Nambung National Park, a popular tourist destination in Western Australia, is the location for the Pinnacles Interpretive Centre, an award winning design by John Nichols and associates of Woodhead Architects.
A project rich in symbolism and deep regard for the aboriginal culture, the centre was built in two specific stages. The first stage entailed the erection of the free standing limestone walls which were allowed become a part of the environment without further intervention for a period of time, a ‘ruins in reverse’ concept. After the wooden elements were added and the building completed, it was set on fire to create a charred effect. This ritual burning is intended to remind us of the relationship between fire, the earth and its inhabitants.
This contemporary structure, which in no way imposes on the ancient landscape, offers shade from the desert sun and a viewing area for the visitors to sit and reflect on the beauty of this unique location with its thousands of limestone pinnacles and ever changing landscape of rolling sand dunes.
