Architecture - Masters

Project Ignite

The Institutional Anchor, Ignite, and the Field Station, Nest are sister projects based in Kenilworth and the Imbil State Forest.

The proposal will become the new hub of research for climate change & environmental science, fire retardant materials in construction, cultural burning and rainforest regeneration in the Imbil State Forest. The Bureau of Meteorology, CSIRO and the Firesticks Alliance will lead the research of fire systems - tackling an area of research which is still plagued with gaps of knowledge. Ignite will provide an opportunity for a holistic research approach to the warming climate, while gathering data on construction materials + techniques which could see a brighter architectural future in fire-prone regions.

Nina Ilijasevic

fire ecology + rainforest regeneration

The two projects are representative of more than just the people they serve. They are an architectural expression of the wildlife, the land, the traditional owners, and the history of Regional Sunshine Coast.

The vertical fins which line the facade control shade and sightlines towards the picturesque Imbil Forest. Their rust-red tone is a humble connection to the earth, serving as a beacon of knowledge for visitors and locals entering Kenilworth – as the project is visible when arriving from Kenilworth Brooloo Road.

Ignite aims to connect people at the heart of the building. The ground floor plane completely services the general public, creating a thoroughfare of communal facilities. A retail Botanical store greets visitors upon entry, opening up into a lush sensory garden which is bathed in natural light from the main central void above.
The West wing hosts quieter spaces of reflection and learning.
The East wing celebrates connection, interaction and performance. Dedicated Firesticks studios aim to enhance the cultural exchange between the Gubbi Gubbi people and the local community. A flexible exhibition space occupies the far West wing, which in turn opens up to the amphitheatre – creating an elongated space for gathering, celebration + performance.

A series of precedent images showing the design intent behind Ignite. From left to right: Fire Hazard Zoning Map of Kenilworth, a fire burning, red earth, traditional Aboriginal painting, external vertical fins & rust coloured maroon metal sheet.

Red

The colour of fire.

The colour of earth.

The colour of energy.

GROUND FLOOR – CONVERGENCE + CONNECTION

LEVEL 01 – RESEARCH

Level 01

LEVEL 02 – RESEARCH + REST

Level 02

LEVEL 03 – GREENHOUSE + RECREATION

Level 03
The image shows a close up of the north facade. A diagram shows the connection to the slab. and the spacing between the blades.

PROTECTION + VIEW FRAMING

To protect the building from excessive heat gain, vertical fins fixed to the slab extensions were implemented into the design.

The form began as simple rectangles, however they developed into a dynamic angled blade which added a visual detail to the facade, softening the bulk of the building, and slightly elongating it, so the building form did not appear low and incredibly wide.

section a

section b

section c

section d

SENSORY GARDENS – GROUND FLOOR VIEW

connecting the two

Shown in a diagrammatic manner, the image shows the relationships and connections between the two projects.

Cut from the Same Cloth

The Field Station, Nest is located a short 25 minute drive from the Anchor, Ignite. Though separated by distance, specific architectural elements connect the two projects.

1. The Form.
Imbil State Forest and Kenilworth are both rugged terrains. Both projects utilise a form which carves around the sloping topography which creates an angular expression.
2. The Program.
Celebrating connection and human interaction, both projects feature a central break out zone where the two wings meet.
3. The Materiality.
They feature dynamic and acoustic ceiling of the Dry Labs in the Nest, is a nod to the external vertical fins of the Ignite facade. Though not a carbon copy, the design intent is maintained.

tHE neST

FIELD STATION WITHIN IMBIL STATE FOREST

The Nest is tucked away in a small plantation within the southern portion of the forest. It will become a beacon for future field research stations, setting benchmark research for fire prone areas like the Imbil State Forest. The Nest is a place that facilitates, encourages and promotes learning of the natural scape. Warm interior tones, create a juxtaposition against the cool tones of the external cladding, creating a separation between work, and rest. Inside and outside.

GROUND FLOOR

Ground floor of The Nest.

JOURNEY + CONNECTION

RELATIONSHIPS WITH THE DRY LAB

Nina Ilijasevic

Nina's first love for architecture began many moons ago. If architecture were a person, the first time she set eyes on them, time would have slowed and a ballad would start playing in the distance, somewhere. Since then, she has explored her passion for design with over 3 years industry experience, thriving in creative problem solving and bringing attention to detail to her projects. Nina perceives each new project as an opportunity to develop her knowledge and understanding of how buildings can impact human interaction, psychology and creativity.