Wetlands Centre

Full Architectural Services
City of Wetlands, Cockburn

Designed by weco personnel while at Site Architecture Studio in design leadership & key project roles

Project Objectives

Establish a sustainable and integrated community hub that harmonises with the native bushland setting.

Unify the Wetlands Centre, Wildlife WA, and Bibra Lake Scouts through a masterplanned network of shared facilities.

Preserve mature native vegetation by carefully siting buildings to minimise environmental impact.

Tailor each facility—such as the veterinary hospital, scout shed, and nursery—to meet the distinct needs of its user group while maintaining a unified architectural identity.

Deliver high-functioning new spaces including an animal education centre, native plant nursery, and scout facilities to support expanded community use.

Collaborate closely with the three diverse stakeholder groups to translate their operational goals into specific spatial and architectural outcomes.

Optimise construction efficiency and cost-effectiveness through shared materiality and detailing across all buildings.

Embed sustainability principles through passive design, locally sourced materials, and energy-efficient systems to reduce long-term environmental impact.

Key Project Outcomes

Transform an ecologically sensitive bush site into a dynamic, community-focused wetlands precinct.

Construct purpose-built facilities that support wildlife rehabilitation, environmental education, and youth development activities.

Integrate an artificial wetland as a central feature that enhances educational programming and the visitor experience.

Achieve architectural unity through consistent use of natural materials, forms, and feature entry elements across all buildings.

Minimise site disruption by retaining significant vegetation and incorporating new native landscaping to enhance habitat value.

Foster strong relationships with user groups through ongoing dialogue, resulting in inclusive, functional, and user-driven design solutions.

Maximise project value within a limited budget by standardising materials and construction methods to improve buildability.

Promote long-term environmental and operational sustainability through energy-efficient infrastructure and durable construction systems.