Visual Connection with Nature: Throughout the Hub views are provided to internal and external landscapes.
Natural Analogues: Diagonal timber glulam beams evoke a forest canopy above a natural material palette.
Nature of the space: A variety of spaces provide prospect and refuge, creating a safe, welcoming environment.
Material connection with nature: Natural materials, colours, and textures provide a familiar, calm environment.