A New Chapter for Armstrong Creek Library

The Biyal-a Armstrong Creek Library, designed by Buchan, is a 2,500-square-metre civic landmark that captures the spirit of community and the natural world. Located in the Armstrong Creek Town Centre in Greater Geelong, this vibrant new hub draws inspiration from a ‘Living Water’ narrative, reflecting the cultural and spiritual importance of waterways to the Wadawurrung people.

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Buchan’s design merges storytelling with functionality. The library’s raw concrete exterior, circular windows, and organic forms evoke water as a gathering place. “The waterways of the Wadawurrung people have been a natural meeting point for centuries and are rich in cultural and spiritual significance,” explains Buchan architect Aleksander Borek. “The new library is conceived as a nourishing place for the community to come together and create a shared future.”

Inside, the library is a study in natural materials and open-plan versatility. Timber bookshelves, furniture, and fittings provide warmth, while a striking rammed earth wall serves as a tactile spine dividing public spaces from amenities. A floor pattern resembling a flowing creek visually connects the library to the adjacent town square, reinforcing its natural theme. The design also prioritises light and connection, with expansive windows offering views of the landscaped surroundings and flooding the interiors with sunlight.

Key to the library’s design is flexibility. Spaces cater to diverse community needs, from children’s zones and co-working areas to makers’ spaces and outdoor terraces. Modular furniture and operable walls adapt to events and daily activities, ensuring the library is as dynamic as the community it serves.

Externally, the library shines as a beacon of civic pride. A waveform canopy provides shade along Main Street, while a cantilevered roof shelters a landscaped forecourt at the main entrance. At night, the circular windows illuminate, transforming the building into a glowing landmark.

As the first major civic infrastructure in Armstrong Creek Town Centre, the Biyal-a Armstrong Creek Library establishes a strong sense of identity and sets the tone for future developments in the precinct.

Images by Tom Roe via Designboom