Practice: Sarosh Mulla Design

Location: Longbush Reserve, Gisborne

Status: Completed 2015

The Longbush Ecosanctuary Welcome Shelter is an innovative environmental education space designed, constructed and operated by a group of passionate volunteers with the support of local businesses and charitable organisations. The project was led by P-A-C designer Sarosh Mulla, who was responsible for the architecture of the buildings, the sponsorship and, in a hands-on-tools role, the leading of the 88-strong volunteer building team that realised the project. The shelter is comprised of an outdoor classroom with a large floating roof over three elegant wooden ‘boxes’ that are used for storage, a composting toilet, water and a lookout tower. Small terraces and planting boxes create a space in the landscape to welcome visitors, and to explore different aspects of Longbush and its rare and endangered species of plants and animals. Access to the shelter is free of charge for all visitors and the project aims to promote active stewardship of our natural environment. Rather than simply viewing the landscape, visitors are encouraged to take part in the environmental restoration occurring at the ecosanctuary through the various programs offered.