Hymba Yumba Independent School
Our recent collaboration on the Stage 3 development of Hymba Yumba Independent School is a powerful example of how architecture, art, and acoustics can come together to create something truly meaningful.
Working alongside Deicke Richards, we were honoured to contribute to a project that places Indigenous culture and student wellbeing at its heart. As leaders in acoustic solutions for sports halls, our role was to ensure this high-impact environment was not only visually inspiring but also acoustically sound, supporting both movement and learning in equal measure.
Central to the project was the integration of Seeds, An artwork by proud Larrakia, Wardaman, and KaraJarri woman Jenna Lee. This piece forms part of our Contours of Country range—an initiative created in collaboration with Blaklash, a leading First Nations creative consultancy, to embed Indigenous storytelling into architectural surfaces and importantly, 15% of every sale from this range is returned to the artist, ensuring a meaningful and sustainable partnership.
Meet Jenna Lee
We spoke with Jenna about the completion of this project and are delighted that she shared her thoughts on what it means to have her work featured in this space, as well as the inspiration behind it.
What was your initial inspiration for the design featured in the Contours of Country range?
My practice often explores the collecting and commodification of Aboriginal cultural material, particularly language and objects. In this work, I turned my attention to one of Australia's most collected and commodified plants: the Eucalyptus. These trees hold deep cultural and practical significance for many First Nations peoples, including Larrakia people. Drawing on the textures and forms of eucalyptus bark and seedpods, I wanted to embed these natural motifs into the surface of the architectural panels. The idea was not just to reference nature, but to re-embed a First Nations perspective and cultural memory into the very fabric of the built environment, referencing what was always, and will always be Aboriginal landscape.
To read more on this interview with Jenna click here.
Jenna’s work explores themes of cultural strength, identity, and intergenerational knowledge. It was a privilege to help bring Seeds Reversed to life on our high-performance DecorZen panels—delivering a solution that is both visually striking and acoustically superior. We spoke with the project’s lead architect, Luke Watson, to learn more about why he chose Jenna’s artwork for the space.
The decision to integrate Decors Contours of Country into the arts precinct and hall at Hymba Yumba was driven by a deep respect for the cultural significance that the environment and landscape carry, as well as their ability to enrich the architectural narrative of the project. Jenna Lee’s Seeds reflect this natural landscape that the space borrows from, providing a strong and engaging natural backdrop to the internal life of the building. This strengthens the relationship between the Jarjums and their culture and Country. By weaving this design element into the space, we have created a physical manifestation of the relationship between the Jarjums and their Country. This not only enhances the aesthetic experience of the hall but also reinforces the project's overarching cultural expression. By integrating this design, the architecture speaks to the land’s sacredness, celebrating the community's identity and providing a sense of belonging and pride. It contributes to a deeper understanding of place, fostering a space that is not only functional but deeply meaningful, resonating with the values and stories of the people and community it serves.
Together, these materials showcase the power of thoughtful acoustic design, seamless integration, and durable finishes, contributing to a world-class facility that supports elite sport and community engagement. Decor Systems is proud to have partnered on this landmark project, where every detail reflects a commitment to quality, safety, and design excellence.
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