Quick Facts:

CLIENT: Sydney Catchment Authority
ARCHITECT: Lahznimmo Architects
PROJECT VALUE: $10.4M

•  Digitally controlled ventilation system
• Floor to ceiling windows and skylights, to minimise the use of artificial lighting
• Water efficient taps
• 30,000 litre underwater rainwater tank that stores water for dual flush toilets

Project Details:

The Warragamba Dam Visitor and Operations Centre in Haviland Park, overlooking Warragamba Dam, was re-opened to the public in 2009 after a period of closure. The building replaces previous facilities that were destroyed in the 2001 bushfires and accommodates operational staff who were previously spread across three separate buildings on the site.

The new centre includes operational offices, educational facilities and a visitor exhibition area. The building was designed to include ecologically sustainable principles and features viewing platforms that allow visitors the best views of the dam and lake. A key ecological feature was a computer-controlled natural ventilation system that responds to changing conditions outside and automatically opens windows and switches off air-conditioning as required.