Gippsland farewells icon

18 March 2009

The binishell is demolished.

The iconic binishell at the Gippsland campus has been demolished, almost 30 years after it was built.

Designed by architect Dr Dante Bini, the structure was installed at the campus in December 1979 using radical building techniques.

300 tonnes of concrete, steel and membrane were inflated into an 11 metre high dome in little more than an hour.

The binishell became a distinctive landmark in Churchill, providing a venue for graduation ceremonies, exams and sporting activities.

Gippsland campus manager facilities and services Brian Start said a risk assessment found the building had developed structural weakness.

"Reactive clay in the soil caused the footings of the binishell to twist, subsequently causing the shell to crack," Mr Stark said.

"In more recent times the external thermal membrane had started to fail."

Mr Stark said the binishell was demolished in about a quarter of an hour.

A new auditorium has already been built at the campus for classes, graduation ceremonies, exams and conferences.

"We have applied for funding for a new building on the binishell site," Mr Stark said.

"We’re planning a signature building, one that creates a sense of arrival for the campus.

"The demolition of the binishell allows the campus to move forward to create better facilities for staff, students and the community."