Buchan has rewritten the rules on how to design a library, overhauling the traditional interiors and meagre façade, with their iteration of the Biyal-a Armstrong Creek Library.

Buchan designed the Biyal-a Armstrong Creek Library as a centrepiece for the Armstrong Creek Town Centre, which stands as a distinctive character of community and cultural significance. Set amid the expanding urban fabric of Greater Geelong, the library is positioned to serve as detitanation knowledge and a place for connection – both metaphorically and literally.

For Armstrong Creek, this new library is more than just a place for books — it is a cultural touchstone that will serve generations to come. According to Aleksander Borek of Buchan, the success of the project stems from a clear, shared vision among all collaborators: “We set out with the ‘living water’ narrative, and every detail has remained true to that initial intent.”

A series of circular windows, playfully integrate into the facade, echoing the concept of ‘living water’ – a design narrative co-created with the Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation. These windows, offering framed views of the surrounding landscape, give the building its visual identity where bypasses can look into the narrative world the unfolds within.

Externally, the architectural form is a study in simplicity. Raw concrete surfaces are softened by the organic detailing of the waveform canopy, providing shelter along Main Street. Even the roof — cantilevered over the forecourt — features an opening that invites light and glimpses of the sky, further rooting the design in the idea of openness and community. The entrance, marked by a landscaped forecourt, encourages movement from the outside into the interior, fostering a sense of flow and connection.

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The interiors continue this narrative, drawing inspiration from Wadawurrung Country. Timber features, earthy tones and organic forms create a convivial atmosphere that mirrors the natural environment. A rammed earth wall runs through the space, adding a tactile quality that balances the open, airy interiors. The functional design, sprawled across a flexible layout – a notable  2,500 square metres – and movable furniture, ensures it remains adaptable, capable of hosting a wide range of activities, from children’s storytime to coworking sessions in its tech-rich makerspace.

Materials were selected for their aesthetic appeal and environmental credentials. Buchan has carefully balanced functionality with long-term sustainability, ensuring the building meets best-practice standards for energy efficiency while maintaining a low environmental footprint.

Buchan
buchan.au

Photography
Tom Roe

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