Guyu - 5th Year Project
Guyu, meaning “fire” in the Larrakia language, is a research facility I designed to develop environmentally friendly fire retardants. Inspired by the Larrakia Indigenous Center in Darwin, this project integrates cultural recognition with research-driven solutions, addressing the growing need for alternative fire suppression methods. Conventional fire retardants, like Phos-Chek, have raised environmental concerns due to their chemical runoff into waterways. With wildfire seasons becoming increasingly extreme—such as the 2019–2020 Black Summer, which burned over 44 million acres—it became clear that more ecologically responsible solutions were needed. Guyu provides a dedicated space for that research, advancing the development of fire suppression technologies that are both effective and sustainable.
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Located in Darwin, Northern Territory, the facility is designed to function in a tropical climate where high humidity, heavy rainfall, and extreme heat create challenges for both building performance and research efforts. Through a comprehensive site analysis and SWOT study, I developed a design that prioritizes passive cooling strategies, natural ventilation, and renewable energy systems, reducing the facility’s environmental footprint while optimizing efficiency.
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Guyu spans 78,744 square feet across three levels. Level 1 (10,411 SF) houses the main entrance, classrooms, a locker room for workers, and an admin/security area. Level 2 (41,840 SF) contains research laboratories, a flex space auditorium, an atrium, and a flex office space. Level 3 (26,493 SF) is primarily dedicated to labs, with a large office space in the back. In addition to its core research functions, the facility includes public engagement spaces, controlled testing areas, and a memorial honoring communities impacted by wildfires.
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From the start, I wanted sustainability to be at the core of this project, with a focus on low-carbon materials and energy-efficient systems. One of the most significant material choices was geopolymer concrete, a locally sourced alternative to Portland cement that reduces carbon emissions by up to 64% through the use of industrial byproducts like fly ash and blast furnace slag. This material is also highly resistant to humidity, chloride exposure, and chemical degradation, making it ideal for Darwin’s climate.
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I also incorporated Hempcrete, a lightweight, bio-composite material that improves thermal efficiency and humidity regulation. Since Darwin’s high humidity can lead to mold growth, Hempcrete’s vapor permeability helps maintain a healthier indoor environment. Its fire-resistant properties further reinforce the facility’s research focus, and since Hempcrete is carbon-negative, it actively reduces the project’s environmental impact.
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For cladding and interior finishes, I selected Spotted Gum, a highly durable and sustainable Australian hardwood. This material is naturally resistant to termites, decay, and environmental wear, making it well-suited to the region’s climate. Choosing locally sourced timber also reduced transportation emissions and supported Australia’s forestry industry.To further enhance energy efficiency, I integrated rigid wood fiber panels for insulation. These panels provide superior thermal performance, reducing cooling loads, improving moisture control, and enhancing soundproofing, while also being fully recyclable at the end of their life cycle.
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A key priority in this project was reducing reliance on mechanical systems by maximizing passive strategies. I designed Guyu with high-performance Low-E glazing, which minimizes heat gain while maximizing daylighting, reducing solar heat transfer and lowering HVAC energy demand. The facility is also equipped with a geothermal heating and cooling system (W-600-H~HAC R454B 60Hz), which takes advantage of underground temperature stability to regulate indoor conditions more efficiently than conventional HVAC systems. The ventilation strategy is based on wind analysis and site orientation, placing operable vents and windows on the northeast and south-facing facades to promote natural airflow and reduce cooling loads.
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To further offset energy consumption, the facility incorporates 14,880 square feet of bifacial monocrystalline solar panels (AIKO NEOSTAR). These panels achieve 24.3% efficiency by capturing sunlight from both sides and generate 72.8 megawatts per year, covering over one-third of the facility’s total energy needs. The cyclone-rated panels are positioned at an optimal 20–30-degree tilt for maximum solar exposure, ensuring long-term reliability in Darwin’s extreme weather conditions. Given Darwin’s high annual rainfall of 68 inches, the facility integrates a rainwater harvesting system to reduce municipal water reliance. The system collects rainwater via roof catchment areas, filters it, and stores it in underground tanks for irrigation and cooling applications.
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One of the most interesting challenges of this project was integrating daylighting and circulation strategies to improve the user experience. Since the facility includes deep-plan spaces, I incorporated sun tunnels to bring natural daylight into interior areas, reducing the need for artificial lighting while improving occupant comfort. These tunnels capture sunlight from rooftop collectors, channel it through high-performance reflective tubing, and distribute it via diffusers, ensuring consistent daylight access throughout the facility.
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Designing Guyu allowed me to explore new materials, environmental strategies, and passive design techniques in the context of fire research and sustainable innovation. The facility integrates low-carbon construction, renewable energy systems, and climate-responsive design, creating a model for how architecture can contribute to wildfire mitigation efforts while reducing ecological impact. This project deepened my understanding of building performance, material science, and energy efficiency, shaping my approach to future designs with a strong focus on long-term sustainability and resilience.
