The Kokoda Track, the 96km stretch of single file trail through the Owen Stanley Range in Papua New Guinea is the location of the World War II battle between the Japanese & Australian forces in 1942.
We have been commissioned by the Kokoda Track Authority to design a multi-functional building at Ower’s Corner. The building will be primarily a historical museum with offices for the Kokoda Track Authority, Police Station, Gift Shop and residence for the Museum Curator. It will serve as the initial orientation briefing point prior to commencement of the trek.
The proposed elongated building form is wrapped in sheet metal with awning openings to the entry and screened passage. These openings provide shelter from the weather whilst orientating the trekkers towards the surrounding landscape in which they are to be immersed for the following 10-15 days. The building form makes reference to the traditional indigenous buildings, and draws inspiration from emergency tent structures. We aim to reduce the ecological footprint of the building by using sustainable and local materials. Local stone, treated timber and sheet metal will form a sustainable palette of materials.
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