Celebrating Sustainable Design and Cultural Heritage: Larni Garingilang Central Hub

Photography: Trevor Mein

K5 speaks to Martin Palmer at GHD Design on Larni Garingilang Central Hub at the Bendigo Botanic Gardens. We review this transformative addition to one of Victoria’s oldest regional botanic gardens. Recognised in the Influencer category at the 2024 INDE.Awards, this project exemplifies how thoughtful design can bridge history, culture, and sustainability, creating a meaningful and lasting impact on the community.

Larni Garingilang serves as a new formal entry point to the Bendigo Botanic Gardens, creating a vital link between the two existing gardens. This significant addition includes new pedestrian pathways, a visitor information centre, a café serving local produce, and a multi-purpose community space. The design promotes learning and connection for all visitors, reflecting Bendigo’s rich cultural and community landscape.

The hub stands as a testament to how architecture can make a powerful statement by prioritising sustainability and cultural heritage. "Larni Garingilang really makes a statement by putting sustainability and cultural heritage front and centre," Palmer explains. This approach not only honours the area’s rich history but also addresses contemporary environmental challenges. The Indigenous Garden and Upside Down Country interpretation educate visitors about the land's history, fostering cultural awareness and a deeper connection between people and place.

The design process for Larni Garingilang was deeply rooted in respect for the local land's history and culture. Engaging in extensive discussions with the Traditional Owners, the Dja Dja Wurrung community, the design team ensured that their stories and ecological knowledge were integral to the project. This collaboration extended to working with the Friends of Bendigo Botanic Gardens (FOBBG) to align the project with community needs and vision.

Sustainability was a key focus from the project's inception. The team employed locally sourced materials and innovative water capture management systems. "We carefully selected materials and construction methods that were environmentally friendly," Palmer notes, highlighting the importance of a co-design approach with the Dja Dja Wurrung community and FOBBG. This collaboration was essential in creating a space that provides lasting community benefits while respecting history, culture, and sustainability.

Several elements of Larni Garingilang stand out for their contribution to the project's success. The use of rammed earth walls and locally sourced timber ensures a strong connection with the landscape and reduces the environmental footprint. The Indigenous garden beds, featuring native plants used for food and medicine, promote biodiversity and cultural heritage. Additionally, the comprehensive water capture and reuse system, which harvests stormwater for use in the gardens, underscores the project’s commitment to sustainable design.

The impetus behind Larni Garingilang was to create a space that serves the community while addressing the historical and environmental impacts of the Gold Rush era. The goal was to blend cultural heritage with modern sustainability practices, transforming the Bendigo Botanic Gardens into a hub for learning, relaxation, and cultural celebration.

The project achieves a beautiful blend of cultural heritage and sustainability, educating visitors about local Indigenous culture and historical environmental impacts. "It serves as a model for other projects, demonstrating that cultural and environmental considerations can lead to innovative, impactful designs," explains Palmer. This influence extends beyond the local community, offering a template for how modern architecture can respect and coexist with nature.

Collaboration and consultation were paramount in achieving a successful outcome for Larni Garingilang. From engaging with the Dja Dja Wurrung community to ensure cultural heritage was accurately represented, to regular consultations with FOBBG to incorporate community feedback, the inclusive approach was crucial. "This inclusive approach ensured the project not only met its sustainability goals but also resonated deeply with the local community," the team states. 

This project exemplifies the ideals of the Influencer category by integrating sustainability, cultural heritage, and community engagement into every aspect of the project. It stands as a testament to how thoughtful design can influence positive change and promote a more sustainable and culturally aware world. The project’s success lies in its ability to honour the past while creating a vibrant, sustainable future for the Bendigo Botanic Gardens and the community it serves.

K5 is the proud sponsor of the INDE Influencer category in the 2024 programme. The shortlisted projects, such as Larni Garingilang Central Hub, embody our company ethos; create only when necessary and always consider the impacts on the future. Congratulations GHD Design.