The role of building products in the creative process

Revolutionary Design: When Geometry Meets Innovation 

Trevor Williams from Jackson Teece delves into the role LYSAGHT LONGLINE 305® played in the creative process of designing the innovative Waterhole Café at Taronga Western Plains Zoo. 

LYSAGHT LONGLINE 305® played a pivotal role in shaping the Waterhole Café solution at Taronga Western Plains Zoo. Initially, it was merely a circle on a drawing, a symbol on a master plan to indicate the desired location for the new halfway café at the zoo. However, I saw this circle as more than just a symbol. It sparked my curiosity and became the starting point for our design exploration. 

While our client may have anticipated a conventional rectangular structure or a series of interconnected rectangles, I decided to push the boundaries and see where the circle could lead us. We began playing around with different ideas and soon realised that the shape of the building needed to be elongated, with a length greater than its width. This led us to consider an elliptical form, adding an extra layer of complexity. 

I was aware of LYSAGHT LONGLINE 305® unique properties, particularly its ability to compress at one end, much like a Japanese fan. This characteristic allowed us to create a graceful curve within our design. We took the concept of compression and applied it to the scale of the building. Through a collaborative process, we refined our design and sought guidance from Lysaght, the experts in roll-formed steel, to ensure we were on the right track. 

Our zoo design philosophy centres around creating forms that are not only thoughtful but also distinct, evoking a sense of harmony with the surrounding landscape. In the case of the Waterhole Café, we envisioned an elliptical plan with rammed earth walls radiating outward, seamlessly integrating with the 360-degree landscape. To accentuate this organic connection, the roof slopes upward and away from the centre, together with the radiating walls both foreshorten the interior spaces bringing the surrounding landscape into the building. The choice of LYSAGHT LONGLINE 305® roof sheeting allowed us to match the geometry of the isometric circle grid by compressing one end, resembling the shape of a fan. 

There is an intricate interplay between design inspiration, materials, and expertise in achieving remarkable architectural outcomes. 

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