GUULABAA – Place of Koala, the world’s first purpose-built wild koala breeding and rehabilitation centre, has been named a winner of the Urban Land Institute (ULI) 2025 Asia Pacific Awards for Excellence.
Announced at the ULI Asia Pacific Summit in Hong Kong, the award recognises Guulabaa as a global exemplar of conservation-led design, Indigenous collaboration, and resilient land stewardship.
Guulabaa is one of only twelve winners across the Asia Pacific, and one of just two from Australia to be recognised this year.
Developed by the Forestry Corporation of New South Wales and designed by global architecture and design firm Gensler, Guulabaa was conceived in direct response to the catastrophic 2019–2020 Black Summer bushfires, which impacted koala habitats across the region.
The project involved collaboration with First Nations communities and integrated traditional cool burning practices to reduce bushfire risk and restore forest health.
This approach also enabled the use of local sustainably sourced native hardwoods in construction.
“Guulabaa challenged us to rethink what regenerative architecture should be,” said Ken McBryde, Design Director at Gensler Australia.
“It is not about making a bold statement, but about designing with care, deep listening, and respect for Country. “This project shows what is possible when we listen to our client, stakeholders, project partners, and First Nations knowledge holders, and design with long-term impact in mind.”
Set within a 25-hectare site in Cowarra State Forest, Guulabaa, meaning “Place of Koala” in the local Gathang language, offers a unique blend of conservation, cultural storytelling, and eco-tourism.
Visitors experience elevated timber walkways, immersive educational spaces, and First Nations-led narratives that deepen understanding of wildlife, heritage, and environmental stewardship.
“Guulabaa is about more than protecting koalas. It brings people together, across generations, cultures, and disciplines to care for Country and build a shared future where nature and community thrive,” said Kathy Lyons, Senior Manager, Country and Community, Forestry Corporation of NSW.
“Its success is already inspiring similar projects across New South Wales, and ULI’s recognition affirms that this model is both powerful and scalable when approached with care and respect.”
