Balam Balam Place is a community-led civic project developed by Merri-bek City Council to provide accessible, affordable spaces for artists, families, and First Nations communities. Located on Wurundjeri Country in rapidly gentrifying Brunswick, the project reclaims a historically layered site to deliver a resilient public precinct that includes Blak Dot Gallery, a Maternal and Child Health Centre, and multipurpose community spaces.
Designed by Kennedy Nolan in collaboration with Openwork and Finding Infinity, the architectural approach merges sustainability with robust design intent across a cluster of buildings, comprising a new five-story building, a refurbished 1880s house and the preserved ruins of a 1950s school.
Durra Panel was specified for use across interior wall and ceiling applications to meet the project’s performance, sustainability and durability requirements. Manufactured from compressed, reclaimed wheat straw with a recycled paper finish, the panels offer a monolithic, high-density structure with excellent acoustic absorption superior resistance to surface damage compared to conventional linings.
In high-use public environments like Balam Balam Place, Durra Panel’s inherent durability, impact resistance and low maintenance profile supported long-term operational efficiency without compromising indoor environmental quality. The use of a bio-based, low-VOC material also aligned with the project’s passive design strategy and broader sustainability targets, including envelope performance and embodied carbon reduction.
Sustainability Highlights
• 50% reduction in building consumption through innovative planning and a high-performing building envelope (average air permeability rate of 1.2 ACH50).
• On-site energy generation through a 99kW photovoltaic array.
• Full rainwater capture and reuse, with 100% roof runoff directed to water tanks and maximised stormwater permeability on-site.
• The project represents a prototypical civic model for future sustainable development across the region.
Balam Balam Place sets a benchmark for civic architecture that is robust, low-impact, and grounded in Country. Durra Panel’s role in the internal fabric of the building supports a holistic sustainability framework, one that centres community access, long-term performance and material responsibility.
Architect: Kennedy Nolan
Builder: McCorkell Constructions
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