The new Eaton Library, Administration and Community Centre building is a modern two-storey, L-shaped building clad predominantly in stringy bark with charred jarrah timber as accents. This timber building will be integrated into Eaton’s developing town centre, providing a great number of services to the community, inlcuding a high standard public library, makerspace to foster connection through creativity and shared interests, a mixed-use community hub with meeting space for local groups, civic spaces and the Shire’s new administration offices. Its L-shape will allow for a civic courtyard space, accessible from the Library and Council Chambers. Whilst the library courtyard space will allow for an outdoor play area for children and seating for patrons to read a book or linger and share a coffee with mates from the coffee hub in the library.

The first mass timber structure made with Laminated Vaneer Lumber columns and beams, cross laminated timber floors and timber framing for the Shire, the building is a landmark demonstration on the capabilities of timber construction.

During construction, Dardanup Shire President Mick Bennett said the project would deliver a community hub of the future providing an engine room for collaboration, connection and innovation while showcasing the potential for leading sustainable timber construction.

“It has taken us a great deal of planning to reach this project milestone and we are very excited for the community to see it now taking shape,” Cr Bennett said.

“Even more exciting though will be in a bit over 12 months’ time when for the first time, community members can start accessing these incredible new facilities located right in the heart of Eaton.”