Wulanda Recreation Centre
A civic project grounded in landscape and material continuity.
Located on Boandik Country in Mount Gambier, the Wulanda Recreation Centre by DesignInc Adelaide in collaboration with CO-OP Studio is a large-scale public facility that draws directly from the geology of the Limestone Coast. The architectural language is informed by local topography, expressed through low, grounded forms and a restrained material palette.
Mount Gambier limestone is used extensively across the first-floor southern façade and the main entry foyer, establishing a direct material connection between the building and its regional context. The ashlar blockwork provides continuity between exterior and interior spaces, reinforcing the presence of solid masonry within a highly active civic environment.
Executed in both 240mm and 100mm Plainface ashlar formats, the limestone delivers structural clarity, durability and visual consistency across high-traffic public zones. Its mass contributes to acoustic moderation and thermal stability within large internal volumes, supporting long-term performance in a demanding public setting.
The project was recognised at the 2023 AIA South Australia Awards for Public Architecture and Sustainable Architecture, acknowledging its integration of material efficiency, durability and regional identity.
