Ranger Station

WABi System: Housing

Location: Karunjie and Durack River Pastoral Stations, Western Australia

Design: 4.8m x 4.35m Ranger Stations 

Status: Completed, awaiting imagery

The Nyaliga people have always been connected to the land at Karunjie, spanning back thousands of years. It’s a deep, spiritual connection that has been passed down through generations. Now, with the support of the Indigenous Land and Sea (ILSC) Corporation is working towards their vision of returning to their home country.

One key component of this vision is the development of the land to support the growing community. And that’s where the ranger stations come in. These 5 structures are essential for rangers to stay on country and care for the land. But these ranger stations aren’t just any old buildings. They were designed with the inherent climatic and cultural conditions in mind. With a tropical climate, high winds and heavy rainfall, it was crucial to create a building that could withstand these elements.

The building is elemental in its design. The pitched roof and metal cladding echo the red sand of the desert, and the deep eaves provide shade from the intense summer sun.

The wire mesh doors pivot open to allow for natural ventilation, letting the prevailing breezes cool the house. The ranger stations are elevated, providing inhabitants with a bird’s eye view of the horizon, weather patterns, and movements of people and animals. It’s a place to observe and connect with the land on a deeper level.

Despite the extreme conditions of the north-west, the construction process was efficient and streamlined. All components were packed into a single semi-trailer and assembled on site, taking only four weeks to complete.

In the end, the ranger stations aren’t just buildings. They’re a reflection of the Nyaliga people’s deep connection to the land and their commitment to caring for it. It’s a step towards returning to their home country and ensuring that future generations can continue to share in this special connection.