Federation Square: Termite-Inspired Thermal Labyrinth — Atelier 10 / LAB Architecture Studio / Bates Smart

Biological model: Termite mounds (Macrotermes)

Company: Atelier 10 / LAB Architecture Studio / Bates Smart

A 38,000 m² art and media complex in Melbourne featuring the largest thermal labyrinth installed at the time of construction, inspired by termite mound ventilation to achieve passive cooling without mechanical air conditioning.

The challenge

Large public atrium buildings require enormous energy for cooling, especially in climates with hot daytime temperatures. Mechanical air conditioning for such volumes is expensive, carbon-intensive, and relies on refrigerants with high global warming potential.

Nature's strategy

Termite mounds (Macrotermes) regulate internal temperature within 1°C despite external swings of 40°C, using networks of tunnels and chambers that exploit diurnal temperature variations, thermal mass, and passive stack ventilation.

What was emulated

Underground thermal mass storage exploiting diurnal temperature swing; passive stack ventilation using buoyancy-driven airflow; fractal surface geometry for optimised environmental exchange; chimney effect for heat exhaust.

The innovation

The largest thermal labyrinth of its time, storing night-time coolness in underground concrete mass and releasing it during the day through passive air circulation. Combined with a fractally-designed double skin facade for additional passive heat management.

Full case study

Federation Square in Melbourne, Australia, is a 38,000 m² art and media structure completed in 2002 that features what was the largest thermal labyrinth installed at the time of construction. Originally inspired by termite mounds, the design draws on diurnal temperature variations to achieve passive cooling and heating without mechanical air conditioning for the main atrium. The underground labyrinth works like the chambers within a termite mound: cool night air is drawn through a massive underground concrete structure that absorbs and stores the coolness. During the day, this stored thermal energy is released as air passes through the labyrinth, displacing warm air from the occupied spaces above through stack and wind effects. Heat gains rise through the building and are vented through open joints in the roof structure. The building also features a fractally-designed double skin facade that draws on nature's geometric patterns, further managing heat gain and ventilation. Both the thermal labyrinth and the fractal facade work together to condition the main atrium using only passive strategies. After more than twenty years of operation, the system continues to perform effectively—a testament to the durability and reliability of biomimetic passive strategies. Designed by Atelier 10 with LAB Architecture Studio and Bates Smart, the project demonstrates that even large public buildings can be conditioned through biological principles rather than energy-intensive mechanical systems.