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WHERE better to hear naturally beautiful sound than in the heart of nature.
The quality and spectacle of the Four Winds Sound Shell at Barragga Bay has been much lauded in past years, now “Nature’s Concert Hall” is complete with the construction of the Windsong Pavilion.
The first things you’ll notice are the enormous tree trunks framing this world-class auditorium and amenities building.
Each is said to weigh around 3.5 tonnes!
However, what’s more impressive lies behind the aesthetic natural timber and green wash façade.
Eyes are immediately drawn, not to the stage - which is yet to host its first official performer – but to the ceiling with its concave acoustic tiles, again made with natural timber.
Four Winds chairwoman Sheena Boughen said the master tile maker who created the look “was so passionate about what we were doing here, he drove the tiles over from Adelaide himself”.
The ceiling itself is five metres high and the Tasmanian oak walls are angled slightly for optimum resonance.
Hidden behind the walls is a black acoustic curtain that can cover three of the auditorium’s walls either to dampen sounds based on a performer’s music style or block out the light so a state-of-the-art digital projector and huge drop-down screen can be utilised.
An induction loop is also incorporated under the floor for the hard of hearing.
The pavilion can seat 180 inside and around 100 outside if the weather is favourable, with the entire back wall of the room concertina glass doors.
The reverse-cycle air conditioning runs completely silently and is powered by solar energy.
Ms Boughen said the solar power capacity at the site is so significant they can run their external irrigation system and air-conditioning throughout the day if required.
Water harvesting off the pavilion roof is also considerable, meaning they have no need for external water.
Lighting settings in the pavilion are controlled via touch screen and tucked behind one of the unobtrusive, almost hidden, doors lies a commercial quality catering kitchen.
The attention to detail is extraordinary.
“It’s just gorgeous,” Ms Boughen said.
“Clinton Murray the architect has done an incredible job.
“Rankin Builders adored the job because they were encouraged to use their carpentry skills,” she added.
“The project managers Bill Caldicott and Bill Southwood have considered beyond what was suggested and the magic and warmth of this building shines through.”