Jury citation
Inveresk Library is an engaging and playful addition to the University of Tasmania’s campus in Launceston by Wardle. The library’s bold aluminium exterior illuminates, creating a veil-like effect that is both enticing and enigmatic. The manipulation of the shed forms in plan and section cleverly respects the industrial heritage of the area, with the south-facing sawtooth roofs capturing consistent light for the library’s interior. The location of the building within the precinct establishes a pedestrian/cycle link and sightlines back to Launceston city centre, connecting the library to both the city and the university.
Set over three levels, the library has a dynamic glulam timber structure with inset acoustic panels. It offers warm and welcoming quiet study spaces, meeting spaces and classrooms, a student kitchenette and a cafe to activate the street edge. The design of the spaces is intentionally flexible and independent of the building rhythm and structure, to allow for changes in use and program in the future.
The design process included engagement with the university’s Tasmanian Aboriginal Reference Group. The final design includes: an Elders’ space that honours the Riawunna collection of artefacts; artworks by local Indigenous artists; and guardian stones located at specific locations at the entry and throughout the precinct.
Inveresk Library is located in Inveresk, Tasmania on Stoney Creek Nation Country and was reviewed by Katelin Butler in Architecture Australia September/October 2023.
Project credits
Architect: Wardle; Project team: John Wardle, Minnie Cade, James Loder, Manuel Canestrini, Nick Roberts, Amanda Moore, Ellie McFee, Adrian Bonaventura, Thomas Proctor, Barry Hayes; Builder: Vos Construction and Joinery; Services and ESD consultant: Introba (formerly Umow Lai); Structural and civil engineer: Gandy and Roberts ; Landscape consultant: Aspect Studios; Acoustic consultant: Marshall Day Acoustics; Accessibility consultant: Equality Building; Geotechnical engineer: Geo-Environmental Solutions; Signage and wayfinding: Studio Semaphore; Building surveyor: Lee Tyers Building Surveyors; Fire engineer: Castellan Consulting; Facade engineer: WSP; Services consultant: Engineering Solutions Tasmania.
