kirrawee library +

The Challenge

Sutherland Shire Council was allocated 1,500 square meters of space within a new residential development in Kirrawee, presenting an opportunity to create something beyond a traditional library. The vision was ambitious: a multifunctional technology and community hub that would serve students and residents across the region. The challenge was to design and implement a sophisticated AV infrastructure across multiple specialized spaces, including podcasting studios, Theatre+, Venue+, a creative workshop, and a professional recording studio, all while maintaining the accessibility and ease-of-use expected in a public facility. With nothing comparable south of Sydney, particularly in the Sutherland Shire, the project needed to deliver professional-grade capabilities that would inspire creativity and provide resources previously unavailable to the community.

The Solution

The AVIT Group worked closely with Sutherland Shire Council, Studio Hollenstein architects, and Belmadar Construction to deliver a comprehensive AV integration across the entire facility. The solution featured Barco projection systems in Theatre+ and Venue+ displayed on Screen Technics screens, complemented by Hisense commercial displays throughout and distinctive dual-sided Samsung screens at the entry. All displays were enhanced with BrightSign digital signage for dynamic content delivery.

Audio excellence was achieved through QSYS DSP systems, utilizing Flex and Nano processors across each area, with Quest amplifiers and speakers throughout the main spaces. Theatre+ received specialized QSC cinema speakers and a QSYS DCIO for 7.1 audio downmixing. Sennheiser SpeechLine wireless microphones and MZH gooseneck mics at client-provided lecterns ensured clear voice reinforcement, while a Shure MXA710 ceiling microphone enhanced the Workshop space. Opus hearing augmentation in every room guaranteed inclusivity for all visitors.

The podcasting studios were equipped with Rodecaster II Pro consoles, while the recording studio featured a Roland video mixer, PreSonus audio console, Blackmagic Studio 4K Pros, and a Dell Studio PC for professional-grade content creation. QSC PTZ cameras in Theatre+, Venue+, and the Workshop enabled seamless BYOD meetings and remote participation. Crestron AirMedia provided wireless presentation capabilities across key spaces, with all HDMI transport handled by Visionary Duet-5 series AVoIP systems.

User control was simplified through QSYS touch panels in each room, complemented by an iPad for global whole-venue management. Crestron room booking panels at every space streamlined scheduling and access. A Yamaha DM3 was added as a last-minute addition to Venue+, giving operators full control over the space for any type of gathering required, from hybrid meetings to live bands. The system was designed to be entirely operator-free for standard use, allowing community members and staff to confidently manage technology without technical assistance.

The Outcome

Kirrawee Library+ has transformed into a vibrant creative hub that’s generating significant excitement throughout the Sutherland Shire. From day one, the facility has exceeded expectations. Podcasting studios are consistently booked, residents from the apartments above are discovering the live recording room for piano practice, and students are volunteering to learn the professional equipment with aspirations of working in media industries.

The intuitive, operator-free AV system has empowered staff and community members alike to utilize sophisticated technology confidently across all spaces. The three flagship studios (green screen, white screen, and recording studio) provide professional resources that were previously inaccessible to local aspiring filmmakers, podcasters, and musicians. The Workshop space enables hands-on training, helping users develop skills to maximize the facility’s creative potential.

Beyond technical success, Kirrawee Library+ has become the talking point of the region, fulfilling Council’s vision of creating not just a library, but a destination that fosters creativity, learning, and community connection. The ongoing partnership with AVIT Group ensures continued support and adaptability as the facility evolves with emerging technologies and community needs.