Research

During the design of the Puntukurnu Aboriginal Medical Service Healthcare Hub Newman we undertook significant research into the best approach to incorporate rammed earth into the building construction. We are grateful for the generous assistance of Luigi Rosselli Architects and Silver Thomas Hanley who shared lessons from their respective Great Wall of WA and Warren Health Service Hospital projects. Fro these inputs and with Murchison Rammed Earth the following specification was developed.

See Specification Here

Through our experience we have developed our process of transcribing Aboriginal Art, imbued with culture and country, into art screens that are respectful and beautiful. This is not a simple process of copying. The screens must be laser cut so they remain a single structurally sound piece. They must also be legible from close up and a distance. It requires careful editing and curating of the elements without losing the inherent cultural meaning.

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This paper by Peter Lawther provided the intellectual basis for the design and implementation of the Vanuatu School project.

Read the Abstract Here

Developed by David Kaunitz with local builders from Western Province Solomon Islands the support of structural engineer Bruce Hutchison – Chapman Hutchison and Partner Housing Australasia. This open source design was developed following the 2007 Western Province earthquake and tsunami and supported the shelter response and reconstruction for the 32,000 displaced people.

Download Drawings Here

Developed by David Kaunitz with local builders from Western Province Solomon Islands the support of structural engineer Davina Ronney and Partner Housing Australasia. These open source standard details were developed following the 2007 Western Province earthquake and tsunami and supported the shelter response, repair and reconstruction for the 32,000 displaced people. These details were subsequently used by The Red Cross in Vanuatu following Cyclone Pat.

Download Drawings Here