Boola Katitjin as having a Warehouse for Learning Quality in Murdoch University

This collaboration of Lyons Architects, Silver Thomas Hanley, Fulcrum Agency, Officer Woods Architects and Aspect Studio, to create a new academic building for Murdoch University, has resulted in an exciting and innovative outcome.

This project is transforming the Murdoch University Campus by creating a new primary universal access physically linking the new southern arrival areas off Discovery Way through Boola Katitjin to the ‘spiritual heart’ of the campus (the Bush Court). The vertical system of lifts, stairs and escalators overcomes a 13m natural level change and provides a full range of highly equitable access options both into the building or along circulation layers within its western façade. These layers provide sun, rain and wind protection and take students and visitors from arrival by public transport through timber colonnades north to the heart of the campus.

These journeys up to, through and within the building are rewarded with spatial delight, distant views to the escarpment, to Banksia Court and the horizon of trees within and beyond the campus precinct. Movement within the building ensures frequent glimpses of the creative learning and teaching activity sheltered within the many educational spaces. The colonnades and circulation layers to the western façade also filter and diminish the intensity of the late afternoon western sun.

The building provides large collaborative learning spaces for 6 to 120 students. These formal learning spaces are supplemented by a diverse range of informal student peer to peer learning areas, and quiet spaces. This rich variety and sequence of internal places some containing commissioned work by indigenous artists, is supported by the outside spaces of Banksia court and the two large arrival plazas, one to the south adjacent to Discovery Way and one to the north of Boola Katitjin. This northern space has 4 external timber structural bays supporting the extended roof which creates a weather protected threshold and space for university events such as student markets, open days, and Graduation.

The sustainability credentials of this project are significant including the highly innovative use of structural timber, reducing the embodied carbon within the building by 55%. Added to this the integration of mixed mode ventilation strategies throughout, the gable roof cloaked in a 450kW array of solar PV cells, which when combined with the many other low energy systems greatly reduce the overall operational energy consumed. Many further sustainability initiatives assist in targeting independent GBCA certification for 6-star Greenstar v1.3 as built. The Lyons team are also undertaking the careful enhancement of the adjacent Banksia Court as part of this project.

The building boldly expands the campus typologies and architecture of Murdoch including the work of eminent WA architect Gus Ferguson. This while respecting the language of the campus, one of linear colonnades with deep shade and internal spaces connected to the extraordinary bush landscapes.

The Architects describe this building as having a ‘Warehouse for learning’ quality. Perhaps that’s true, especially if that warehouse has the DNA of a crafted and majestic medieval tithe barn. Lyons and their creative team have with skill ensured that Boola Katitjin  is more than a repository of knowledge, it is a building that facilitates collaboration, a stimulating place of learning, teaching, and discovery, for students, teachers, staff,and visitors. 

Boola Katitjin demonstrates a leadership level of sustainability while enhancing the existing character  and adding to the evolving future character of the Murdoch Campus.

By disrupting the traditional north south order of Murdoch’s Gus Ferguson designed campus the Boola Katitjin bridges a previously intractable sloping site to the eastern side of the distinctive Banksia Court, boldly redefining the front door to the campus. This radical move facilitates equitable access and affords the buildings occupants joyous bushland views. 

The built form of a university should reflect its values and Boola Katitjin demonstrates a commitment to innovation, sustainability and the creation of a more equitable and resilient campus.

Described as a ‘warehouse for learning’ this unapologetic structure is the largest Mass Engineered Timber building in Western Australia. Its existence is a triumph that cannot be underestimated.

The services design includes an under-floor air distribution system that allows the uncluttered celebration of the timber structure. Thoughtfully integrated art, technology rich teaching spaces and generous zones for ‘student life’ ensure the projects positive contribution to its community.

Setting new standards for sustainability, designed to achieve a 6 Star Green Star rating the project has courageously pushed boundaries and is a pioneering project that will positively shape the future of Western Australia’s built environment.

The rich variety and sequence of large formal and informal learning and teaching spaces, some containing commissioned work by indigenous artists, is supported by the outside spaces of Banksia court and the two large arrival plazas, one to the south adjacent to Discovery Way and one to the north of Boola Katitjin.

This northern space has 4 external timber structural bays supporting the extended roof which creates a weather protected threshold and large space for university events such as student markets, open days, and Graduation.

The building servicing strategy ensures that the building can be fully electrified and operate with 100% renewables. The Lyons team are also undertaking the careful enhancement of the adjacent Banksia Court as part of this project including the expansion of Banksia Court by 3,300 sqm of predominately native planting.

Lyons and their creative team have with skill ensured that Boola Katitjin is more than a repository of knowledge, it champions sustainability, it’s a building that facilitates collaboration, a stimulating place of learning, teaching, and discovery, for students, teachers, staff, and visitors.

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