Sunshine Coast University Library: innovation in a subtropical climate

The library at Sunshine Coast University, Queensland was completed three years ago. The library is both the physical heart and the social focus of the new campus. Two firms of architects collaborated on the design: one, Lawrence Nield & Partners, with extensive experience of major projects and the other, John Mainwaring & Associates, familiar with the local climate. The low budget encouraged innovatory construction. The building is of interest for its visual openness, its suitability for the subtropical climate and the extensive use of timber for cladding and screening.