Responsible Wood took to the archives as it celebrates the 7th anniversary of this most prestigious prize
Richard Kirk, of Kirk Architects, was recognised for his contribution in driving the specification of Responsible Wood certified, Queensland grown Spotted Gum in the construction of the new Mon Repos Turtle Centre near Bundaberg.
Nominated by Hyne Timber, Responsible Wood certified, Richard Kirk was a finalist in the Richard Stanton Memorial Award announced at the Responsible Wood AGM in October 2020.
The award, recognising the life of a man devoted to the forest industry, was presented by Simon Dorries, CEO of Responsible Wood.
The Mon Repos Turtle Centre, a multi award winning project, is a conservation park where passionate rangers and scientists manage conservation and research programs to enhance the success of nesting before hatchlings make their perilous journey to the sea some months later.
The Centre’s owner, Queensland Parks and Wildlife (also the custodian of the certified forests) provided a brief to Richard Kirk including the requirement for a design connection to nature, sustainability and durability in the corrosive coastal environment.
Timber was therefore the ideal construction solution for a range of reasons including locally and sustainably grown, durability, strength, density and aesthetics.
Richard Kirk, with his passion for sustainability while supporting local suppliers, specified Hyne Timber’s Responsible Wood certified Spotted Gum Glue Laminated Timber in order to deliver “exceptional sustainability credentials”.
With timber specification confirmed, the timber was purchased directly by Queensland Parks and Wildlife from Hyne Timber with full chain of custody. This early and direct procurement is highly unusual but also served to ensure the construction would be completed prior to turtle season.
KIRK are known for their innovative use of certified timber such as the façade mullions and GHD Auditorium structure at the University of Queensland’s flagship Advanced Engineering Building – also Responsible Wood certified Spotted Gum.
The Mon Repos building stands as an exemplar for sustainability for all Queensland, Australian and international visitors to the centre.
As a highly regarded, award winning Architect with a significant focus on sustainability, timber design is identified as an area of expertise but only provided the timber meets exceptional sustainability credentials: https://kirk.studio/expertise.
Principal Richard Kirk is therefore an influencer for the other architects at their three practice locations as well as more broadly and should be recognised as a champion for forest/chain of custody certification.
The Mon Repos Turtle Centre is one of two Australian finalists in this years’ World Architectural Festivals Best Use of Certified Timber – supported by PEFC International.
Nominations for the 2021 Richard Stanton Memorial Trophy close COB, October 1st 2021.
For more information about the Richard Stanton Memorial Trophy please visit the Responsible Wood website.
