The Warlpiri Cultural Centre by Sienna Dichiera (University of South Australia) has been awarded the Student Award in the 2025 Lysaght Inspirations Design Awards. This remarkable project celebrates the cultural identity of the Warlpiri people, delivering a place of community connection and cultural exchange.
A Project with Purpose
Designed to be locted in Yuendumu, Northern Territory, the Warlpiri Cultural Centre is deeply informed by its environment and community. A bold roof form, clad in LYSAGHT® CUSTOM ORB® sheeting in COLORBOND® steel Manor Red®, stands as the central gesture. Its deep red silhouette mirrors the rock formations of the neighbouring Tanami Desert, embedding the building in its landscape.
Beneath the sweeping roofline, a series of low pods are arranged around an open-air yarning space, honouring the cultural significance of the fire pit. With generous shaded overhangs and openings that connect to smoke and sky, the design creates a protected yet open environment for gathering.
“As a student concept, the Warlpiri Cultural Centre is both ambitious and grounded in place,” the judging panel commented. “The design thinking shows a strong cultural awareness, while remaining practical for a regional setting.”
The Role of LYSAGHT® Building Products
The centre’s identity is reinforced through the considered use of LYSAGHT CUSTOM ORB® roof sheeting and wall cladding. CUSTOM ORB® provides durability against the harsh remote climate, while the iconic corrugated steel look references quintessential Australian outback architecture.
A restrained palette of COLORBOND® steel in Manor Red®, Paperbark®, and Surfmist® echoes the tones of desert sand and local vegetation, blending with rammed earth walls chosen for thermal performance.
On material selection, the judges noted: “The proposed use of CUSTOM ORB® offers durability and familiarity, anchoring the concept to Australia’s rural dialect while demonstrating how student design can creatively adapt proven building solutions.”
Recognising Student Design Excellence
The Student Award category of the Lysaght Inspirations Design Awards celebrates the next generation of architects, shining a spotlight on bold,
innovative, and place-driven ideas.
Sienna Dichiera’s design for the Warlpiri Cultural Centre stood out for its cultural narrative, thoughtful response to climate, and the way it incorporated LYSAGHT® building products into a cohesive concept.
As winner of the category, she receives a $2,500 prize, reflecting Lysaght’s commitment to supporting emerging talent and fostering design excellence across Australia.
Emerging Talent, Lasting Impact
The Warlpiri Cultural Centre represents a thoughtful student design concept that imagines a place of cultural exchange and community connection for Yuendumu.
By weaving together heritage, environment, and practical building considerations, it highlights the potential of emerging architects to shape meaningful design responses. The project’s recognition in the Student Award category reinforces the importance of supporting new voices in Australian architecture.
