o’reilly’s campground

Rainforest Retreat

2020

Location: Lamington National Park, Queensland

Located in Queensland’s Lamington National Park, the O’Reilly’s campground is a project consisting of a series of new functional buildings that includes a camp kitchen, gathering spaces, fire pit and amenities buildings.  In order to protect this pristine site, these new facilities were designed and constructed using sustainable building practices that include lightweight construction using sustainably sourced timber, on site sewer treatment, rain water collection, passive solar access, cross ventilation, vegetation preservation and natural light.

The architecture facilitates a deep connection to the environment as the skeletal structural elements are reflective of a tree canopy which provides shelter whilst protecting vast views to the surrounding mountain ranges. This authentic camping experience has been designed for all through universal design and accessibility, as well as the ability for people who don’t have camping equipment to come and hire what they need such as safari tents, linen, firewood and food.

The campsite is the second in Queensland to be approved to be run by a private organisation. This opportunity has promoted strategic master planning, more resources and closer management of the campsite to ensure the best experience for users as well as the best environmental outcome for the site.  

Project Team: Matt Cooper, Scott Mason, Dan Evans, Megan Cochran

Structural Engineer: Globe Consulting

Civil Engineer: Knobel Engineers

Electrical Engineer: STP Consultants

Hydraulic Engineers: SPP Group

Access Consultant: Maccess Consulting

Building Certification: McCarthy Consulting Group

Builder: Hutchinson Builders

Photographer: Andy Macpherson Studio