Centre a voyage of discovery through the past

The centre features a carefully 'folded' roof, which appears to float.

JAWS Architects received an architectural award from the Australian Institute of Architects (Victorian Chapter) for its Discovery Centre at the Port of Echuca. Commissioned by the Shire of Campaspe, the Hobart-based practice had to liaise with a number of authorities on both sides of Murray River, in Victoria and New South Wales. "Part of the river bank is in New South Wales, which meant liaising with heritage authorities in both states," practice managing directorNeal Mackintosh said.

As well as creating a master plan for the 1000-square-metre site, JAWS Architects had to bring together a number of disparate buildings to create the new centre. On one side of their allotted footprint is a modest 1940s timber hut, used as part of a stage set for the television series All the Rivers Run. On the other side was a rudimentary steel shed, still used by local builders. So creating a discovery centre that was contemporary but still respected neighbouring buildings was a challenge. "There were numerous workshops to ensure all parties were represented," Mackintosh said.

The success of the centre's integration is partly a result of the material used: red gum, recycled timber and steel, with the latter used to "bridge" the neighbouring steel workshop. And rather than create solid timber walls, particularly at the three entrances, a series of timber batten walls create a veil and a sense of transparency into the centre. "There's a fine line in designing centres such as these. You want to ensure there's sufficient light, but restrain the light to protect the exhibits," said Mackintosh, who pointed out the artifacts and relics connected to the days of the paddle steamers as they made their way along the river. There are also wool pressers, a reminder of when the country rode on the sheep's back. "The building has been designed to reinforce interpretation themes through spatial planning, whether it's the built form, materiality or detail. The place is about revealing the port's rich collection of stories," he said.

The interior features red gum, recycled timber and steel.

One way of shedding greater light on these stories was through the introduction of the carefully "folded" roof, which appears to float. In other instances, subtle apertures have been carved into the walls.

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The central courtyard is one of the primary light sources, with an angular, shaped pond further reflecting light. JAWS Architects was also mindful of providing an audio effect with water, with timber stacks creating the sound of a paddle steamer. And although relatively modest in scale, the architects were keen to create a variety of experiences in the centre. There's a smaller and sinuous gallery a few steps below the main gallery. And the angular courtyard also creates a series of angular spaces around it. The architects also included built-in seating in the "double skin" of the centre. "People can take a rest near the water fountain and fill up their bottles," Mackintosh said.

While JAWS Architects hasn't made pastiche connections to the historic township, it has used the language of the verandah, prominent on Echuca's main street, to create this new centre. The use of timber was also paramount to the centre's success, with the rough-sawn timber forming a tough, rustic outer skin. "The entry points are marked by shady verandahs, and the light filtering through isn't dissimilar to the light filtering through the river red gums. There's always that strong connection to the land," Mackintosh said.

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Centre a voyage of discovery through the past