Kaurna People
South Australia
Ngutungka Henley Library and Community Hub draws on the rich heritage of the site as a place for gathering and remembering. Revitalizing the State Heritage listed Henley Town Hall and bringing together community and library programs on this established civic site, the design seeks to celebrate history, reflect its place and create a new urban public realm.
Integrating architecture, interior design and landscape to form a cohesive experience and service model, the new building connects in dialogue with the old to create an immersive and memorable terrain, inviting the community to rediscover the past and look to the future.
The design team for Ngutungka Henley are commended for achieving ambitious sustainable design targets. JPE have skilfully coordinated and integrated a range of sustainable design strategies across a challenging brief and site whilst providing a design that supports social connection and community events. Skillful adaptation of the Town Hall significantly reduced the area of new construction. Integration of BMS technology, solar power and passive design principles further contribute to reducing the environmental impact. The design team are also commended for including a strategy for disassembly.
We proudly support JPE’s nomination for their exceptional design of Ngutungka Henley. This innovative facility enriches our community’s ability to discover, inspire, learn, and connect with each other. Through extensive consultation and a responsive co-design process, JPE truly listened to community and client voices, creating a flexible and vital ‘third space’ that enhances social interaction and well-being, fostering connections for all ages. Its adaptable design improves both operational and community outcomes while also prioritising access, inclusion and environmental sustainability. Ngutungka Henley sets a new benchmark for community facilities, revitalising libraries as modern and adaptable spaces that cultivate pride and belonging.
Peter Ahladas, Site Architect
Emily Anderson, Design Architect
Joanne Kaesler, Lead Interior Designer
Josephine Evans, Project Director
Cristina Nadasan, Project Architect
Adele Langusch, Lead Landscape Architect
Alex Barker, Graduate of Architecture
Nazeem Jummun, Design Architect
Matthew Edwards, Site Landscape Architect
Lesley Labonne, Interior Designer
Dengxiao Xia, Lanscape Architect
Michelle Male, Project Architect
Bestec, Acoustic Consultant
AJS, AV Consultant
Alexander Symonds, Quantity Surveyor
BCA Concepts, Building Surveyor
WGA, Civil Consultant
Buildsurv, Changing Places Consultant
CIRQA, Waste Consultant
Bestec, Electrical Consultant
RLB, Cost Consultant
D-squared, ESD Consultant
BB Architects, Heritage Consultant
Bestec, Hydraulic Consultant
JPE Design Studio, Interior Designer
JPE Design Studio, Landscape Consultant
Bestec, Mechanical Consultant
WGA, Structural Engineer
City of Charles Sturt, Superintendent
Arketype, Signage and Wayfinding Consultant