The Fish River Aboriginal ranger accommodation upgrade on the remote Fish River Station, Northern Territory, is a design and construction project undertaken by staff and students from the Design Construct program at the University of South Australia. Prior to the upgrading, rangers were accommodatied in fabric roof tent structures which did not protect against intense sun and tropical downpours, nor did they afford visual privacy between occupants, nor protection from insects. By providing large insulated and reflective steel roofing, robust floor to ceiling stainless steel insect screening, and individual private raised bed spaces with personal storage and ceiling fans, the improved levels of thermal insulation, ventilation, and insect protection have significantly enhanced the personal comfort, amenity and privacy of the rangers. The project exemplifies a viable cost effective alternative for remote tropical accommodation compared to remote air conditioned transportables which are dependent on costly stand-alone power systems and on-going maintenance.
