Zig Zag Cultural Centre - Collaborative Design Process Creates Unique Design in Western Australia

Zig Zag Cultural Centre: Collaborative Design Process Creates Unique Design in Western Australia

Located in Western Australia's Darling Ranges, Kalamunda's Zig Zag Cultural Centre talks to its local environment, yet also appeals to a broader international market. Commissioned following the win of the design competition, Woods Bagot set out to create a series of spaces that reflect and enhance its local surroundings, yet also offer a sophisticated response to speak to a wider audience.

"The design of the centre has been carefully thought-out to create a balance between heritage and modern design that melds gently and unobtrusively into the natural surrounds," said Ken Anderson, Senior Associate, Woods Bagot. Working closely with both the Shire and the community of Kalamunda, the final design proposed consisted of several smaller buildings, as opposed to the original request of one large building.

"The Zig Zag Cultural Centre seeks to provide a diverse range of cultural activities in a boutique-style gallery environment. The purpose of the space is to encourage, stimulate, promote and enable a series of local and regional cultural activities to occur simultaneously throughout the space," continued Ken.

Unique to the design includes vast expanses of glass that allow visitors to see and appreciate the beautiful natural bush surrounds. Additionally, timber eaves and corrugated metal roofs used that are typical of the surrounding heritage buildings, complement the existing landscape.

Woods Bagot