Lord Howe Island Laboratory

Location: Lord Howe Island
Designed: 1979 Building
Type: Breeding Laboratory

In 1979 the Lord Howe Island Woodhen was the world’s most endangered bird. Feral rats and pigs had virtually wiped them out. Only a few breeding pairs remained. This building (and associated aviaries) was constructed for a captive breeding program that saw the numbers dramatically increase over the next few years. As all materials had to be shipped from the mainland, the building had to be as lightweight as possible. The pre-curved corrugated iron roof used the arch as structure and needed only three support lines. The ply ceiling was suspended directly from the corrugated iron. After the success of the program the building and aviaries no longer being needed, were demolished and the forest regenerated.

Photographer: Keith Gillett