Edithvale-Seaford Wetlands Discovery Centre

This educational discovery centre located adjacent to a Ramsar listed wetlands is a fl agship ESD project for Melbourne Water doubling as a bird hide. Perched overlooking a remnant of the once extensive and ecologically rich Carum Carrum swamp this building provides an interpretive experience for visitors to understand the vital and complex history and workings of this urban wetland and its role in the watercycle.Solar panels, heat-pumps, floor-grate supply and passive extraction, double glazing, motion controlled lighting, high levels of insulation and thermal mass together allow building operations to approach carbon neutral Combined with a composting sewerage system and an internal water storage, the building attracts an equivalent of 6 Green Stars. The Edithvale Seaford Wetlands Discovery Centre was awarded an Australian Institute of Architects award for Public Architecture in June 2012, a Master Builders Association Award in August 2012 and the Premier’s Design Award in September 2012.