Award-winning engineering provides disaster-proof amenities for remote mining town.
At the height of the mining boom, this Central Facilities hub was commissioned by Rio Tinto to support the fly-in fly-out workers and local community near the town of Wickham in WA’s north-west. Located in a cyclone region, the building also had to offer safe shelter with post-disaster services for around 600 people. We consulted on the civil, structural, electrical, hydraulics and mechanical design to deliver a robust, cost-effective facility.
To allow easy transport and construction in the remote location, the structure was standardised and prefabricated, and the undulating flow of the low-profile roof helps to withstand cyclonic winds. Backup generators, water storage and purification solutions were implemented to fulfil post-disaster requirements, but also minimise the building’s ongoing operational costs.
Offering offices, accommodation and recreational facilities alongside a large-capacity dining room and kitchen, the centre makes use of natural light and shade to provide a comfortable and attractive hub and safe haven for workers and town residents. Once complete it was aptly named Julutharndu Maya by local Ngarluma elders, which means 'Everyone’s Place'.
At a Glance
- Offices
- Client
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- Rio Tinto
- Architect
- Christou Design Group
- Award
- 2014 WA Building Excellence Awards (Kimberley-Pilbara) Excellence in Energy Efficiency
- Award
- 2014 WA Building Excellence Awards (Kimberley-Pilbara) Innovative Use of Building
- Award
- 2014 WA Building Excellence Awards (Kimberley-Pilbara) Excellence in Recycling
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