A monument of bold and innovative design named winner of the 2009 Australian Timber Design Awards grand prize.
Winner of the 2009 Australian Timber Design Awards grand prize, the Tree of Knowledge Memorial in Barcaldine, Queensland exhibits innovative design and clever construction principles.
The idea for this project was generated by observations into the way human beings create and relive memories. The outcome from this observation is not a traditional building but an interactive place that allows us to remember the tree and the space around it. As a new experience in its own right, the memorial also has the capacity to create new memories for its visitors.
The scale of the structure and the form created by the hanging timbers is based directly on the extent of the tree's canopy from the period around the 1890’s. The external timbers are 'charcoaled' to create a veil around the memorial space. This finish and its form reference a place of memory and mourning. The 'veil' provides hints to the form and movement inside but it does not fully reveal the impact of this space. This experience is saved for the visitor as they enter the shade of the 'tree' and the technique personalises the experience for the visitor because it is something of a secret revealed.
The veil and the glass roof also provide the very practical protection from long- term direct exposure to wind driven rain and direct sun, which is required for the relic tree. Inside, the sculptural forms of the canopy extents create a vaulted effect appropriate for a place of memorial. For some this spatial experience will also resonate as a form of veneration to the relic tree and the memory of the events associated with it.
The Tree of Knowledge Memorial is constructed with more than 4913 individual timber members (comprising 3449 for the suspended canopy and 1464 for the external façade or “veil”). All the timber is Forest Stewardship Certified (it is guaranteed sustainable, renewable or recycled) with the majority of the timber coming from redundant telephone poles in Australia. The root ball was salvaged intact with the trunk and is displayed through a glass floor. This design feature gives the unique and dramatic effect of suspending the viewer above the root ball whilst they are surrounded by the suspended timber above. The structure, including the suspended timbers, is rated to a 50 year maintenance-free period, effectively minimising long term maintenance costs for the Council and community.
The design sets out to re-instate the amenity of the original tree and the spaces around it. With the ochre of the original soil re-instating the public plaza; the extent of the original canopy re-defined; a gentle movement once again visible overhead the relic tree; and with shadows on the ground, the amenity of the original tree is remembered. This is once again a place where old stories can be told and past events remembered. It is also a place where new ones are created.
The Tree of Knowledge memorial was also named Winner of the Public or Commercial Building Award; and the Best Use of Australian Certified Timber Award at the 2009 Australian Timber Design Awards.
Contact
Brian Hooper (Architect)
Ph: 02 6760 4218
Email: brianhooper@northnet.com.au
Project Particulars
Architect:
Brian Hooper (main Architect)
Timber:
Kennedy’s Aged Timbers
