HUTT RIVER PROVINCE CENTRE FOR THEORETICAL PHYSICS
Dissertation at Curtin University - 2006
Hutt River Province, Western Australia

The design proposal for a centre for Theoretical Physics at Hutt River Province in mid-west Western Australia, was intended to compliment the significant astrology projects that were being developed in the area. Hutt River itself is a small territory that declared itself an independent nation in 1970, and provided an interesting site on which to base the dissertation.

The building is sited on a small sandstone saddle that protrudes slightly through a heavily depleted paddock. The saddle provides sweeping views over the scrubby bushland of the Hutt River valley. The remote and baron location provided a solemn and spiritual experience which was deemed appropriate for a function that required physicists to ponder the makeup of the universe. In fact writings that have delved into the connection between physics and spirituality provided the driving force behind the design intent.

The intent of the project was to explore the ways that architecture could connect and be inspired by its site and its environment. The building consists of two wood framed, and sheoak shingled forms that appear to extend the natural shape of the sandstone breakaway. The shingle cladding is lifted up in places, and dropped down in others to deny the hot summer sun, but to also catch the prevailing winds which help to cool the building. To enhance the spiritual connection to the natural environment, the circulation spaces are almost all exterior spaces (even if they are sometimes covered by the wooden canopy). The building explores the connection to the natural environment in a physical sense being built on, into and over the natural grade. It also explores the connection in a spatial sense with areas being either totally enclosed, partially sheltered, or totally exposed.

The building is separated into two independent structures; the structure for study and the structure for living. The two structures are connected by an exposed stone walkway that ensures a transition through the raw natural environment when moving from either function. The working structure houses a library and an administrative office, a toilet block, a small lecture/meeting room and twelve self contained offices for theoretical physics. The living structure contains a kitchen and a refectory, twelve distinct dormitory rooms, a movie theatre, reading room, and a large open fire pit.

By creating all the primary circulation spaces as exterior spaces the movement through the building also becomes movement through the environment. The structure accommodates a discipline that is traditionally confined to laboratory style settings into an arrangement that more typifies a desert camp. By connecting the scientists to their natural environment, this building attempts to bring the occupants closer to the universe they are trying to understand.