By TPG Architects
The Tanks Arts centre is set in Cairns city’s 38 hectare tropical rainforest, botanical garden and cultural precinct. The site was originally constructed as a crude oil tank store by the Royal Australian Navy in 1944, where it was carefully camouflaged and set into the rainforest shroud of Mount Whitfield, to protect the stored oil from WWII attack.
The oil was pumped in through an underground pipe system to Cairns harbour some 8kms away, remaining in use to supply the navy until the site was decommissioned in 1987.
The tanks’ one metre thick walls were cut to create public access to the extraordinary internal spaces some 30 metres in diameter and over 8 metres high, with lofty oil stained timber columns supporting a timber roof structure.
The site, surrounded by large concrete walls and mounds, now partially enveloped by the invading rainforest, forms a unique backdrop to the centre which runs an extensive music/performance, gallery/display and function/major events programme. With each of the three tanks, known as Tank 5, 4 and 3 respectively, generally separately housing these activities.
The entire precinct was placed on the Queensland State Heritage Register in 2006.
Of the five original tanks, three large concrete tanks remain and in 1994 Roger Mainwood, Associate at Woodheads at the time, won the master plan design competition held by the Council to convert the precinct to a community arts facility.
This master plan set a framework for ongoing site development and which included a Curators’ office in Tank 4 and the complete redesign of the Tank 5 Performance space, AV desks, back of house, Bar '5', ticket desk and installation of discreet modified climate control system.
Photography: TPG Architects
About Us
TPG Architects' directors have lived and worked in the region for more than 30 years. With numerous projects in North Queensland, from the Whitsundays to PNG, we have extensive experience in sustainable commercial, community, educational, residential and resort developments.
Our ongoing commitment to understanding our clients' requirements is reinforced by the pragmatic commercial and design skills we bring to the project, with a thorough knowledge of the construction realities of building in the tropics. This is reflected in the practice's numerous repeat clients that we have been able to assist to successfully deliver award winning projects.
With over 25 regional, state and national architectural awards, TPG Architects and our directors are the most highly commended practice in the region.
Quality Management
TPG Architects’ quality management system conforms to ISO 9001:2015 / AS/NZS 9001:2016. Our third-party accreditation reflects TPG Architects’ commitment to best practice in the architectural profession and delivering the best quality service for our clients.