Designing with Country

Understanding Designing with Country

Designing with Country is more than a design philosophy—it is a responsibility. It acknowledges the deep, enduring connection between Indigenous peoples and their land, ensuring that architecture does more than occupy space; it honours, respects, and responds to Country.

In Australian Indigenous architecture, Designing with Country is a practice rooted in cultural knowledge, sustainability, and deep environmental awareness. It ensures that spaces are designed in harmony with the land, incorporating Indigenous perspectives, traditions, and values. By integrating cultural narratives into the built environment, we foster a greater sense of identity, connection, and community belonging.

This approach is essential not only for preserving heritage but also for creating spaces that empower Indigenous communities and educate the wider public. When buildings reflect the spirit and history of the land they stand on, they become powerful symbols of reconciliation, respect, and unity.

Our Approach to Designing with Country

We believe materials should serve as a canvas for cultural storytelling.
By enabling engraving, perforation, and routing, architects can incorporate Indigenous motifs, stories, and patterns directly into façades. Through our innovative fibre cement panels, architects and designers have the tools to embed Indigenous narratives into the built environment, creating spaces that reflect history, identity, and place.

Through Coloured – maintained clarity over time.

Precision – Supports detailed and intricate cultural designs.

Durability – Non combustible, ensuring art endures.

Cohesive Designs – A medium for cultural expression.

Looking Forward

By integrating cultural narratives into the built environment, we ensure that Indigenous heritage is not only acknowledged but celebrated. EQUITONE is proud to support architects in designing with Country—creating spaces that respect the past, respond to the present, and inspire the future.

Let's talk about your project

Kalbarri Skywalk, Western Australia

Overlooking the Murchison River Gorge, this iconic structure incorporates Indigenous engravings that honour the Nanda people, reinforcing the spiritual and cultural significance of the landscape.

Architect: Eastman Poletti Sherwood Architects
Builder: Geraldton Building Services & Cabinets

Fremantle College, Western Australia

The façade features Noongar artwork, embedding Indigenous identity into the learning environment and fostering a deeper cultural connection for students and the community.

Architect: JCY Architects & Urban Designers

Melbourne University Campus, Victoria

This design showcases Indigenous motifs integrated into the design, which acknowledge the Wurundjeri people. The designs ensure that the campus remains a space of cultural recognition and respect.

Architect: Lyons Architecture
Builder: Kane Constructions

Darlington Primary School, New South Wales

This award winning project demonstrates a learning space enriched with Indigenous storytelling, where engravings on EQUITONE panels connect students with the land’s history and heritage.

Architect: FJC Studio

5 compelling reasons to choose EQUITONE solutions for your project

Durability

Durable material with 50+ years of longevity,anti-graffiti protection, resistance to extreme temperatures, and a ventilated facade system for enhanced durability.

Design flexibility

Our panels are fully customizable, accommodating any size, shape, perforation, milling, printing, and unique applications and layouts.

Expert services

Benefit from over 120 years of experience, expert consultations at every project stage, and a wealth of online technical resources.

Sustainability

First and only Cradle to Cradle Certified® fiber cement material, 100% recyclable, lightweight and modular.

Safety

We prioritize safety with non-combustible materials, top-tier fire standards, robust structure classification, and zero harmful emissions.