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Kurlana Tapa 
Justice Youth
Centre
Location:
SOUTH AUSTRALIA
Sector:
ARTS & COMMUNITY
SOLUTION:
Architectural & Acoustic Materials
Architect:
GRIEVE GILLETT & GUYMER BAILEY ARCHITECTS
Traditional 
Custodians
Of The Land:
The Kaurna People

The Kurlana Tapa Youth Justice Centre, also known as the Adelaide Youth Training Centre, is South Australia’s only youth detention facility and a flagship project in restorative practice.

Designed by Grieve Gillett Architects (formerly Totalspace Design) in collaboration with Guymer Bailey Architects, the $22 million redevelopment focuses on youth wellbeing, care, and therapeutic support. The upgrade includes two new buildings—a 12-bed accommodation unit and an education building—as well as extensions to create an 8-bed police custody unit and a new visit centre. 

Working closely with Youth Justice staff and key stakeholders, the design team shaped environments that minimise the physical and psychological impacts of custodial settings.

Natural finishes, artwork, colour, and sweeping curves are used throughout to soften the centre's institutional character, creating spaces that feel safer, warmer, and more humane for young people in custody.

Our 
Contribution


We supplied microperforated acoustic panels for the bedrooms, selected for their superior performance at medium and low frequencies to support quieter, more restful spaces. We also procured custom Contours of Country panels for bulkheads in the main hallways and lounge areas, featuring artwork by local Aboriginal artist and Yuggera man David Booth, whose practice is grounded in cultural strength, family, and intergenerational knowledge. Our role included coordinating the acoustic, aesthetic, and sustainability requirements to ensure the panels met performance targets while achieving full GECA and FSC® certification and Green Star eligibility, subject to substrate and finish.

What We Procured

  • Acoustic wall & ceiling systems
  • MDF panels
Materials were manufactured through our partner network, drawing on more than 50 years of Australian experience in engineered acoustic and architectural systems.

Technical Requirements Supported

The project required the following:
  • Fire ratings and documentation
  • Acoustic performance requirements
  • ESG, sustainability and Green Star
  • Supply Nation certification
  • Panel layouts, prototyping, or pre-installation coordination
Myee Collective coordinated the documentation required for Group fire ratings, acoustic performance, sustainability certifications and delivery sequencing to support project timelines.

Community
Outcomes


The enhanced acoustic environment supports calmer, more comfortable spaces that can reduce stress, improve sleep, and help young people engage more effectively with education and therapeutic programs. David Booth’s artwork embeds local cultural narratives into everyday circulation and gathering areas, reinforcing connection to culture, Country, and family for Aboriginal young people and staff alike. 

By integrating certified, sustainable materials, the project also contributes to healthier interiors and stronger environmental outcomes. Through our custom First Nations collaboration service, architects can work directly with local Aboriginal artists, creating ongoing opportunities to celebrate story, identity, and place within justice environments that are genuinely focused on healing and restoration.
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a partner?

If you’re planning a tender or sourcing materials for an upcoming project, Myee Collective can support you with compliant, reliable and community-aligned procurement.

Email:
letstalk@myeecollective.com.au

Project Inquiry:

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Myee Collective acknowledges and pays respect to the past, present and future Traditional Custodians and Elders of Australia and the continuation of cultural, spiritual and educational practices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.ContactPrivacy© 2025 Myee Collective