Cammeraigal people
New South Wales
Nestled into Taronga’s steep, vegetated site and largely hidden behind a living green wall, the Taronga Amphibian and Reptile Conservation Centre sits quietly within the landscape, its presence softened and integrated with the surrounding ecology. Visitors flow along a meandering, pram- and wheelchair-friendly path that winds across the building and site’s multiple levels, moving through immersive habitats that reveal the characters of over forty species and tell the story of a brighter future in the face of climate change. Climate-controlled environments and innovative life-support systems ensure the highest standards of animal welfare and support vital conservation breeding programs. Award-winning interpretive design translates science into sensory, engaging experiences, inviting visitors to connect with the animals and understand fragile ecosystems. By merging architecture, landscape, and education, the Centre inspires curiosity, fosters stewardship, and celebrates the beauty and resilience of biodiversity.
From the outset, ARCH team, led by Claire Brookman, worked closely with our Taronga team to understand our vision, requirements, and objectives, translating these into innovative and functional design solutions. They effectively managed the design process, coordinating with various stakeholders and ensuring that all design elements were not only aesthetically pleasing but also met the highest standards of safety, sustainability, and efficiency.
Claire Brookman, Design Architect
Christian Barkowski, Project Architect
Meinhardt Bonacci, Structural Engineer
LCI Consultants, ESD Consultant
Pulse White Noise Acoustics, Acoustic Consultant
LCI Consultants, AV Consultant
Group DLA, Building Surveyor
LCI Consultants, Electrical Consultant
MBM Pty Ltd, Cost Consultant
LCI Consultants, Services Consultant
Life Support Services Advanced Aquarium Technologies, Engineer
Context Landscape Design, Landscape Consultant
Urbis, Town Planner